Friendship 25 TS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Friendship 25 TS is characterized by a fractional sloop rig that provides a modern, tunable sail plan. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 19.7, the boat sits firmly in the "performance cruiser" category for its size. This ratio, combined with a Displacement/Length ratio of roughly 138, indicates a hull that is easily driven and responsive in light-to-moderate air. Owners frequently report that the boat feels "lively" on the helm, particularly when the 7/8 rig is trimmed to take advantage of its 23 square meters of upwind sail area.

Because it was designed with a lifting keel (hefkiel) that varies the draft from a shallow 0.20 meters to a maximum of 1.45 meters, the 25 TS offers a dual personality. When the keel is fully deployed, the 450 kg of ballast provides sufficient righting moment for coastal breezes, though its Motion Comfort Ratio of approximately 12 suggests it is most at home on lakes, estuaries, and sheltered coastal waters rather than in heavy offshore seas. Technical reports from the era suggest that while the boat performs admirably upwind, it often requires the addition of a gennaker or spinnaker to maintain its competitive edge on a broad reach, as the hull is optimized for efficiency rather than pure surfing potential.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its compact dimensions, the interior of the Friendship 25 TS is engineered for weekend cruising for a small family. The standard layout features four berths: a V-berth forward and two longitudinal settees in the saloon. One of the most distinctive features of the "TS" model is the optional lifting roof (hefdak). When raised, this innovation provides a surprising 1.90 meters of headroom in the galley and saloon area, a luxury rarely found in a 25-foot trailerable boat.

The cabin typically includes a basic galley and a dedicated, though compact, compartment for a chemical or marine toilet. Materials used in the 1980s production runs favored durability over opulence, utilizing a mix of fiberglass liners and wood accents that have generally aged well. Sibling models, such as the fixed-keel Friendship 25 or the larger Friendship 26, offer more traditional "fixed" interior volumes, but they lack the 25 TS’s unique ability to enter extremely shallow waters or be hauled on a standard trailer without professional transport.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the specialized hardware that defines the TS model.

• Lifting Keel Mechanism: The "hefkiel" is the most critical mechanical component. Inspect the lifting cable and winch for fraying or corrosion. It is common for the keel to develop "clunking" sounds if the side-spacers or bushings have worn down, which can affect sailing performance and comfort.
• Lifting Roof Seals: If the vessel is equipped with the lifting roof, the canvas or rubber seals must be checked for UV degradation and water ingress. Leaks here can quickly damage the interior woodwork.
• Rudder Bearings: Jacques de Ridder designs are known for their precision, but age can lead to play in the rudder stock. Check for excessive movement that could lead to vibration under load.
• Mast Collapsing System: Many TS models were fitted with a "strijkinstallatie" (mast-lowering system). Inspect the pivot point at the tabernacle and the associated blocks for stress cracks or bending.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support, historical brochures, and owner knowledge is the Friendship Club. This Netherlands-based association maintains an extensive archive of original shipyard drawings and test reports dating back to the 1984 launch. They also host a dedicated forum where owners discuss specific modifications for the lifting keel and rigging.

The Verdict

The Friendship 25 TS is a thoughtfully designed cruiser that excels for sailors who need to navigate shallow waters or move their boat between different sailing grounds via trailer. It manages to offer more "big boat" features—like the lifting roof and dedicated head—than most vessels in the 24-to-25-foot range.

Pros:

• Exceptional versatility due to the 0.20m minimum draft.
• Lifting roof provides class-leading headroom for its length.
• Sporty, responsive handling under a fractional rig.
• Strong build quality typical of 1980s Dutch fiberglass construction.

Cons:

• Motion in a seaway can be flighty due to light displacement.
• The lifting keel requires more maintenance than a fixed-keel equivalent.
• Limited water and fuel capacity for anything beyond coastal weekend use.