Furia D25 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Furia D25 is characterized by its agility and responsiveness, traits inherited from Santarelli’s background in performance design. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side of the cruiser-racer spectrum, the boat excels in light-to-moderate airs where many of its contemporaries feel sluggish. The hull features a relatively deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, providing a high degree of maneuverability in tight quarters and a crisp feel at the helm.

In terms of sail plan, the D25 typically carries a masthead rig with a generous headsail overlap. According to technical assessments often cited by the Spanish sailing community, the boat is surprisingly stiff, thanks to a healthy ballast ratio that allows it to carry full sail longer than most 25-footers before reefing becomes mandatory. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks well upwind, though like many Santarelli designs, it requires active mainsheet trimming to prevent weather helm when pushed hard in gusts. The boat’s performance is often compared to the larger Furia 28, acting as a more nimble, "twitchier" sibling that rewards a sensitive hand on the tiller.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel with a length overall of just under 7.6 meters, the Furia D25 offers a remarkably traditional "yacht" interior that avoids the utilitarian feel of many modern small cruisers. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a central salon with two longitudinal settees, and a compact galley located near the companionway to maximize ventilation.

One of the standout features of the D25 is the inclusion of a dedicated, enclosed head compartment—a luxury often sacrificed in 25-foot designs of this vintage. The use of mahogany and teak veneers throughout the cabin provides a warmth that contrasts with the fiberglass liners found in French production boats of the same era. While headroom is limited (approximately 1.65m to 1.70m), the clever use of wide coachroof windows creates an illusion of greater volume.

The D25 was built on the same foundational design principles as the Furia 25, though the "D" designation often refers to the specific Santarelli-optimized version which prioritized structural rigidity for offshore racing. While there are no major cabin variations like the multiple-head layouts found in larger yachts, some units were fitted with the "S" package, which included upgraded winches and a taller rig for competitive racing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Furia D25 should focus their survey on three primary areas typical of Spanish fiberglass construction from the 1980s. First, the hull should be meticulously checked for osmotic blistering. While Furia hulls were generally robust, the resins used during certain production years were susceptible to moisture ingress if the gelcoat was not properly maintained.

Second, the deck-to-hull joint and chainplate attachments require close inspection. On racing-oriented D25s, these areas have often been subjected to high rig tensions for decades, which can lead to stress cracking or minor structural deflection. Third, the original propulsion—often a small Sole Diesel or Volvo Penta—is reaching the end of its reliable service life. Buyers should verify if the engine has been repowered or if the cooling heat exchangers have been recently serviced, as parts for the oldest original units are becoming increasingly scarce. Finally, inspect the rudder stock for play; the spade rudder design is efficient but places significant stress on the bushings over time.

Community & Resources

The Furia brand enjoys a dedicated following in Europe, particularly within the Spanish-speaking sailing community. The most prominent resource for technical data and owner support is the Asociación de Propietarios de Furia, which maintains a repository of original brochures and maintenance logs. While official manufacturer support ended with the closure of the shipyard, this collective knowledge base provides essential guidance for restoration projects and rig tuning.

The Verdict

The Furia D25 is a sophisticated "miniature yacht" that offers a level of sailing engagement rarely found in the sub-26-foot category. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who values helm feedback and classic aesthetics over standing headroom and modern "caravan" style accommodations.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and upwind tracking.
• Enclosed head and high-quality wood joinery for its size.
• Strong secondary market and dedicated owner association support.
• Robust hull construction capable of coastal passages.

Cons:

• Limited headroom may be uncomfortable for taller sailors.
• The spade rudder and fin keel require vigilance in shallow or lobster-pot-heavy waters.
• Original engines are often near the end of their lifespan.
• Exterior woodwork requires regular maintenance to prevent weathering.