This 25-foot monohull was available with either a fin keel or bilge keels. Throughout her production life, the rig, layout, and construction underwent a continuing series of changes.
Design and Construction
The hull and deck are solid fiberglass, with iron ballast in either a fin keel or twin bilge keels. The bilge-keel version can be beached. Depending on load, the fin keel draws about 5.7 to 6.0 feet; it is more maneuverable than a similar full-keel boat, but less directionally stable. The Jaguar 25’s fin-keel characteristics reflect that trade-off.
Displacement is 4,300 pounds, including 2,000 pounds of iron ballast. Her ballast ratio is 51 percent, higher than 90 percent of similar designs. A slim length-to-beam ratio of 3.16 also makes her narrower than 73 percent of comparable sailboats.
Her Motion Comfort Ratio of 18 to 19.4 places her as more comfortable than 58 percent of similar boats, while a DL-ratio of 183 puts her among moderate racers.
Inside, the moulded structure is well concealed by teak and cushion fabric. The moulded headlining is very neat.
Rig and Handling
The rig evolved during the Jaguar 25’s production run. The crosstrees were swept back, and both the lower and cap shrouds were brought inboard. Test sailors found that these changes greatly improved the jib’s set to windward and made it easier to move along the sidedecks. A babystay was added forward to stiffen the rig and provide a useful handhold on the foredeck.
The transom-hung rudder kept its grip in heavy gusts that laid the boat over. In force 4 to 5 gusts, the tester noted some weather helm under a lot of canvas, but nothing excessive. The boat could show lee helm in light air.
The working sail plan comprised a 119-square-foot mainsail and a 148-square-foot working jib—a lot of canvas for a 25-footer. The reviewer suggested that the jib could be slightly smaller or fitted with reef points to shed another 20-odd square feet. The boat could take at least a force six without using the storm jib, which itself measured only 50 square feet. Three genoa sizes were also available beyond the working jib.
Cockpit and Accommodation
Access below is straightforward, thanks to a low bridge deck and wide hatchway. The cockpit is ample and self-draining, with a large sail locker to port. A tray in the starboard locker holds smaller items. Cabin-top grab rails and guard rails add to the secure feel on deck.
Below, the available space is used well. The dinette to port converts into a double berth, although at only 5 feet 10 inches long it is better suited to children. A fill-in cushion joins it to the starboard single berth, creating a broad sleeping area.
The galley sits to port of the hatchway and includes a sink, an alcohol stove, and plenty of cupboard space. Forward of the main bulkhead are the heads and a hanging locker, with two full-size berths farther forward. A quarter berth to starboard extends beneath the cockpit sole.
Engines, Variations, and Ownership
The Jaguar 25 was offered without an engine, with an outboard, or with an inboard. For inboard installations, the builder recommended the Bukh DV8 or Volvo MD5B with sail-drive units. Docking and close-quarters maneuvering are frequently handled with a 4 to 5 hp auxiliary outboard.
Because the factory made continuing changes to the rig, layout, and construction, earlier and later boats differ in detail. A buyer should establish which generation a particular hull represents.
The boat’s capsize screening value is 1.91, which, by that formula alone, would admit her to ocean races.
Verdict
The Jaguar 25 is a thoughtfully evolved small cruiser-racer with a secure deck plan, a practical, sociable interior, and a rig tuned for windward performance. Her narrow hull and high proportion of ballast favor composure over outright speed. The bilge-keel version adds the ability to take the ground, while the fin-keel boat is more maneuverable but gives up some directional stability compared with a full-keel design.
Pros
- Slim hull and high ballast ratio provide more stability than most comparable boats of this size
- Swept-back rig and babystay improve jib set and security on the foredeck
- Self-draining cockpit, deep stowage, and easy access below
- Bilge-keel version can be beached; fin-keel version is maneuverable
Cons
- Working jib is large for the boat in strong gusts
- Fin keel offers less directional stability than a full keel
- Port double berth is too short for most adults unless used with the fill-in cushion
