Design and Construction
Harlé’s design sits between a daysailer and a pocket cruiser. The hull and deck are solid fiberglass, while the fin keel carries about 1,650 pounds of iron ballast. Against a displacement of just under 4,000 pounds, that gives a ballast ratio of nearly 44 percent.
A length-to-beam ratio of 2.78 and a displacement-length ratio of around 265 place the Sangria firmly among traditional, relatively narrow and moderately loaded coastal cruisers rather than beamier modern designs. Her wetted surface is about 17 square meters.
With an immersion rate of roughly 106 kg per centimeter, the boat settles noticeably as provisions and crew come aboard. Draft varies from 1.25 to 1.35 meters depending on load. A capsize screening value of 2.15 and a motion comfort ratio between 14.2 and 18.3 describe a boat suited to sheltered-water cruising, but not engineered for offshore abuse.
Rig, Engine, and Handling
The Sangria is a masthead sloop carrying about 242 square feet of working sail between the mainsail and jib. Its standing and running rigging follow period norms. Jib and genoa sheets are estimated at 7.6 meters long and 10 mm in diameter; the 10 mm mainsheet runs 19 meters, while the spinnaker sheets are 16.7 meters long.
An optional 7-horsepower Volvo Penta MD5B diesel drives a shaft. Under engine, the boat reaches 7.0 knots—well above its theoretical hull speed of 5.8 knots, which reflects the 19-foot waterline. A relative speed performance index of 54 and the modest sail area suggest a boat intended to be handy rather than racy, and suited to relaxed coastal passages.
Accommodations
Below, the Sangria has one cabin with four berths, along with a galley and toilet facility. The teak-finished interior is consistent with French production boats of the period. For a 25-footer, this is a genuine cruising layout rather than merely a place to sleep for the weekend.
Fresh-water capacity is 100 liters, or 26 gallons, enough to support short independent trips without constant resupply.
Equipment and Systems
The stainless-steel fuel tank holds 42 liters, or 11 gallons, and supplies the optional Volvo Penta MD5B. That capacity is small by later standards, but appropriate to the engine’s modest fuel use in a boat of this size.
The iron keel deserves particular attention. Unlike lead, iron is vulnerable to corrosion if its protective coatings fail. Any survey should carefully examine the keel-bolt interface and the surrounding hull laminate.
Verdict
The Sangria 25 is a pragmatic, well-produced small cruiser from Jeanneau’s early catalog, designed by a respected French naval architect and built in substantial numbers. She suits an owner looking for a simple, teak-trimmed coastal cruiser with real sleeping space and a dependable optional diesel. In return, she demands attention to the iron keel and an understanding of the realities that come with an aging fiberglass hull.
Pros
- High production count and a Harlé design make the Sangria easy to find and support
- Four berths, a proper galley, and a toilet facility within 25 feet
- Optional 7 hp Volvo diesel with shaft drive provides reliable auxiliary power
Cons
- The iron keel requires vigilance against corrosion
- Modest 11-gallon fuel and 26-gallon water capacities limit range
- Motion-comfort and capsize figures are suited to sheltered water rather than offshore work
