Jongert 25ds Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Almost every 25DS carries a steel hull, which gives unparalleled impact resistance and stiffness for blue-water use and, unlike fiberglass, can be repaired in almost any port worldwide. The same steel damps vibration and noise, producing a quieter, smoother ride on passage. Jongert paired that hull with a full- or semi-displacement form and a deep, often Scheel keel — a wide, relatively shallow profile that still delivers good stability and hydrodynamic lift while letting the yacht use shallower anchorages than a full-fin would allow. The generous beam, typically 6.5 to 7 meters, contributes directly to initial stability and interior volume, while the 3.0 to 3.5 meter draft supports excellent upwind performance and directional stability. The resulting hull and keel combination yields exceptional stability and a forgiving motion, minimizing pitch and roll.

Rig and Handling

Most 25DS yachts are ketches, carrying a tall mainmast and a shorter mizzen aft. The divided sail plan is versatile across wind ranges and, by lowering the height of individual sails, drops the center of effort and adds to stability. Sail handling is eased considerably by sophisticated hydraulic systems — winches, furling, bow thrusters, and anchor windlasses are all driven this way, and fully hydraulic sail handling lets even a couple manage the yacht with relative ease. A commercially rated diesel, often a Mercedes-Benz or MAN of 200 to 300 horsepower, sits behind substantial fuel capacity exceeding 5,000 liters, giving long motoring range for calms and tight maneuvering alike.

Accommodations

The deck saloon itself is an elevated space with a generous dining area and comfortable lounge, flooded with light and sheltered from weather. Below and around it, the layout is almost always semi-custom, so no two are identical, yet a prevailing arrangement holds: the owner's stateroom aft spans the full beam with an island berth, ample storage, and a private en-suite, while two to three guest cabins forward of the saloon each have their own head. Dedicated crew quarters sit furthest forward with cabins, heads, and often a crew mess, and the galley — a professional-grade workspace with large refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and sometimes dishwashers — lies discreetly to port or starboard near the crew for service. Interiors are finished in solid teak, mahogany, and cherry joinery with planked teak-and-holly floors. Wide, uncluttered teak decks and high bulwarks aid safe movement, and the deep cockpit serves as both steering station and outdoor lounge, often shaded by a hardtop or bimini.

Equipment and Systems Philosophy

The 25DS was engineered with redundancy in mind: dual generators, multiple battery banks, commercial-grade pumps, and backup steering, communication, and navigation paths are common. Climate control, watermakers, and entertainment systems extend self-sufficiency offshore, while hydraulic swim platforms and integrated tender garages speak to the boat's dual role as passage-maker and private retreat. Many owners have added diving compressors, extensive tender garages, or small workshops over the years.

The Verdict

The Jongert 25DS is a substantial, semi-custom deck-saloon ketch built for owners who want steel-hull security and motoryacht volume under sail. Her beam and Scheel keel give stable, forgiving passage-making, and her hydraulic systems make a 25-meter yacht manageable by a small crew. The semi-custom interiors vary, but the full-beam aft owner's suite and forward crew separation are consistent strengths. She is a serious ocean cruiser with the infrastructure for extended independent voyaging.

Pros