LA Paz 25 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The La Paz 25 is defined by its shoal-draft fin keel, which draws only 2 feet. This design choice, while excellent for accessing shallow coves and beaching in protected waters, dictates a specific handling profile. With a displacement of 4,600 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 30%, the boat is notably "stiff" and possesses a high righting moment for its class. Its theoretical hull speed of 6.47 knots is respectable for a 25-foot cruiser, but the Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 14.21 confirms its identity as a motorsailer; it requires a stiff breeze to perform optimally under sail alone.

In his analysis of Coastal Recreation designs, David Liscio for Sailing Magazine noted that Hess’s boats generally prioritize safety and tracking over high-performance racing metrics. The La Paz 25 features an internally mounted spade-type rudder and a masthead sloop rig. While the long, shallow keel provides excellent directional stability—making it a favorite for single-handed sailors—it can be less responsive in tight quarters under power. The boat was originally equipped with a substantial 28-horsepower Pisces diesel engine, providing significantly more thrust than the outboards typically found on its siblings, ensuring reliable progress even when heading directly into wind and chop.

Interior Comfort & Variations

One of the most remarkable features of the La Paz 25 is its interior volume. While the Wikipedia entry for the La Paz 25 notes a sleeping capacity for six people, the true standout is the standing headroom, which ranges from 6’4” to nearly 6’8” in certain sections. This is nearly unheard of in a 25-foot trailerable vessel and was achieved through a high-profile coachroof and an efficient use of the hull’s 8-foot beam.

The layout features a double V-berth in the bow cabin, followed by a head compartment (often equipped with a shower stall) and a main cabin with two straight settees that convert to berths. The galley is split on both sides of the companionway, typically featuring a three-burner stove and a sink. Materials usually include a mix of easy-to-clean fiberglass liners and traditional teak trim. Sibling models built on similar principles include the Balboa 26, which offers more traditional sailing lines, and the Aquarius 23, which focuses on maximum trailerability. The La Paz 25 remains the "heavyweight" variant of the family, trading some sailing agility for superior living space and motoring power.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a La Paz 25 should focus on the following high-signal technical areas common to 1970s Coastal Recreation builds:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like the Balboa 26, the La Paz 25 utilizes a plywood-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the chainplates, stanchion bases, or the mast step can lead to significant delamination and rot. A "thumping" test or moisture meter is essential for these areas.
• Engine Maintenance: The original Pisces 28hp diesel is a robust unit, but parts for these older marinized engines are becoming increasingly difficult to source. Check for signs of heat-related manifold cracking and verify the condition of the shaft log and cutless bearing.
• Rudder Play: The spade-type rudder is internally mounted. Over decades, the bushings in the rudder port can wear, leading to a "loose" feeling at the helm or vibrations while under power.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: While the shoal-draft keel is fixed rather than a swing keel, the joint where the fin meets the hull should be inspected for "smiles" or stress cracks, which may indicate a history of hard groundings.

Community & Resources

Owners of the La Paz 25 often find technical support within the broader Coastal Recreation community. The most prominent resource is the Balboa 26 & Coastal Recreation Owners group on Groups.io, where members share digitized versions of original brochures and technical drawings. Because many of the deck fittings and rigging components are shared with the Balboa 26, general owner association pages for the Balboa series are the primary hub for maintenance advice.

The Verdict

The La Paz 25 is a specialized "pocket motorsailer" that prioritizes livability and shallow-water access over raw sailing speed.

Pros:

• Exceptional headroom (up to 6'8") rarely found in this size class.
• Highly stable and "stiff" under sail thanks to a 1,400lb ballast.
• Reliable dual-capability with a powerful inboard diesel.
• True shoal-draft capability (2-foot draft) for gunkholing.

Cons:

• Low sail area-to-displacement ratio makes it sluggish in light winds.
• Increased windage due to the high coachroof can make docking in crosswinds a challenge.
• Aging inboard engine parts can be difficult and expensive to replace.