Pacific Seacraft 25-1 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Pacific Seacraft 25-1 is designed for directional stability rather than explosive speed. With a displacement of 4,750 pounds and a waterline length of just over 20 feet, the boat has a high Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio, placing it firmly in the "heavy cruiser" category for its size. This weight, combined with its full keel, provides a "big boat" feel; it does not "hobby-horse" in a chop like lighter 25-footers and tracks with remarkable precision. According to editorial retrospectives in Cruising World, the model is praised for its ability to maintain a steady course even in unruly following seas, a trait largely attributed to its canoe stern which parts the water cleanly.

Handling is predictable, though the boat requires a stiff breeze to truly wake up. Its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio is moderate, meaning it can feel sluggish in light air under the standard working jib. However, when the wind exceeds 15 knots, the PS 25-1 finds its groove, staying upright and dry while lighter boats are forced to reef. The boat’s heavy ballast-to-displacement ratio (approximately 37%) ensures a high degree of ultimate stability, making it one of the few 25-footers that owners feel comfortable taking into open-ocean conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its diminutive LOA, the interior of the Pacific Seacraft 25-1 is surprisingly functional, though it lacks the "open-concept" feel of modern wide-beam designs. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, followed by a compact head and a main salon with two settee berths. A small but seaworthy galley is located aft near the companionway for ventilation and ease of access to the cockpit. The use of high-quality teak joinery—a Pacific Seacraft trademark—gives the cabin a warm, traditional nautical atmosphere.

Variations of the 25-1 primarily involve the engine configuration and the rig. Early models often utilized an outboard engine in a well, while later versions were frequently fitted with small Yanmar or Farymann diesel inboards. While the inboard adds significant weight and complicates maintenance in the tight engine space, it is the preferred choice for those planning coastal transits against the current. The boat’s siblings include the smaller Flicka 20 (designed by Bruce Bingham but built by Pacific Seacraft) and the larger Orion 27, which shares much of the 25-1’s design DNA but offers significantly more standing headroom and a dedicated permanent dinette.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Pacific Seacraft 25-1 with an eye toward its age, as most hulls are now nearly half a century old.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the PS 25-1 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step is a common issue. A percussion test or moisture meter is essential during surveys.
• Chainplates: The original stainless steel chainplates are buried behind cabinetry. Given the boat's age, crevice corrosion is a concern, and many owners recommend proactive replacement if they have not been serviced in the last 20 years.
• Engine Accessibility: In models equipped with an inboard diesel, space is extremely tight. Routine tasks like changing the raw water impeller or servicing the stuffing box can be physically demanding.
• Portlight Leaks: The original bronze or plastic portlights are prone to gasket failure. While the bronze frames are nearly indestructible, the seals often require re-bedding to prevent interior woodwork damage.

Community & Resources

The Pacific Seacraft community is among the most active in the sailing world. Owners of the 25-1 are often part of the Pacific Seacraft Owners Group, a technical community that shares modification logs and maintenance tips. While the company has moved from California to North Carolina, the current manufacturer still provides limited support and historical documentation for these early models.

The Verdict

The Pacific Seacraft 25-1 is not a boat for the casual weekend racer or the sailor who prioritizes dockside entertaining. It is a purposeful, overbuilt tool for the dedicated voyager.

Pros:

• Exceptional seaworthiness and tracking due to the Mohrschladt double-ender design.
• Superior build quality with high-grade bronze hardware and teak finishes.
• Holds its resale value better than almost any other boat in the 25-foot class.

Cons:

• Limited standing headroom and cramped engine access for taller sailors.
• Relatively slow in light air without a large headsail or cruising spinnaker.
• Higher price point on the used market compared to mass-produced 25-footers.