Pemaquid 25 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Pemaquid 25 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes stability and tracking over raw speed or agility. With a displacement of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 lbs and a full keel containing roughly 2,000 lbs of lead ballast, the boat possesses a high Motion Comfort Ratio (estimated near 27), making it exceptionally sea-kindly for a vessel of its size. Its traditional hull form—characterized by a sharp entry and a long, deep keel—allows it to track with remarkable persistence, often holding a course with minimal helm correction once the sails are balanced.

Under its traditional gaff rig, which typically carries over 430 square feet of sail area across the main, jib, and staysail, the boat excels in reaching and off-the-wind sailing. However, the heavy wetted surface of the full keel and the windward limitations of the gaff rig mean it is not a "greyhound" in light air or tight upwind beats. Owners often note that the vessel feels most at home in a stiff breeze where its momentum can carry it through a chop that would stop lighter boats. Maneuvering in tight marinas can be challenging due to the long keel and a large rudder that is less effective at low speeds, though many hulls have been retrofitted with small diesel engines or even modern electric propulsion to aid in docking.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its modest 25-foot deck length, the Pemaquid 25 provides a functional, if snug, cruising interior for a couple or a small family. The layout typically features a classic V-berth forward, a compact galley area with a sink and a two-burner stove, and occasionally a quarter berth. Headroom is restricted by the low-profile cabin trunk, generally hovering between 4'6" and 4'8", which reinforces its identity as a "sitting-down" boat rather than a standing-height cruiser.

Because many hulls were finished by different craftsmen, the interior "feel" varies significantly from boat to boat. Some examples feature a rustic, "workboat" finish with painted bulkheads and oiled woods, while others completed by high-end builders like Morris Yachts exhibit fine varnished mahogany or teak joinery. Ventilation is typically provided by a combination of fixed portlights and a forward-opening hatch or a butterfly hatch on the cabin top. The "Pemaquid II" group, as categorized by the Friendship Sloop Society, represents the fiberglass evolution of the design, while the "Pemaquid I" designation refers to the rarer original wooden builds.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Pemaquid 25 occupies a central role in the Friendship Sloop Society, a group dedicated to preserving the legacy of these iconic Maine vessels. It is a frequent participant in the annual Friendship Sloop Races in Rockland and Southwest Harbor, Maine. The model's pedigree is cemented by its designer, Jay Hanna, a legendary figure in maritime history who was renowned for his model-making and design work that captured the essence of the New England coast.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Pemaquid 25 should focus their inspections on the unique intersection of fiberglass and traditional wood components:

• Deck Core Integrity: While the hulls are solid fiberglass, many decks were constructed using a balsa core or plywood laminate covered in fiberglass. Check for soft spots, particularly around the chainplates and the mast step, where water intrusion is common.
• Spruce Spar Maintenance: The mast, boom, and gaff are traditionally made of Sitka spruce. These require regular varnishing or painting; any evidence of "checking" or dark rot spots in the wood—especially where hardware is through-bolted—requires immediate attention.
• Bowsprit and Bobstay Hardware: The bowsprit is a high-stress component. Inspect the wood for rot and the bronze or stainless steel bobstay fittings for signs of fatigue or corrosion.
• Chainplate Leaks: Like many traditional designs, the chainplates are often mounted through the deck to bulkheads. Water weeping at these points can cause the internal bulkheads to rot over time.
• Keel Bolts: Ensure the bronze keel bolts securing the 2,000-lb lead keel are in good condition, though the Jarvis Newman hulls are generally regarded as having very robust hull-to-keel joints.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Friendship Sloop Society, which maintains an exhaustive database of hulls and organizes regattas that celebrate the design. Technical information and original plan sets for the Jay Hanna design are still maintained and sold through the WoodenBoat Store, providing a vital resource for those looking to restore or maintain these vessels to original specifications.

The Verdict

The Pemaquid 25 is a vessel for the sailor who values heritage and "soul" over modern interior volume and racing performance. It is a rugged, stable, and visually stunning cruiser that excels in coastal day-sailing and short-term cruising.

Pros:

• Exquisite traditional lines that draw attention in any harbor.
• Solid fiberglass hull construction provides longevity and easier maintenance than wood.
• Exceptional tracking and a comfortable motion in heavy seas.
• Strong community support and high resale value for well-maintained examples.

Cons:

• Limited headroom and cramped interior compared to modern 25-footers.
• High maintenance requirements for the wooden spars and brightwork.
• Challenging maneuverability in reverse or tight quarters.
• Sub-par performance in very light winds or when pointing high into the wind.