Design and Construction
The hull reflects Van de Stadt’s long design tradition, with a long waterline, reasonable beam carried aft, rounded sections, and moderate rocker. Together, these features suggest a seakindly motion and a platform designed around seaworthiness and enjoyable sailing.
The standard keel is a fairly shallow 1.10m fin with a lead bulb. A deeper 1.5m keel is available for sailors who want more grip, while a shallower 0.80m keel with twin rudders is another option. There is no lifting keel. A pre-balanced rudder and tiller steering keep the helm direct.
The boat is rated CE Category B and equipped for inland and coastal waters. She has proved perennially popular for her Dutch builder, particularly on the sheltered waters of the Netherlands.
Rig and Handling
The sail plan is built for clean, modern performance. A fat-head main, a jib with a below-deck furler, and modern hull lines combined with a fin keel and bulb account for the boat’s outstanding performance under sail.
A midships mainsheet attachment serves the large cockpit, which has full-length bench seats. Buyers can choose either a genoa running on cars or a self-tacking jib for shorthanded sailing. Deck hardware for furling downwind sails is optional, as is a sprayhood.
With a 47% ballast-to-displacement ratio, the Pointer 25 carries 1,543 lb of lead ballast in a displacement of 3,858 lb. This helps her stand up to 361 sq ft of sail area.
Cockpit and Accommodation
A drop-down transom bathing platform is fitted, and the cockpit enclosure makes the aft end usable in cooler weather.
Below, the fit-out is fairly basic but modular. A moulded liner gives the cabin a clean, neat finish, with very little wood. Four berths comprise a V-berth double forward and two singles aft. A small galley sits forward to port, while a locker to starboard conceals the heads or chemical toilet. There is no enclosed-heads option.
Headroom is limited to sitting height, a deliberate compromise that allows the freeboard and coachroof to remain low and elegant. Stowage bags can be hung from wires running along the inside of the hull, just below the deck. It’s a flexible, lightweight arrangement, though there isn’t enough stowage for much more than weekending.
Buyers can assemble the interior to suit their preferences by choosing specific modules, including through the builder’s online “DESIGN IT” tool. Modular wiring routes help keep the cabin uncluttered and leave room for owner-selected storage.
Power and Equipment
The standard engine is a 10hp Yanmar inboard diesel. A 4kW electric motor is available as an alternative.
Verdict
The Pointer 25 is a thoughtfully modern 25-footer. She trades enclosed-heads privacy and week-long stowage for a low-profile appearance, a modular cabin, and a genuinely sporty sail plan. Primarily a coastal and inland cruiser, she combines shallow-draught versatility with a seakindly hull that delivers enjoyment beyond what her length might suggest.
Pros
- Van de Stadt hull with a long waterline and rounded sections for a seakindly motion
- Modular, customizable interior with a moulded liner and flexible hanging stowage
- Shallow 1.10m standard keel, plus deeper and twin-rudder shoal-draught options
- Fat-head mainsail and below-deck furling jib provide strong stated performance
Cons
- No enclosed-heads option; only a chemical toilet concealed in a locker
- Headroom is limited to sitting height
- Stowage is suitable only for weekending
- No lifting-keel option
