Lancer 25 Mk V

Description

The Lancer 25 Mk V (also known as the Lancer 25 Mark V or Lancer 25 Mk 5) is the final major variant of the popular American trailerable cruising sailboat produced by Lancer Yacht Corp. (built under contract by Endeavour Yachts) starting in 1982–1983 (continuing into the mid-1980s as part of the overall Lancer 25 series, which ran from 1975–1984). It was designed by W. Shad Turner as a development of the earlier Lancer 25 models (including the Mk IV), with key updates for improved performance. The standout change is the switch to a fractional sloop rig (from the masthead rig on prior Marks like the IV), with the mast stepped farther forward. This added about 30 sq ft of sail area, enhancing light-air performance, easier short-handed handling (smaller headsails), and better overall balance. It retains the fiberglass hull with wood trim, raked stem, angled transom, internally mounted spade rudder (tiller steering), and fixed shoal draft fin keel. The wide, hollow keel cavity allows for impressive standing headroom (5'10"–6 ft in key areas) — a signature feature making it feel much roomier below than most 25-footers. It's highly trailerable, easy to rig/launch (mast stepping in under 30 minutes for many owners), and ideal for day sailing, lake/coastal cruising, or light overnights (sleeps 4–6 with long berths). Owners love the spacious interior for its size, though the shallow draft limits heavy upwind work in chop. Exact production numbers for the Mk V are not documented in major sources (sailboatdata.com, Wikipedia, etc.), as Lancer was a smaller builder with limited runs. The overall Lancer 25 series saw several hundred built across all variants; the Mk V, as a later transitional model, is likely in the low hundreds or fewer — quite rare today compared to earlier masthead versions.