Roberts 25

Description

The Bruce Roberts 25, designed by Australian naval architect Bruce Roberts-Goodson in 1974 as an affordable, trailerable pocket cruiser for solo sailors or couples embarking on coastal explorations and occasional offshore jaunts, has been built worldwide in fiberglass with multi-chine hulls for straightforward amateur construction, boasting over a hundred examples that prioritize simplicity, stability, and seaworthiness in a compact package. Measuring 25 feet 3 inches LOA (LOD) with a 20-foot-10-inch LWL, 8-foot beam, shoal draft of 2 feet 6 inches (or deep 3 feet 6 inches fin keel, with lifting options), and a light displacement of 4,660 pounds including 1,980 pounds of ballast, this masthead sloop rig features a sail area of 285 square feet across mainsail and genoa for nimble performance in 10-25 knot winds, achieving 5-6.5 knot hull speeds with responsive handling, augmented by an 8- to 15-horsepower outboard or inboard auxiliary like the Yanmar 1GM. Its classic lines include a clipper bow, moderate sheer, and pilothouse variant (Adventurer 25) for all-weather protection, paired with a snug interior offering 6 feet of headroom, two quarter berths plus convertible dinette for four, compact galley, enclosed head, and modest tankage of 20 gallons fuel and 30 gallons water for weekend autonomy. Proven in short passages and trailer launches across Australia, Europe, and North America—as in 1980s builds like the home-completed Tiamo—the Roberts 25 delivers big-boat virtues in a towable form, remaining a cherished entry point for novice cruisers seeking adventure without the commitment of larger vessels.