Jaguar 25 Summary by L.Milton

Introduction

The Jaguar 25 was designed in the early 1970s by Frank Butler of Catalina Yachts, USA. As such, in America , she was the Catalina25, evolving into the Catalina250, & remaining in production there until the early ‘90s. In terms of numbers built, inclusive of those built by other manufacturers under licence, the 25 is one of, if not the, most successful boat of her class. She was the third of a line of three Catalina boats built under licence by Eric Birch in Canvey Island, under the banner of Jaguar Yachts, (See also the 22 & 27), & were produced from the mid 70s to the mid 80s. It is believed that 940 were built.

Construction

The 25 followed the, by now, established modular construction techniques that allowed Jaguar to become one of the most profitable builders of the time. The hull has a liner that forms the basis of most of the furniture, although a fair amount of teak veneer disguises the excess glassfibre. Construction was chop strand mat with orthophthalic resins, & a balsa cored deck.

Rigging in both Mk1 & Mk2 guises was mast head, the Mk2 having the shrouds moved inboard, spreaders swept back slightly, & a baby stay replacing the forward lowers. The mast is deck stepped with a kingpost below.

Three keel variations were offered, twin, fin, & swing keel. (Similar to the 22)

Accommodation

There were 2 options below; one being the dinette to port, with opposed seating, & a berth /seat opposite: the other being an "L" shaped seat around the saloon table. In both cases the table drops to form a small double berth. Abaft this there is a small but well executed & comprehensive galley, opposite of which is an excellent ¼ berth- enlarged in the outboard powered models. Forward of the saloon is the heads/hanginging locker, & forward again is a double V berth with infill. There is abundant underseat storage.

There can be few craft of this size & vintage that offer such accommodation. The cockpit is large with comfortably angled coamings, 1 large deep locker & a smaller rope locker. Transom hung rudder.

Engine

Outboard or 7.5 hp Volvo saildrive diesel

Summary

There is probably no other yacht of this size/vintage that is so versatile. The 25 sails very well, & is comfortable & safe. Many,by now will be modified; but in terms of value for money, the competitors will be the Mirage 26, or the Marcon Tomahawk.