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Dolphin 25 Helms
Designer: Jack A. Helms  ·  Builder: Jack A. Helms Co. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Dolphin 25 Helms

Designed as a compact yet capable coastal cruiser, this 25-foot sailboat represents a practical approach to small boat sailing. The Dolphin 25 Helms targets sailors seeking an affordable entry into keelboat sailing or those wanting a manageable vessel for weekend coastal adventures. Built with simplicity and reliability in mind, the boat features a traditional hull design that prioritizes stability and ease of handling over pure performance. The cockpit layout emphasizes comfort and safety for small crew sailing, making it particularly appealing to couples or small families exploring protected waters and nearshore coastal areas. While not designed for extended offshore passages, the Dolphin 25 Helms offers sufficient accommodations for short-term cruising and overnighting. The boat's modest size makes it suitable for trailer sailing, expanding cruising opportunities for owners willing to explore different sailing grounds. This vessel appeals most to recreational sailors focused on relaxed coastal cruising rather than competitive racing. Its straightforward systems and manageable size make it an excellent choice for those developing their sailing skills or seeking a low-maintenance boat that delivers reliable performance in moderate conditions without overwhelming complexity or expense.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 24.85 ft / 7.57 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.67 ft / 6.61 m
Beam 7.95 ft / 2.42 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 3,950.00 lb / 1,792 kg
Ballast 300.00 lb / 136 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jack A. Helms
Builder Jack A. Helms Co. (USA)
First Built 1968
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
7.59
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
173.29
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 3.69 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 260.00 ft² / 24.15 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 173.29
How It Compares

vs. Cape Dory 25, Coronado 25, Oday 25

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
24.9 ft
Cape Dory 25
24.8 ft
Coronado 25
25.0 ft
Oday 25
24.8 ft
LWL
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
21.7 ft
Cape Dory 25
18.0 ft
Coronado 25
20.1 ft
Oday 25
21.0 ft
Beam
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
8.0 ft
Cape Dory 25
7.3 ft
Coronado 25
8.0 ft
Oday 25
8.0 ft
Displacement
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
3 lbs
Cape Dory 25
4 lbs
Coronado 25
4 lbs
Oday 25
4 lbs
Ballast
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
300 lbs
Cape Dory 25
1 lbs
Coronado 25
2 lbs
Oday 25
1 lbs
Sail Area
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
Cape Dory 25
264 sq ft
Coronado 25
299 sq ft
Oday 25
270 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
Cape Dory 25
261 s/nm
Coronado 25
231 s/nm
Oday 25
239 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
Cape Dory 25
16.8
Coronado 25
17.6
Oday 25
17.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
7.6 %
Cape Dory 25
Coronado 25
47.8 %
Oday 25
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
Cape Dory 25
22.0
Coronado 25
20.2
Oday 25
17.5
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
Cape Dory 25
1.83
Coronado 25
1.94
Oday 25
2.02
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
173
Cape Dory 25
Coronado 25
249
Oday 25
Hull Speed
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
Cape Dory 25
5.7 kts
Coronado 25
6.0 kts
Oday 25
6.1 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Dolphin 25 Helms ★
Cape Dory 25
1.7
Coronado 25
2.3
Oday 25
2.8
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