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Hughes 25
Designer: Howard Hughes  ·  Builder: Hughes Boatworks Ltd.  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Hughes 25

With limited documentation available, the Hughes 25 represents one of the more enigmatic entries in the 25-foot sailboat category. This relative obscurity shouldn't deter prospective buyers, as many smaller production boats from this era often delivered solid performance despite flying under the radar of mainstream sailing publications. Based on typical design philosophy of 25-foot sailboats, the Hughes 25 likely targets weekend coastal cruising and day sailing applications. Boats of this length generally strike an appealing balance between manageable size for smaller crews while offering enough interior volume for basic overnight accommodations. The scarcity of readily available specifications suggests this model had a limited production run or represented a smaller builder's offering. This can actually work in favor of buyers seeking something distinctive, as these boats often featured thoughtful design details and quality construction aimed at standing out in a competitive market segment. For sailors considering a Hughes 25, the research process may require more detective work than mainstream alternatives, but could reward patience with a unique vessel that offers character and potentially strong value retention due to its rarity in the used boat market.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 25.17 ft / 7.67 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.00 ft / 5.79 m
Beam 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
Max Draft 3.25 ft / 0.99 m
Displacement 3,500.00 lb / 1,588 kg
Ballast 1,600.00 lb / 726 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 270.00 ft² / 25.08 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Howard Hughes
Builder Hughes Boatworks Ltd.
First Built 1968
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
231
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
18.79
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
17.71
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.98
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.84
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
2.57
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. 509.17
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 31.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.33
P (Mainsail Luff) 27.67
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.0
SA Fore 131.2
SA Main 138.35
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