Back to Search
Kaiser 25
Designer: John R.kaiser Sr.  ·  Builder: Stowman Shipbuilding Corp.  ·  First built: 1962
+ Add to Compare
About the Kaiser 25

Designed by John R. Kaiser Sr. and built by Stowman Shipbuilding Corp. beginning in 1962, this compact cruiser represents classic early 1960s design philosophy with its traditional long keel configuration and masthead sloop rig. The fiberglass construction provided durability while maintaining the seakindly characteristics that made this era of sailboats beloved by coastal cruisers. With a length overall of 25.33 feet and a waterline length of 18.25 feet, the Kaiser 25 offers a surprisingly roomy interior for weekend getaways and extended coastal cruising. The long keel design contributes to excellent directional stability and a forgiving nature in challenging conditions, though it sacrifices some pointing ability and maneuverability in tight quarters compared to modern fin keel designs. The substantial displacement of 5,350 pounds, with 2,250 pounds of ballast, creates a stiff, comfortable platform that handles moderate seas with confidence. The comfort ratio of 26.16 indicates a motion that's neither too quick nor too slow, while the capsize screening formula of 1.79 suggests good stability for coastal and near-offshore sailing. The 284 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for the displacement, making this an ideal boat for sailors seeking traditional sailing characteristics and proven seaworthiness in a compact package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 25.33 ft / 7.72 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.25 ft / 5.56 m
Beam 7.83 ft / 2.39 m
Max Draft 3.58 ft / 1.09 m
Displacement 5,350.00 lb / 2,427 kg
Ballast 2,250.00 lb / 1,021 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 284.00 ft² / 26.38 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer John R.Kaiser Sr.
Builder Stowman Shipbuilding Corp.
First Built 1962
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
273
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
14.9
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
42.06
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
392.93
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
26.16
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
1.79
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. 5.72 kn
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. 510.59 pounds/inch
Find a Kaiser 25 For Sale