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Platu 25
Designer: Bruce Farr  ·  Builder: Mcdell Marine (Nz)  ·  First built: 1996
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About the Platu 25

Designed by renowned naval architect Bruce Farr and first launched in 1996, this 25-foot keelboat has established itself as a premier one-design racing platform with impressive versatility. Built by Mcdell Marine in New Zealand, the Platu 25 combines modern hull design with proven construction techniques to deliver exceptional performance both on the racecourse and for spirited day sailing. The boat's fin keel with bulb configuration and substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio create excellent stability and upwind performance, while the fractional sloop rig provides balanced sail handling characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of 25.89, this design offers spirited acceleration and responsive handling that rewards skilled crew work. The relatively light displacement of 2,687 pounds contributes to quick acceleration in light air. Originally developed for competitive one-design racing, the Platu 25 has gained international recognition with active fleets worldwide. The boat excels in tactical inshore racing where its responsive handling and standardized specifications ensure close competition. While primarily suited for day sailing and racing rather than extended cruising, the design's seaworthiness makes it capable of coastal sailing in experienced hands. The low comfort ratio of 10.31 reflects its performance-oriented nature rather than cruising accommodations.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 24.70 ft / 7.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.17 ft / 6.76 m
Beam 8.60 ft / 2.62 m
Max Draft 5.17 ft / 1.58 m
Displacement 2,687.00 lb / 1,219 kg
Ballast 1,124.00 lb / 510 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 312.00 ft² / 28.99 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel w/bulb
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce Farr
Builder McDell Marine (NZ)
First Built 1996
Associations Platu 25 Class (International)
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Performance Ratios
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
 25.89
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
 41.83
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
 110.08
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
 10.31
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
 2.48
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. 6.31 kn
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
 5.38
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. 681.26 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 25.9
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 29.86 ft / 9.10 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.53 ft / 2.60 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 30.84 ft / 9.40 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.98 ft / 3.65 m
SA Fore 127.35 ft² / 11.83 m²
SA Main 184.73 ft² / 17.16 m²
SA Total (100%) 312.08 ft² / 28.99 m²
Est. Forestay Length 31.05 ft / 9.46 m
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