Designed by Shad Turner and built by W.D. Schock Corp from 1977 to 1982, this 24-foot sailboat represents a classic example of late-1970s performance-oriented design philosophy. With 261 hulls produced during its five-year production run, the Santana 525 carved out a respectable niche in the competitive small boat market.
The boat's fin keel and spade rudder configuration, combined with a fractional sloop rig, delivers responsive handling and solid windward performance that appeals to both racers and spirited day sailors. At 2,400 pounds displacement with nearly 40% ballast ratio, the design strikes a balance between stability and performance, while the generous sail area creates excellent light-air capability.
Turner's design emphasizes sailing performance over accommodations, making this an ideal choice for coastal sailing, club racing, and weekend adventures. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, with many examples still actively sailed today. The boat's comfortable cockpit and straightforward deck layout make it manageable for small crews, while the relatively light displacement allows for exciting sailing in moderate conditions. For sailors seeking a nimble, well-mannered boat with racing DNA, the Santana 525 delivers classic small-boat sailing thrills.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall)
24.58 ft / 7.49 m
LWL (Waterline Length)
18.50 ft / 5.64 m
Beam
9.33 ft / 2.84 m
Max Draft
4.25 ft / 1.30 m
Displacement
2,400.00 lb / 1,089 kg
Ballast
950.00 lb / 431 kg
Ballast Type
Lead
Sail Area (Reported)
261.00 ft² / 24.25 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type
Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type
Fractional Sloop
Construction
FG
Designer
Shad Turner
Builder
W.D. Schock Corp. (USA)
First Built
1977
Last Built
1982
Number Built
261
Associations
Santana 525 One-Design Page
Owner Reviews
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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).
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
23.35
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.
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
169.22
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
9.32
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
2.79
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.
5.76 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
3.87
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.
616.74 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.
23.35
