Ensenada 25

A 25' trailerable performance cruising sloop

For a PDF study plan download, click HERE

CATEGORY : Sailboats - Trailerabler Cruiser
CONSTRUCTION: Sheet plywood planking/wood framing

We’ll talk about performance in a minute. But first, what’s difficult to see here is the pleasing hull shape of this boat. Through careful design, the hull has a "rounded" form which virtually disguises it’s hard-chine origins. In other words, most will be hard-pressed to believe this boat is made from sheet plywood. Yet construction is easy and low in cost. The "stressed skin" hull is built over a few strength bulkheads without typical frames, all stiffened by longitudinal stringers. The result is a surprisingly stiff yet lightweight boat, and this is partly what gives the boat it’s performance edge.

Originally a custom design for a competitive Southern California racer/builder who had successfully raced another of our designs, ENSENADA 25 is a proven performer. In it’s first Newport-Ensenada Race, the boat placed 2^nd in PHRF "G" Class over 50 other boats, and beat the winning boats in Classes "C", "D", "E", "F", & "H" on corrected time. In addition to light weight, the hull in inherently quick with either rig option, with lots of stability due to the chined hull form and drop keel. This ballasted centerboard/keel incorporates a "high-lift" NACA foil section with a "no-drag" pennant and unique integral easy-to-make "slot sealer" device that prevents turbulence and drag around the lowered keel. Also, the efficient elliptical rudder has an integral "non-ventilation" fin.

Trailering and launching are easy, while power can be provided by a bracket-mounted outboard to 10 HP. The cabin includes four berths all 6'8" long, sitting headroom, space for a galley and head, plenty of storage, and an 8' long self-bailing cockpit, making the boat well-suited to limited cruising. Plans include instructions with actual photos of building the original, material listing, fastening schedule, and FULL-SIZE PATTERNS.