Owner's Review for the C&C 25 MK1
The C&C 25`s were built from 1973 to 1984. The Mark l`s were built from
1973 to 1980, the model changed in 1981 and the new version, from 1981 to
1984 was called the Mark ll. The displacement is approximately 4300lbs. with
1900 lbs. of lead ballast. The Mkl is distinguished from the Mkll very
easily as the Mkll coach roof carries its coachroof height forward until it
abruptly drops to deck level (ala C&C 32), the Mkl coach roof slopes
gradually to deck level starting at a point about 1 ft. foreward of the
mast. On the hard, you will note the Mkl has a distinctly swept back keel,
while the Mkll is a rather verticle keel.
Interior:
The v-berth is 6 ft. long and 5ft. 6 in. wide, tapering to an 8 in. point at
the bow. Water tankage and holding tank(optional) are located under the
v-berth. The owners manual states that water tankage is 10 US gallons and
the holding tank is 7.5 US gallons (this can be replaced with a 13 gallon
US tank). Also, the manuals states that the fuel tankage is 6 gallons US.
Aft of the v-berth, to port is a marine head and shelving/ storage. On the
starboard side is a hanging locker. The folding door on the hanging locker
can rotate and perform double duty as a separation between the head and the
v-berth. The salon bulkhead separates the head from the salon, and also, for
that final bit of privacy most 25`s have a curtain which draws across to
the hanging locker, and neetly stows when not in use.
In the main salon there are settees along both port and starboard. These
settees are approximately 5 ft. 6 in. long, however there are convenient
footwells which permit these settees to become very comfortable bunkage at 6
ft. 6 in. While the starboard settee pulls out to make into a double berth,
this is found to be an unusable double and most prefer to save the hassle
and go with the straight settee, back cushion removed...very comfortable
single.
The dining table is situated generally between the settees (slightly offset
to port to permit passageway to the v-berth from the salon). In many units
this table, which in supported by a single pedestal, is removable and can be
easily relocated to the cockpit.
Aft of the settee, to port is the sink and dish storage area. To
starboard is the icebox and stove storage. The 25`s employ portable stoves
like the 2 burner Origos, and this stows outboard of the icebox access.
Headroom in the salon area is generally about 5ft. 8 in.
Stowage on the 25 Mkl is adequate as the tankage is usually under the
v-berth, leaving the area below the settees available for bulk/heavy items.
Also, there is the normal shelving above the settees and along either side
of the v-berth. Additionally there is good stowage under the sink and under
the entry step. If there are only 2 on board the foot well areas make a
great area to hide away duffle bags.
On our boat we have made several changes to the interior which we find
extremely useful. We replaced all cabin lighting, and installed light fixtures strategically
over work areas and on either side on the cabin and v-berth
bulkheads...great for lounging and reading on the poor days. We had
"footwell" access doors installed under the settees and the v-berth to
permit access to these areas without having to remove the cushions, etc.
Also, we added gally work/prep areas by installing a flip-up table beside the
icebox and a portable counter that goes across the companionway (between the
sink and icebox cabinetry). And finally, we added dark coloured, plexy
sliders to hide, and hold in, articles stowed on the book shelves.
Topsides:
The cockpit is traditional; 2 long benches with an enclosed stowage area
along the transom, between the benches (ideal for the fuel tank for the
outboard motor). In the models without the inboard Vire option, the
laserette stowage is extremely large. The 20 degree sloped shelving makes
this area even more useful, and the teak trim framing the laserette opening
is very posh. In many 25`s you will find a terrific, but simple option...a
recessed "post well". This permits the table to be removed from the
interior and easily installed in the cockpit. Access between the cockpit and
the cabin is extremely user friendly as there is no bridgedeck to go up
and over. Access to the cabin is simply through the companionway and down
one step.
There isn`t a lot of headroom under the boom, I estimate that clearance,
when standing on the cockpit floor is about 5 ft. 6 in. All part of the
price you pay for the sailing performance.
The Mkl doesn`t have an anchor locker, regretable if you plan to spend much
time on the hook, however, there is ample room in the laserette area for
anchor and rode stowage, and there are some very effective ways of deploying
the anchor from the cockpit.
The rudder is transom hung and the structure is easily inspected (vis-a-vis
a thru deck rudder post arrangement). The gudgeons are heavy but they have
been known to wear thin and break...easy to detect and repair.
Sailing Character:
In short, amazing! The 25 would be considered a stiff, dry boat. It carries
full canvas after most are reducing. Also, I have never had our bow punch
under a wave, even when beating across a 15 mile stretch in a 35-40 knot
wind. Excellent bouyancy. In club racing the boat will point higher than
most 23-27 ft. boats. The boat is efficient in a light breeze and a
show-off in a blow. Also, downwind, under spinnaker you will pass most 25
ft. boats.
The boat is an ideal weekend cruiser for a couple, and can be easily handled
by two; or singlehanded. The Autohelm 800 complements the boat very well
and effectively drives it in 30 knot gusts (have the sails balanced).
Bad points (Compromises on a 25 ft. boat):
No anchor locker
Awkward stove arrangement
Traveler is on the transom and has a limited arc of control
Low boom
Good points:
Impressive sailing characteristics, kick-butt performance; stiff; dry
Good stowage
Interior finishing detail
Comfortable plan (good lounging, dining, sleeping); very yachty look
Open, uncluttered cockpit
John Craig [jcraig@shaw.ca]