CONTESSA 25 (PETERSON)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25.16 ft |
| LWL | 21 ft |
| Beam | 9.42 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 4,600 lb |
| Ballast | 2,099.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.1 kn |
About the CONTESSA 25 (PETERSON)
Designed by Doug Peterson and built by Jeremy Rogers, the Contessa 25 is a rare, compact cruiser with only 10 hulls constructed in 1975. Its authoritative specifications list a LOA of 25.16 ft, a displacement of 4600.0 lb, and a beam of 9.42 ft, defining a heavy, stable platform for its size.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekenders who prioritize stability and comfort over speed, as evidenced by its high D/L ratio of 221.74 and Comfort ratio of 16.11. It is well-suited for single-handers or couples seeking a manageable, robust package with a max draft of 5.0 ft.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low Capsize ratio of 2.27 and substantial ballast of 2099.9 lb, the boat is structurally sound for offshore passages, though its short LWL of 21.0 ft limits passage-making speed.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and Pearson 23, which share similar dimensions and eras, but the Contessa distinguishes itself with a significantly higher displacement and ballast ratio. Its heavy build and fin keel configuration also draw comparisons to early Contessa 32s scaled down for coastal use.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 6.0 |
| 60° | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.2 |
| 75° | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.5 |
| 90° | 4.5 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.6 |
| 110° | 4.6 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 |
| 120° | 4.4 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.1 |
| 135° | 4.0 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.9 |
| 150° | 3.5 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.4 |
| Beat VMG | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 6.1 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CONTESSA 25 (PETERSON) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 25.16ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
12 reported issues across 7 systems for the CONTESSA 25 (PETERSON), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTESSA 25 (PETERSON)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 12 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your CONTESSA 25 (PETERSON)?
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Used sails that fit the CONTESSA 25 (PETERSON)
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