HUGHES 25
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25.17 ft |
| LWL | 19 ft |
| Beam | 7.5 ft |
| Draft | 3.25 ft |
| Displacement | 3,500 lb |
| Ballast | 1,599.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 31.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.33 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 27.67 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 280.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 131.2 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 223 sq ft |
About the HUGHES 25
It is thought that this boat derived from the NUTMEG 24, designed by William Shaw (1964). Despite the reverse transom, fin keel with spade rudder, the basic hull shape seems strikingly similar. At about this time, Hughes Boatworks acquired the tooling from Tanzer Industries, the original builder of NUTMEG 24. Little notice has been made of this since the NUTMEG/HUGHES 24 were not built in great numbers. The HUGHES 25, on the other hand, proved to be a very popular model. (Thanks to Jack Gutter for additional info. on this yacht, as well as the owner of the boat in the photo who wished to remain anonymous.)
The Hughes 25 is a compact, lightweight cruising sloop designed by Howard Hughes and built by Hughes Boatworks Ltd. in Canada, with production records indicating a build year of 1968. With a displacement of 3500.0 lb and a beam of 7.5 ft, this vessel represents a specific era of Canadian boatbuilding focused on manageable, trailerable coastal cruising.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend warriors who prioritize ease of handling and trailerability over heavy offshore endurance. Its light displacement and modest dimensions make it ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a low-maintenance, accessible entry into sailing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 3500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.98, the Hughes 25 is not recommended for serious bluewater cruising due to its light weight and limited reserve buoyancy. Its design is optimized for protected waters and coastal hops rather than open-ocean passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels from this era include the O'Day 23 and the Pearson 23, which share similar displacement ranges and coastal cruising roles. These boats are comparable due to their similar beam-to-length ratios and focus on family-friendly, near-shore sailing rather than bluewater passage-making.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the HUGHES 25 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 25.17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 5 systems for the HUGHES 25, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUGHES 25? 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 6 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your HUGHES 25?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the HUGHES 25
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…