MERIDIAN 25 (SEAFARER)

About the MERIDIAN 25 (SEAFARER)

Rhodes Design: #719 The first MERIDIAN'S were imported by Seafarer from G. de Vries Lentch Jr., a well established Dutch yard just making a transition to fiberglass construction. At this stage, 3 models were available: BERMUDA, MACKINAC and VINYARD. Later, a modified version was built at the Seafarer plant on Long Island, NY USA. As a result, one MERIDIAN often looks very different from another. An inboard was offered as an option on all models.

Designed by Philip Rhodes and built by G. de Vries Lentch Jr./Seafarer Yachts, the Meridian 25 (Seafarer) is a classic 1960 masthead sloop with a full keel and heavy displacement of 5070.0 lb. While the exact hull count is unknown, owner reports highlight its robust construction but warn of critical structural vulnerabilities in the deck core and mast step that require diligent maintenance.

Best for:

This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a stable, heavy-displacement ride and are prepared to manage the specific maintenance demands of a vintage wooden or early fiberglass hull. Its moderate sail area and comfort ratio make it suitable for relaxed sailing rather than high-performance racing.

Bluewater capability:

With a capsize ratio of 1.63 and a D/L ratio of 422.32, the boat exhibits strong inherent stability and heavy displacement characteristics suitable for offshore passage making, provided the critical structural integrity of the deck and keel is verified.

Comparables:

Comparable to other heavy-displacement, full-keel designs from the late 1950s and early 1960s, such as the Pearson 22 or early C&C models, due to similar displacement ratios and traditional cruising layouts. It shares characteristics with other Philip Rhodes designs that prioritize sea-keeping ability over speed.