MERIT 25
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24.5 ft |
| LWL | 20 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft |
| Displacement | 2,900 lb |
| Ballast | 1,050.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 28.75 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9.66 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 28 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 9.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 286.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 138.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 236.1 sq ft |
About the MERIT 25
Designed by Paul Yates and built by Merit Marine Inc., the Merit 25 is a compact fractional sloop with a production run of 780 hulls completed in 1978. With a displacement of 2900.0 lb and a beam of 8.0 ft, it offers a lightweight, responsive platform that prioritizes ease of handling and coastal cruising comfort over heavy offshore endurance.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for single-handers and couples seeking a manageable, trailerable coastal cruiser, as well as those looking for an affordable entry into sailing with a well-regarded fractional rig.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.25 and a comfort ratio of 13.15, the Merit 25 is generally considered suitable for protected coastal waters and short offshore passages rather than extended bluewater expeditions due to its light displacement and fin keel configuration.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Catalina 25 and O'Day 25, which share similar dimensions and target the same market of budget-conscious coastal cruisers, though the Merit 25 distinguishes itself with a lighter displacement and Paul Yates' performance-oriented design.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
7 listings · boat years 1981–1985 · median $6,500
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
31 reported issues across 8 systems for the MERIT 25, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MERIT 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 31 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 MERIT 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.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the MERIT 25
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…