Chronological Evolution

[horatio]

Guys,

Am interested in buying a small boat for tooling about in the bay and possibly (weather dependent) short trips to Refuge, Port fairy etc.

I have had the 25 recommended to me and as is my norm I am starting to do my research.
I have been somewhat stymied by the lack of available information and this is where a forum like this is a god send.

I am interested in the evolution of the boat.
What changes where made when, why, etc. When did the rig change from mast head to fractional? When was the 'plus 4' introduced? Did the 'plus 4' replace the previous model or was it a alternative?

I also note that there appears to many different engines in use - why.

The good points of the boat are well known such as ability to point, ability in rough weather, spacious accommodation. But what about the bad points? Soft decks, delamination, ad through hulls etc?

I have attempted to look through this forum but am unable to find what I want.

I am serious in my attempt to purchase a boat and i believe that if anyone has either the knowledge or the time that the information will be useful to all interested parties.

Regards

[Mystique R333]

Welcome Horatio

The Ron Holland design H25 evolved from his Eygthene (mainly British) and Kiwi 24 (USA version) which were 24' long and very similar shape. Details of Eygthene in Old Design Section.
Read SAILING Magazine, September 1978 www.coolmobility.com.au/Yacht/SAILING%20sept%201978%20.pdf

Australian version called the "Holland 25", with over 500 hulls built by Doug Sharpin in Melbourne. Most of the glass layup was done by "Bolwell" in their factory then finished in Doug's shop. Glass work is goood with very few reports of softening or osmosis. Details of hull layup is in Old Design Details section - hull very solid, cored sides, and cored deck/cabin top. Lots of variations of types or lack of chain locker, access hatch with or without garage.

They were available as kits as well as fully fitted and the Vire and Volvo engines were initially offerred but others could be and were fitted. Some have been replaced since too, of course.

The Plus 4 was built for the Qld cruising requirements of Mandalay Charters, to give higher headroom but as they had to be built to survey, were much heavier in reinforcements and the extra 4 inches added to hull windage. Much of this is in the OLD DESIGN DETAILS Section of files I've attached - have a good read.
From Doug Sharpin info: "Ron was aghast at shaol draft but under sufference designed the longer shallower keel of same weight - also he objected to raising the deck and extra weight in all the charter gear, big Volvo, refrigeration, full accom,2 big batteries,anchor wells for and aft etc. Originally the "Eygthene" that won the Worlds had a little Vire engine as did some 50 other H25."

Original rig was masthead but fractional was developed by Ron Holland and John Bertram. From Doug S "....its more a racing rig drawn up by Ron Holland after talking to John Bertrand (John had his North sail-loft next door at Mordy and set up a few boats for me) Sometimes difficult to stop an "S" bend sideways and critical to caps and lowers tensions but can bend aft up to an amazing 18" to flatten sail - John could carry full main in 30 knots like this. "

Get long keel and you'll be best. Masthead more robust than finer fractional (built for racing) and expect to modernise cleats and winch locations.

Others may have more advice on sail handling as I'm still getting experience.

Happy searching.

[horatio]

Thanks for that info.

I had read the posts prior to registering so did not see the attachments.

I am interested in the comparison between:

• mast head vs fractional
  
• shoal vs fin
  
• raised deck (plus 4) vs traditional
  

In essence what version type of 25 should I be looking at.

[Mystique R333]

? mast head vs fractional
This I think is a personal choice - for cruising the stronger Masthead rig may be better, but for racing, the lighter built, higher aspect ratio fractional should be better, if you control that power. You need to decide for yourself.

? shoal vs fin
The Shallow but longer keel was to meet demands of shallow draft for Qld waters. Ron Holland only did it against his better judgement. They don't point well upwind (H25 strong point) and tack like dogs. This is feedback from and owner and those whove sailed on or against them.
Get a deep keel ...

? raised deck (plus 4) vs traditional
Again personal choice and +4 was also against Ron Holland's choice due to higher hull windage for racing. However if you are over 5'7" and want to sail/cruise in comfort with headroom, get a +4. the inner cabin shell of +4 can be a nuisance for relocating cabin top gear but makes a cleaner interior.

All comes down to what you want to do, style of sailing, cost, motor type, money you're willing to spend on refit (hint - pay more for a boat with existing gear in good nick than a cheaper boat with lots to do - cheaper in the long run).

Happy searching.

[horatio]

Myssy,

Thanks for that.

The history provided a lot of information.
It appears to me that many of the boats were customised direct from the factory in that you could order the raised topsides etc as an extra.

I reckon I'm now looking for a plus 4, diesel, fin keel.
I can live with either the fractional or masthead.

This boat will be used to allow me to consolidate what I have learnt on OPBs. I would expect the odd weekend on Port Phillip and if the weather is really nice a quick trip out of the heads.

Now to locate a suitable boat!

Thanks