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Rainbow is one of twelve Vancouver 25s built. Robert Harris stated in his book "Tracks on the Water" (First Choice Books, Vancouver, 2008) that Pan Pacific Yachts ordered the design for production to be built by the Victory Yacht company in Kaoshiung, Taiwan. The following information is adapted [...]
from an article in "Sailing Canada."
Robert Harris is well known for his blue water cruising boats. The Vancouver 25 was built to be an optimal solution for the sailor who was looking for a pocket cruiser that could go anywhere.
The world is full of 25 footers but few of them will ever leave the bay simply because they do not have the strength, quality, sea-worthiness and accommodation to carry a family across the oceans. Compared to other pocket cruisers, the Vancouver 25 has a bit more volume, a well thought out accommodation plan, a comfortable place to sit down and eat, a low aspect ratio yet powerful sail plan with a battenless mainsail for good longevity and ease of reefing, a cockpit companionway hood giving excellent protection for the helmsman who can sit forward right under it while still having his hand on the tiller, a boom gallows that means business, a stern anchor roller chock on the boomkin for running out the stern kedge, two opening ports each side in the cabin trunk for good ventilation plus dorades and a large hatch forward. The Vancouver 25 also shows a well-equipped galley for such a small boat and complete privacy for the forward sleeping area with a head in between which can be closed off and boosts a 6'2" standing room throughout the cabin. Teak and holly floors include wooden grates in the head and wet locker area. Louvered vents are included in all cabinets and doors adding ventilation.
Rainbow has been custom designed to provide not only the standard pilot single quarter berth, but also a double birth when the dinette table is lowered for added sleeping quarters. Most standard Vancouver 25s have bench seating, a drop down table and a navigation table to the side. Rainbow's dinette arrangement can double as a more comfortable navigation table. Ample storage is available under and in back of the seats and the quarter berth can be used for sail storage, extra gear for long passages for one or two people as the boat is intended.
The interior is finished with teak trim and pine paneling. All paneling in the way of the engine (Rainbow has a Yanmar 8 HP) is easily removable and exposes the entire engine for accessible service.
The long keel with its trailing end sloped up to protect the rudder and an easily sloped leading edge gives maximum protection should she come up against a coral head and provide very good directional stability under all points of sail.
Harris stated in his book that the Vancouver 25 resulted in a cost too high for the US market and production was stopped after a dozen boats were delivered.
Specifications:
LOA: 25' -
LWL: 21' 8" -
Beam: 8' 6" -
Draft: 3' 10" -
Displacement: 7300 lbs -
Ballast: 2600 lbs -
Hull: Fiberglass -
Type: Sloop -
Sail Area: 318 sq ft -
Fresh Water Tank: 40 Gallons -
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons -
Engine: 8HP Yanmar -
Cruising Speed: 6-7 knots -
Year Built: 1984 -
Place Built: Kaohsiung Taiwan -
Builder: Victor Yacht Company -
Designer: Bob Harris, Vancouver Yachts Inc. -
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