Boating

Tests

EXTRA POINT

E

N ROUTE TO ROUND POND, MAINE, TO TEST

the Padebco V25R, we were expecting a Downeast-

style open day boat with classic lines, custom

craftsmanship and fine teak. We were not expecting a time

to plane of 3.8 seconds or a hole shot comparable to a ski

boat. Powered by a pair of 150 hp Yamaha outboards, the

V25R flat-out scoots, hitting 48.2 mph at 6,100 rpm and

providing a nimble feel. It boasts the near-plumb bow

and sharp entry you’d expect from a lobster-style boat,

but the bottom design is more conventional runabout

with hard chines and two lifting strakes per side.

The result is a sporty performer that’s up to tube-towing

duties and makes quick work of cruddy conditions. The

V25R is available with single or twin engines. Padebco

cited redundancy and the fact that a single requires cutting

about 8 inches off the

boat’s keel in front of the

motor, which could affect

handling, as reasons for

preferring twins.

In addition to

the bottom design, the

V25R’s solid ride can

be attributed to the

boat’s construction,

which consists of

solid fiberglass in the

bottom, and foam

coring in the hull sides

and deck. Stringers are

fiberglass, and the transom is cored with composite Penske

board. The hull-to-deck joint is chemically bonded and

mechanically fastened with through-bolts every foot.

Each V25R is built to order, so layouts vary. Our tester

featured an aft bench-style seat with removable cushions.

Just ahead is a wet bar with a draining cooler that can

be replaced by an optional refrigerator. There’s a sink

beneath a hinged cover and stowage below. A removable

table creates a cozy spot for lunch. Another bench on the

forward side of the bar seats three more people. Twin pedestal-

mounted helm seats boast large stowage compartments in

the bases. The V25R’s helm is finished in faux carbon fiber to

decrease glare. There’s space for a chart plotter, and accessory

switches and engine controls are in easy reach.

Step down into the cabin and to port is the head and to

starboard is a hanging locker with space for the V-berth filler

cushion. Our test boat’s teak-trimmed cabin felt salty.

We noted meticulous attention to detail throughout the

V25R, including LED lighting and stainless-steel rubbing

strakes outboard of the pull-up cleats to protect against

abrasion from dock lines — all to be expected. To get an

unexpected thrill, shove the throttles forward and hang on.

— Eric Colby

Padebco

V25R

( #2942 )

The aft bench

backrest is hinged

and uses barrel

bolts that release

in order to fold it

forward so the out-

boards can be tilted

all the way up.

High Points

XStrong performance and a classic look put the boat in its own unique niche.

XOutstanding access to batteries and fuel-water separators give owners no

excuses for not keeping up with maintenance.

XSmart cockpit layout gives the boat seating capacity for eight people, plus

good stowage.

Low Points

XLocker hatches open on dated-looking snap springs. We’d like to see gas

struts or slide-and-lock, kickstand-style supports.

XThere should be a grab handle outboard of the companion seat so the

co-pilot can hang on during a rough-water run.

Toughest Competitor

XHunt’s Harrier 25 MKII can be powered with a single 300 hp Volvo Penta

sterndrive ($176,500) or a Yamaha 300 hp outboard ($174,405). Its layout

is similar to the V25R, and, after a number of inquiries at the 2015 Fort

Lauderdale Boat Show, Hunt is considering offering the Harrier MKII with

twin outboards.

XLOA: 25'4" XBeam: 9'0" XDraft: 1'6" XDisplacement (approx.): 5,200 lb. XDeadrise:

17 degrees XBridge Clearance: 6'9" XMax Cabin Headroom: 4'9" XFuel Capacity: 125

gal. XWater Capacity: 25 gal. XAvailable Power: Single or twin outboards up to 350 hp

Price: $275,000

HOW WE TESTED

ENGINES: Twin 150 hp Yamaha F150XBs DRIVE/PROP: Outboards/14½" x 17" 3-blade

aluminum GEAR RATIO: 2:1 FUEL LOAD: 31.25 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 520 lb.

Padebco Custom Boats Round Pond, Maine; 207-529-5106; padebco.com

To see more photos of the Padebco V25R, visit

MORE ONLINE boatingmag.com/2942.

TBOATINGCertified Test Results

SPEED EFFICIENCY OPERATION

rpm knots mph gph^ naut. mpg stat. mpg range range n. mi. s. mi. angle levelsound

1000 4.04 4.65 1.20 3.37 3.88 379 436 0 76

1500 5.39 6.20 1.90 2.84 3.26 319 367 1 75

2000 7.04 8.10 3.30 2.13 2.45 240 276 1 73

2500 9.60 11.05 5.70 1.68 1.94 190 218 1 76

3000 12.51 14.40 7.30 1.71 1.97 193 222 2 79

3500 21.12 24.30 9.90 2.13 2.45 240 276 3 81

4000 24.85 28.60 12.10 2.05 2.36 231 266 4 76

4500 29.07 33.45 14.50 2.00 2.31 226 260 4 78

5000 33.11 38.10 20.30 1.63 1.88 183 211 4 82

5500 38.50 44.30 30.70 1.25 1.44 141 162 4 82

6100 41.84 48.15 32.30 1.30 1.49 146 168 4 83

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

AVAILABLE POWER:

OUTBOARD

PHOTO: COURTESY PADEBCO CUSTOM BOATS

56 BOATINGMAG.COM APRIL 2016