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Length: |
25' (7.6 m) |
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Weight: |
Approx1100 kg |
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Ballast (external): |
190 kg to 220 kg |
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Ballast (internal) |
To trim |
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Seating Capacity: |
Up to 12 |
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Beam: |
8' (2.4 m) |
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Draught: |
2' (0.6 m) |
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Berths: |
2-6 |
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Materials: |
BS1088 Pacific Maple marine ply |
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Finishing Trim: |
Clear Oregon |
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Rig: |
Lugsail Yawl or Ketch |
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Sailcloth: |
5oz Sailcloth |
Designer’s Notes
A motor sailer by its definition seeks to combine the sometimes divergent qualities and requirements of power and sail. The emphasis on one or other of the two aspects is important. Basically the question is do you want a big, spacious, comfortable motor cruiser with auxiliary sails, or a big, comfortable sailing boat with a fair sized engine at the ready. This new boat might be the answer.
With the Scintilla 25s I’ve tried to come up with a displacement motor sailer that is comfortable, stable and spacious, with good economical performance from a variety of modern compact engines. Aesthetically, small motor sailers are a designer’s nightmare – especially if standing headroom is expected. We’ve tried hard to disguise the height of the coachroof and integrate the raised cabin harmoniously into the design. At the same time the ship must be ergonomically efficient – we believe that we have achieved a successful compromise.
The Scintilla 25 has raised topsides to allow for sitting headroom forward and to visually shrink the deckhouse. Aft of the cabin bulkheads, the gunwales swoop down to enclose a large comfortable cockpit. The coachroof is carried aft, to provide part cover for the helmsman and crew, and to help streamline the upperworks. The stern is classic motor cruiser, subtly curved and raked.
Derived, as it is, from our successful Scintilla 24 sailing boat, sailing performance has not been compromised too much – in fact given a decent breeze, we expect a good six knots off the wind.
The workboat inspired hull forms of our boats have, over a decade, been thoroughly tested in pretty extreme conditions. Even our smallest, the Shimmy 12, has been safely sailed in winds well in excess of 30 knots. Scintilla is a very good sea boat and yet, with a draft of only 2 feet she will take you pretty much anywhere there’s water.
Directional stability is excellent, with an easy motion and a comfortable ride. Maneuverability is good too, courtesy of a carefully designed rudder.
Power
Recommended alternatives include a 12 HP electric inboard* or a 4-stroke outboard of between 7 and 15 hp. Fitted on a simple sliding pad; the outboard is raised vertically in a sealed well. A hinged flap can be fitted to smooth the water flow over the well opening. When lowered, the motor is below table height and can be capped with a soundproofed hatch.
A 10-hp inboard, preferably diesel can be fitted and depending on the height of the engine, the installation is discreet – a small unobtrusive cover will usually be enough. The engine is sited just aft of the cabin bulkheads, under the cockpit sole. Undoubtedly a good smooth running inboard, properly installed, makes for a better boat, but the cost is high. An outboard has other advantages – they can easily be removed for servicing and most of those over 5 hp have battery charging options. For a variety of reasons, however, the electric installation is to be preferred.
The Helm
Wheel steering is recommended with the wheel on one of the aft bulkheads. The helmsman can steer, under cover, sighting through the cabin or he can sit higher looking over the coachroof, or stand via a canvas or timber hatch.
Accommodation
Down below there’s room for a full-sized double berth, decent sized lockers, a settee or one or two berths, galley and shower/heads. A chart-table can also be fitted and full standing headroom is a welcome bonus on a trailerable boat.
Cockpit
The cockpit is very spacious and very comfortable. It’s part covered, and with the addition of side screens and rear canvas cover can be completely enclosed. There’s two bunk sized seats, useful for extra berths, plus a corner seat and room for a folding table. The self-draining cockpit can be accessed via a stern door and a simple swimming platform or boarding ladder can be fitted. Ballast
If the standard sailing keel is retained, 120-kg to 160-kg of lead will be encased in the keel. At least a further 150-kg will be needed to trim the boat. Up to 300 litres of water and fuel, under the forward bunks, would be more than enough to ensure correct trim, remarkable stability and good seaworthiness. Battery banks for an electric inboard will add further useful ballast Safety
Primary safety – the boat’s excellent ability to cope with adverse conditions, is backed up by multiple built-in watertight compartments. These, properly sealed, ensure the ship stays afloat, even after extensive hull damage.
Rig
We specify the standing lug rig over all others for its sheer simplicity and effectiveness. Compared to a bermudan sail, the standing lugsail is slightly inferior to windward yet superior off the wind – characteristics well suited to a motor sailer. This boat will still sail close-hauled, however we predict that about 50-60 degrees off the wind will be comfortable. Off wind, in a stronger breeze, the motor sailer will go very well indeed. The mizzen has, over the years, proved its worth many times over as an excellent steadying sail and with the jib up, more than adequate to sail the boat. The unstayed mizzen mast occupies little space and can be quickly stowed. The roller-furling jib can be set in a few seconds, the mizzen in a couple of minutes. The main is also quick and easy to set and reef. All sheets and control lines lead to the cockpit.
The Kits
Our kit system, the most developed and the most successful in Australia today, is designed specifically for home builders. Pre-fabrication of major components and new updated instruction manuals simplify and speed the build process.
Research and customer feedback indicates that build time for our boats is about 50-75 percent of similar boats built from scratch.
Scintillas are custom finished to each owner’s requirements and no two boats will ever be the same.
Construction
Full length timber keel/stem/stern assembly with ballasted keel. Box section marine ply framework with multiple stringers. Ply skin with glass sheathing to hull and decks. All models are extremely tough but for the more adventurous heavier duty offshore models can be specified.
Towing
A larger 6 cylinder engined car of over 2.5 litres is recommended – a 4 wheel drive better. Trailers have tandem axles and disc brakes.
Caravanning (U.S. Trailer Home)
With the addition of a decent sized boarding ladder, the boat becomes a caravan and enables the travelling owner to be entirely self-sufficient.
The kits include everything to fit out the basic hull and rig to a seaworthy condition. Engine, plumbing electrics, coatings and soft furnishings etc., are all to each individual’s specifications and are not included in the kit.
For those who want a comfortable, spacious and reliable cruiser, one that will take the rough with the smooth, the Scintilla 25 will be ideal. With the added bonus of trailer-friendliness and real sailing ability the Scintilla has to be worth serious consideration.
* Electric inboard installation comprising motor, propeller & shaft, controls, battery bank, solar panel and back up Honda generator.
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All prices are in Australian Dollars (AU$) and include 10% Goods & Service Tax.
This tax does not apply to overseas customers.
Overseas Customers can check exchange rates here
