Botnia Targa 25

Botnia began 40 years ago in a small factory in Malax near Vaasa, Finland, with just ten employees. The H-boat one-design yacht, launched in 1975, put the company on the map and over 1,000 were built in total. In 1984, production rights for the Targa 25 were purchased from Targa Yachts, eventually spawning the eight-strong range of today, spanning 23 to 44ft. The 25 ran to 2005 when it was replaced by the 25.1, which looks like an update but is actually a completely new boat.

INTERIOR

As genuinely different a concept from ‘normal’ 25-footers then as it is today, the layout of the Targa 25 is rather unique. The toilet is entered from outside and the cabin is accessed via sliding doors either side. Inside, the cabin is at the back, with a couple of steps from the wheelhouse leading down to two beds either side, the feet of which disappear beneath the aft deck, and the front of which form a small seating area around a drop-down table. It’s typically Scandinavian – functional, practical and well finished.

EXTERIOR

As alternative as the interior, the cockpit is at the front and a small ‘flybridge’ clings to the aft end of the wheelhouse roof, offering an external driving position. It’s different, but it’s certainly super practical. Easy to walk around, safe, and light on covers and canopies to fight on and off at the beginning and end of the day.

PERFORMANCE

A Volvo Penta AQAD 31 150hp diesel engine was an option, but the AQAD 41 200hp diesel fitted to this boat was a worthwhile upgrade, taking the top speed close to 30 knots.

SEAKEEPING

For all the quirky layout, potting-shed styling and Scandi build quality, the seakeeping is the big news. It’s epic, punching well above its weight and offering real offshore ability with its all-weather wheelhouse.