HARDY MARINER 25
BUILT: 2000 PRICE: £49,950
British-based Hardy’s reputation for rock-solid build quality extends to its smaller boats, including this neat Mariner 25 (not to be confused with the Hardy 25).
It’s a manageable size, has good accommodation and a hull shape that works well inland and offshore.
INTERIOR The small wheelhouse is fitted with two bucket seats with a great view out. Rear doors allow you to enclose this area or run with them fully open (or anywhere in-between) and the sliding roof slid back on sunny days. On the lower deck a large dinette converts to a double berth, there’s a compact galley and heads, and a further single berth extends back under the cockpit, taking sleeping to three or providing a great place for bags.
EXTERIOR Take a walk around the deck for that authentic ‘little ship’ feel created by deep bulwarks, high pulpit rails, sturdy handrails and wide side decks. It makes for a very safe working environment too. Back aft, a very deep cockpit connects with the cabin, the cutaway transom allowing easy access to water or tender. The shaft drive layout creates room for a lazarette.
PERFORMANCE Single 170hp or 230hp Yanmar shaft drive diesels were offered plus a Nanni option. The larger 230hp is the one to have unless the boat is purely for inshore duties. With the larger option, expect low 20 knots maximum, with comfortable cruising at 16 knots. Service access is okay but not brilliant, an acceptable corollary of a small boat with a shaft drive layout.
SEAKEEPING With a deep forefoot, planing hull and small keel, the hull works equally well punching into a head sea (although it can pick up some water if it’s rough enough), running fast in calmer weather or pottering up inland rivers.
The only mild criticism is that a small boat plus shaft drive puts the engine directly under the wheelhouse. It’s not oppressively noisy, but you’re aware that it’s there. An optional bow thruster gives more options in close quarters (and can be retro fitted).
LOA: 25ft 0in (7.6m) Beam: 9ft 7in (2.9m) Draught: 2ft 0in (0.6m) Displacement: 4 tonnes Fuel capacity: 219 litres Engines: Yanmar 4LM-STE 230hp diesel
FOR SALE: Precious Marine; www.preciousmarine.co.uk