Coast 250: The mighty micro cruiser

Producing a boat that planes under power and sails like a thoroughbred has been an elusive quest for decades. Has Swallow Yachts’ Coast 250 succeeded where others have failed? David Harding went to find out

Coast 250

Pros:

Fast and easy to handle under sail

Smooth and efficient planing under power

Roomy and practical layout

Cons:

Engine could do with more sound proofing

Foot-braces on cockpit seats would be useful

Self-tacking jib presents limitations

FACTS AND FIGURES

Price as tested: £77,771

LOA (including rudders): 7.95m(26ft 1in)

Hull Length: 7.57m (24ft 10in)

LWL: 7.57m (24ft 10in)

Beam: 2.55m (8ft 4in)

Draught: keel up 0.4m (1ft 4in)

Keel down: 1.85m (6ft 1in)

Displacement: 1,300kg (2,866lb)

Ballast: 300kg (661lb)

Ballast ratio: 23%

Displacement/Length: 83.60

Sail area: 28.6m2 (307.86sq ft)

SA/D ratio: 24.40

Fuel: 75 litres (16.5gal)

Water: 70 litres (15.4 gal)

Engine: 10 or 70hp

Transmission: Outboard

RCD category: C

Designer: Swallow Yachts

Builder: Swallow Yachts

Tel: 01239 615482

Website: Swallowyachts.com

 

If you’re helming from the coaming, the engine box can be used as a foot brace.

 

The folding solid-wood oak table sits on top of the lifting keel housing.

 

A 70hp in its central well drives the Coast at up to 15 knots – or you can stick with 10hp for displacement speeds.

 

The wide, offset companionway allows easy access to the cabin around the engine box. The head compartment is to starboard.

 

An optional carbon bowsprit for the asymmetric retracts into the anchor well.