Meet the Bayfield 25 a great little sailboat with Jeff Pruce

An overview of the Bayfield 25. A 1986 model built near Bayfield Ontario.
BB - Baby Bayfield. She's a wonderful little boat, especially if you want to keep things simple and easy.

[@markseabaugh4157]

when you love what you have you have all you need.

[@BlueHen123]

A well made boat with an owner who takes care of her! Can't wait to see more videos!

[@prusea]

Hi BlueHen. Thanks for the great compliment. I tried to make a joke about the engine might be dirty.... NOT... I take great care of my BB "Baby Bayfield". Thanks for noticing. Just did the haulout video and the winterizing one will be ready soon on BS "Basic Sailing" on the Bayfield 25. I hope to keep it going for awhile. Thanks again.

[@windfall35]

What a lovely, clean little yacht! I considered the Bayfield 25 years ago for a very specific reason….Its trailerable. Its probably one of the most complete and capable small boats capable of being towed anywhere you want to adventure…A diesel (with amazing access which is quite unique), proper tankage, an anchor locker. Very unique and good value.

[@prusea]

Yes, I have to learn how to take down the mast yet and get a trailer if I want to move it around. Sometimes I get the 2 foot itch, but this boat has everything I need. Thanks for the lovely message.

[@bchluvrxyz816]

Gorgeous boat! And you can tell this vessel has been lovingly cared for by a conscientious owner. Very similar design and layout to my former boat, a ComPac 25, which gave me many years of fun and enjoyment.

[@prusea]

I checked out the Compac 25. Great looking boat. Thanks for the wonderful remarks. Much appreciated. Jeff

[@suzannechance5876]

Ah, she looks so sweet and capable. Thanks for making me sick about what I can't do any longer, darn old age! 😅 she sure is lovely!

[@prusea]

Hi Suzanne..... Ahhhh sorry for making you sick. Yes I know about the old age creeping up. Lots of work keeping up the boat, and I am sore the next day. Oh well it's worth it. Hope you get some enjoyment from watching and not not having the sore muscles later 💪😜

[@patmonks3459]

I had an 1983 Bayfield 25. I like some of the changes. The main one I like is the engine access. Mine had no access from the cockpit. On the other hand, i had a proper separate head. For a 25 footer it is surprisingly seaworthy. I sailed single handed numerous time across the Straight of Georgia, headed to the Gulf Islands in BC. more than a few times it was blowing 20kn, and more. If I hadn't had some health issues, I'd still have it! Not fast, but it'll get you anywhere you want to go.

[@TM-tw1py]

Nice video - beautiful boat - lovingly cared for!

[@philo5096]

Great lookin boat, inside and out. My dream pocketship. Thanx.

[@davekrochenski]

what a gem, great shape too, good work.

[@dnmurr5128]

Love this sailboat!

[@rogerjohnson8707]

My best friend had one of these in Michigan City Indiana for about 20 years. He got a great deal of use out of that boat.

[@robertnagy4469]

I Love that boat!!! Really like the cockpit. Reminds me of the Montgomery 23 but without the hassle of the drop keel centerboard.. super nice engine as well! Thanks for sharing!

[@prusea]

Thank you. It's a comfortable boat. Slow in light winds but performs great when there is a good wind blowing. You'll have to come for a sail 😊

[@robertnagy4469]

Would love to! :)

[@SCCFORUM]

Beautiful boat Jeff. I wish my Compac 23D had cockpit hatch to the engine.🤔⛵👍🏻 Cheers, Paul.

[@prusea]

Thanks Paul. You're the second person that mentioned a Compac. Looks like a great boat. Happy sailing buddy.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

The San Juan Islands are calling

[@jeffreybrijohnson]

Beautiful super clean well built little boat

[@mikefriend7570]

Fantastic. What a well appointed yacht, lovingly looked after. I have a Herreshoff 28 and the layout is very similar

[@prusea]

I'll have to check out a Herreshoff. Thanks for a great comment.

[@prusea]

I'll have to check out the Herreshoff. Thanks for the great comment.

[@dougsrepair1060]

Nice boat, great show and tell. Thanks

[@prusea]

Thank you Doug. It was fun making. Hope to improve with other videos.

[@Colonia.4711]

Very nice 👍. Happy Sailing ⛵

[@davemacmurchie6982]

Nice boat as long as you don't want to go anywhere, especially to weather.

[@Hklsailing]

Looks great Jeff, you have made some great improvements.

[@davezell6442]

I like your upgrades including the shelf over the head and removing the small vanity. That will also remove one thrue hull fitting. I think I will do the same.

[@jptravels]

Beautiful boat 👌

[@prusea]

Thanks JP. She's launches April 26th. Back in the water for the season 😁

[@fezig83]

COOL BOAT!

[@randykaminski6214]

Thank you! My wife and I own a Compac 23, and your Bayfield looks like it has a more comfortable cabin, and nice looking design.

[@prusea]

BB.... (Baby Bayfield), that's what I call it for fun, is actually very comfortable. Thanks for your wonderful comments.

[@lloydholland6475]

It's a darling I enjoyed watching and now I'm jealous,it definitely well thought out .thanks

[@prusea]

Didn't mean to make you jealous Lloyd.....on second thought, of course I did. Hahaha. Glad you like it. Thanks.

[@lilianasarmiento734]

Very nice and comfortable 👍🏼!

[@BloodAlleySquare]

I am 5’11”. I think I will fit perfectly! Lol! 😂 You are so charming! 😊

[@prusea]

When are you coming for a trip with me. ❤

[@christopherstevenson9737]

Would ❤ to own a Bayfield 25. A perfect step up from my sweet PCS Flicka-20. 5 feet more living space. Has a very similar overall look and lines to the Flicka.

[@prusea]

Hey Chris, there's a few of them available. Earlier ones have a mid galley. Good solid fun boat. As some as stated, they won't win the race, but it's a comfortable roomy cruiser for it's size. Thanks for stopping by. Happy sailing.

[@christopherstevenson9737]

@@prusea will see where one might be for sale?

[@waterboy8999]

Lovely !

[@qorgh111]

love this boat !

[@prusea]

Thank you for enjoying the video. It's a great simple boat.

[@seajaye18]

I also have this exact same boat! A 1986 Bayfield 25! And I love it. Yours is in very good condition. Beautiful! I would love to see what the area with the washroom vanity sink looks like on yours. I don’t use mine either. Thanks for sharing!

[@prusea]

Hi seagypsyjae , the same boat. Where abouts are you. I am in the Toronto area on Lake Ontario. I'll see if I can send you a photo of the vanity area. The sink has been removed and replaced with a counter top. Above the sliding doors is a wire rack. So it has just become a two shelf system with access to the sliding doors for stuff that I don't need to get to often. I'm working on putting the boat up for the winter and making a video of haul-out and winterizing. Thanks again...Jeff

[@newfoundsailing]

Hello from Newfoundland. That's a beautiful boat you have there. I have an older B23, and a B29 that I just purchased to refurbish. Great Job on the video.

[@prusea]

Well thank you for watching. Glad you enjoyed the video. I'm starting a series about all the joys and pains of ownership. Looking forward to working on it. That's exciting that you have two Bayfield's. Maybe one day I might move into the B29. Might have to make my way to Newfoundland and check yours out. Thanks again.

[@patmonks3459]

When the Bayfield's first came out, the smaller was called a 23. Apparently there were many arguments with marinas, as they were charging for 25 feet. Many people complained to the Bayfield people about it so they changed the designation to 25. That's the story I was told when I bought mine, and I tend to believe it, as the broker who told me that was the Bayfield dealer in the Vancouver area in the 80's.

[@newfoundsailing]

Interesting. I think they're both the same length, but the later 25 has a different interior layout and longer keel.@@patmonks3459

[@PatMonks]

They made numerous changes. There were many that had outboard motors. They did some changes to the keel, cutting away the forefoot to allow it to turn easier. Interiors changed as well. I've seen the galley aft on the starboard side, and aft on the port side.

[@harbourdogNL]

Nice boat. There's a 1974 for sale on FB Marketplace near me, $8500. Not many pictures so hard to see what shape she's in. That's why I cam here!

[@prusea]

Thanks for stopping by. The 74 model is a lot different. I believe it's a mid galley, a small side table on the starboard side and only two windows instead of three. Also the engine might be the little 8 hp YS8. Lots of them in the 70's.

[@prusea]

Yes check this out.... sailingtexas.com/201201/sbayfield25111.html

[@sdcofer52]

So Canadian!

[@relisonpanahon2094]

Amazing

[@amaturemusicians]

Wow.

[@andyl8025]

Looks like a nicely-maintained boat! I like the engine access. How far on lake ontario have you sailed her?

[@prusea]

Hi Andy, yeah I try to keep it nice. I've sailed Toronto, Saint Catherines, Hamilton, mostly the west side of the lake. Haven't done the American side or east of Toronto yet. Perhaps this summer I should plan a good trip. Thanks for asking.

[@hurdurdur7rl696]

Interesting, the upper and lower shrouds both come down to the same chain plate. I have a different boat but that was on of the things i changed. I didn't like the idea of a single failure sinking my mast.

[@prusea]

I never really thought of that. Now I have to keep an eye on it and check out some other boats to see how many have single chain plates. It is interesting 👍

[@Andy-gk8bb]

I'd take that over a gin palace any day

[@prusea]

Had a great sail this past weekend. Got a few more videos almost ready to post.

[@svlittlegem24]

G'day from Australia. One thing you did not talk about,is the draft of the boat. how deep is the keel ?. Gerard.

[@prusea]

Shallow draft at 2' 11". Goes almost anywhere. At the beginning of the video you can see the keel. Thank you for checking out the video 👍

[@hilarychurch1092]

Is the engine hatch in the cockpit factory or custom built? I want to do the same to my bayfield 25.

[@prusea]

This came from the factory. I think it was early 80's that Bayfield started doing this. It's in the 29 as well. It certainly is a great access to the engine, transmission, shaft and for the pedistal.

[@jimevans9550]

The Bayfield 25 is a real dog performance-wise, though.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Go sail the Caribbean in it.

[@Tb0n3]

I just don't get putting a Bimini on that you can't use while sailing. I'm sure it would work if it's sheeted to the bridge deck but it isn't.

[@prusea]

It's because the traveller is at the back of the boat and the main sheet needs to pass where the bimini is. I can sail with the forsail no problem. So I would have to move to traveller forward to sail with the bimini. That being said, at anchor or while at the dock, the bimini is wonderful for shade while relaxing in the cockpit.

[@Tb0n3]

@@prusea Just a personal preference. Lots of people make a boom tent with a tarp, though. The first time I saw a bimini like that was on an Ericson 27, but the owner knew nothing about boats and probably screwed something up just driving wood screws into the cockpit. Left a sour taste in my mouth for it.

[@karenallen5908]

did you say you cannot sail with the bimini up?

[@prusea]

Hey Karen, because the traveller is at the back, the bimini is in the way of the main sheets. I am planning on moving the bimini forward but to do that I would like to raise the boom some. I can sail on a hot day but only using the foresail, but the bimini is used now mostly at the dock or anchored to enjoy lunch in the cockpit under shade. Thanks for asking.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

What's she like in heavy weather?

[@prusea]

She handles very well. Had her right over to the rails moving 6kts and stable and tracking straight. She actually handles great in wind. Light winds, she is slow.

[@ronalddelo8753]

Hmm, what would she sell for?, what are the specs, draft etc…

[@prusea]

sailboatdata.com/sailboat/bayfield-25/

[@prusea]

Specs say the last one built was 1984, but from 1985 to 1988 they were built in a different location, no longer in the town of Bayfield

[@matthewgwinn6076]

I especially like the self decapitating main sheet location. Don't jibe!!

[@prusea]

Haha, I know. I got choked in it once..... Scary situation in a strong wind if that main sheet comes across in front of the helmsman sitting on the perch 😳

[@drxym]

I'd be a bit worried about having my head in the way of that traveler. A beautiful compact boat though.

[@prusea]

Yeah sometimes it's a pain. Only once I was sitting too far back and on a very fast tac, the sheets came across my chest. Bit of unwanted excitement. But it certainly is easy to control and fast when you always have the boat in control. Also I want to move that bimini forward so can have it out while sailing.

[@user-mb7kl7tt5e]

这船多少钱，有人能告诉我吗，谢谢❤

[@prusea]

這艘船的價格會很高。 您可以在Google上查看, Bayfield sailboats 待售。 這個價格會更高。

[@user-mb7kl7tt5e]

@@prusea 好的，非常感谢指导，谢谢😊

[@faircompetition1203]

you know other boat call them Marks - right ? Something that does not move and you have to sail around it ......

[@commonsense4257]

to be really honest i seriously doubt if it is his boat, sure the boat is nice but there were no personal items inside / photo's / different items...he was just giving a nice tour to sell it for someone...i assume he is a sort of agent or whatever...but this was not is boat for sure..

[@prusea]

Hey there buddy. I assure you that it is my boat for the last four years and will be for several more. I keep my boat super clean and wanted to show what the Bayfield 25 looks like without my personal stuff scattered about. I am going to show other small cruisers and the owners in the new season. Anyway thanks for noticing how clean it is.

[@805gregg]

A slow turd, this boat has a sail area of 240 sq ft, my slightly larger Bristol Channel Cutter 28 has a sail area of 675 sq ft, this tub has a comfort ratio of 15.94 my BCC has a comfort ratio of 37.43, which would be better at sea???

[@prusea]

I am very happy for you that you have a bigger and better boat. There will always be bigger and better but I like my slow turd 😁

[@Morrisfactor]

One does NOT count the bowsprit as the size of the boat. Size of the boat is Length on Deck! It is a sweet 23 footer and can stand on its own without exaggerating its size.

[@prusea]

Bayfield changed the name from the Bayfield 23 in the 70's to the Bayfield 25 in the 80's. All the Bayfield boats include the bowsprit in their size. Island Packet does the same. The marina charges by the foot, including the bow sprit and anything past the stern. 😢😢. I wouldn't want to pay the extra dockage for a 5 foot bowsprit on the Island Packet 44, but I can handle the small bowsprit on the Bayfield 25 😉 It is a great boat. Thanks.

[@Morrisfactor]

I guess marketing surpasses tradition. I didn't know the factory changed the description (nor that IP was counting their sprits). Thanks for the update; I'll be more careful. I know of virtually no others that count the bowsprit. (I own a Seawing 43 - not counting the six foot bowsprit - but would never call it a 49 foot boat)@@prusea

[@prusea]

@@Morrisfactor wow 43 footer. I can only dream of having such a boat. Guess I will have to come for a sail with you. Great to connect with you even on here.

[@Morrisfactor]

And I for the lesson on factories counting sprits for the length. And one bad thing about my boat - the marinas DO charge by the slip foot - so I need a 50' slip - ouch! @@prusea

[@captlarry-3525]

worst helm ever !

[@alanduncan9204]

I don't own a boat but it looks like a lot of other helms. What is your reasoning?

[@waterboy8999]

​@@alanduncan9204it's to small a boat for a wheel, it's the only thing that would put me off, but it's not mine and the owner must be very happy with it.