The design was originally known as the Bayfield 23, then later in 1975 it was advertised as the Bayfield 23/25 and in 1976 as the Bayfield 25. The Bayfield 25 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with teakwood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, a clipper bow with a bowsprit, wooden decorative trailboards on the bow, a keel-mounted rudder and a fixed long keel. Steering is by a tiller with a wheel optional. It displaces and carries of ballast. The boat has a draft of with the standard keel. It is fitted with a Petters diesel engine of. Features include an anchor locker, internal halyards, a 4:1 aftmainsheet with a traveller, slab-reefing, jib tracks and two cockpit jib winches. A halyard winch was a factory option. Accommodation consists of a "V"-berth in the bow, twin settee berths and a starboard berth that runs under the vanity and locker. An alcohol-fired stove stores under the starboard berth. The head is located on the port side and includes a holding tank. The boat has a PHRF racing average handicap of 261 with a high of 261 and low of 270. It has a hull speed of.
Operational history
A 2014 review of the design in Sail Magazine said, "the Bayfield 25 is well known for its 1,500-pound full keel that draws less than 3 feet, shippy-looking miniature bowsprit and comfortable living spaces that provide 6 feet of standing headroom." Owner Barb Constans said of the design, "She's a great boat. She's faster than our 31 was, and she can go out in 25 to 30 knots with two reefs in the main; she just jogs right along. She handles waves well. We're really pleased with her." In a review Michael McGoldrick wrote, "The Bayfield 25 fits many people's definition of a true pocket cruising sailboat. It has a miniature bowsprit and shoal draft full-keel, and it comes complete with a diesel engine and very livable interior with standing headroom. Not bad for a boat whose length is more like 24 feet, if you don't count the bowsprit. This boat does, however, have a small cockpit. Another drawback is that it takes a fair amount of wind to get these boat moving at a good clip. Many cruising sailboats sacrifice some performance in favour of comfort and livability, and these tend to be more noticeable on smaller designs. On the other hand, Bayfield sailors will be out enjoying strong winds when many other boats will be heading back to port."
