additional answers/opinions
Warren, I should read more carefully...I'm not sure but I think this was the first 25 that Yamaha made. There were 21s and 24s and there is at least one other 25 called a 'My Lady'. This model has the engine aft and a wider, flater deck. The deck on my Mark II is a problem for me as it is uneven. I think the engine amidships puts more weight on the bow and causes it to dive into oncoming waves. So the deck is designed to let the water slide off the boat before it gets to the cockpit. In order to lighten the bow as much as possible, the anchor locker on the bow is empty and I put weight into the rear.Another problem is that the spreader will devour anything more than a 120% headsail.That long drive shaft can cause problems if it bends, of course, and I hear it is common, but I've had not problemsThe rudder is no problem going forward. Mine is wicked in reverse. But then I think the bearing are a little sloppy. Turning in reverse requires two hands on the tiller. There is a point where the water will force that tiller out of your hands and, under the correct conditions, pop the lense off your stern light. I lost 2 stern lights before I learned.The article is a very good picture of the boat. herein osaka they are the entry level boat for most sailors. Even at that, there are not that many around. I fell for the inboard and the original stackpack this boat had. Bought it a year ago December and towed it back to my marina - frozen engine. Rebuilt the engine and put a new paint job on her. It took the better part of a year to make her 'my boat': rewired depth guage, solar panels, dual electric systems, new cushions... However, whatever I did, it would not increase the headroom under the mast bridge - a real headache maker.Bill