• New Sailboats
  • Sailboats 21-30ft
  • Sailboats 31-35ft
  • Sailboats 36-40ft
  • Sailboats Over 40ft
  • Sailboats Under 21feet
  • used_sailboats
  • Apps and Computer Programs
  • Communications
  • Fishfinders
  • Handheld Electronics
  • Plotters MFDS Rradar
  • Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
  • Anchoring Mooring
  • Running Rigging
  • Sails Canvas
  • Standing Rigging
  • Diesel Engines
  • Off Grid Energy
  • Cleaning Waxing
  • DIY Projects
  • Repair, Tools & Materials
  • Spare Parts
  • Tools & Gadgets
  • Cabin Comfort
  • Ventilation
  • Footwear Apparel
  • Foul Weather Gear
  • Mailport & PS Advisor
  • Inside Practical Sailor Blog
  • Activate My Web Access
  • Reset Password
  • Pay My Bill
  • Customer Service

21 ft macgregor sailboat

  • Free Newsletter
  • Give a Gift

21 ft macgregor sailboat

How to Sell Your Boat

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Cal 2-46: A Venerable Lapworth Design Brought Up to Date

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Rhumb Lines: Show Highlights from Annapolis

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Open Transom Pros and Cons

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Leaping Into Lithium

21 ft macgregor sailboat

The Importance of Sea State in Weather Planning

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Do-it-yourself Electrical System Survey and Inspection

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Install a Standalone Sounder Without Drilling

21 ft macgregor sailboat

When Should We Retire Dyneema Stays and Running Rigging?

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Rethinking MOB Prevention

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Top-notch Wind Indicators

21 ft macgregor sailboat

The Everlasting Multihull Trampoline

21 ft macgregor sailboat

How Dangerous is Your Shore Power?

21 ft macgregor sailboat

DIY survey of boat solar and wind turbine systems

A lithium conversion requires a willing owner and a capable craft. Enter the Prestige 345 catamaran Confianza.

What’s Involved in Setting Up a Lithium Battery System?

21 ft macgregor sailboat

The Scraper-only Approach to Bottom Paint Removal

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Can You Recoat Dyneema?

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Gonytia Hot Knife Proves its Mettle

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Where Winches Dare to Go

21 ft macgregor sailboat

The Day Sailor’s First-Aid Kit

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Choosing and Securing Seat Cushions

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Cockpit Drains on Race Boats

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Rhumb Lines: Livin’ the Wharf Rat Life

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Re-sealing the Seams on Waterproof Fabrics

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Safer Sailing: Add Leg Loops to Your Harness

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

marine toilet test

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

  • Sailboat Reviews

Venture 21 Used-boat Review

The vintage macgregor is a good example of a budget-friendly boat..

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Maybe this has happened to you: You’re on a country road, driving to a wedding (or family vacation or business conference), and you pass a sailboat on a trailer with a “For Sale” sign. It’s not a big boat. It’s not a small boat. But it’s just about right for launching a small adventure with your young family, or maybe you’re looking to downsize. You can’t resist stopping for a closer look. Incredibly, the sign reads “$600,” including a nearly new trailer and an old 4-horsepower, two-stroke outboard that “runs like a top.” You write down the number and drive away, thinking: “Somebody is giving away a perfectly good boat.”

Chances are that “steal of a deal” is a Roger MacGregor-designed Venture 21, and if not, it’s probably one of the many copycats riding the trailer-sailer boom that MacGregor’s little boat ignited. The Catalina 22, the Santana 21, and the San Juan 21 are just some of the boats that followed closely in the wake of the Venture 21’s introduction.

The concept for the Venture 21 came out of MacGregor’s master’s thesis in the Stanford University MBA program. The first hull was introduced in 1965, but full-fledged production didn’t begin until 1967. Several thousand hulls later, the last MacGregor 21 (the boat was renamed in 1980) rolled off the line in 1986 at the MacGregor factory in Costa Mesa, Calif. Today, with some 36,000 sailboat hulls behind it, the company builds just one boat, the hybrid sailboat/powerboat MacGregor 26x.

Although MacGregor sold fewer Venture 21s than its successor—the Venture 22, which later became the pop-top Venture 22-2—the 21’s easy trailerability and affordable price helped it maintain its popularity throughout the 1970s. Capitalizing on the fiberglass revolution in boatbuilding, MacGregor’s business-school project sparked a pivotal marketing shift that helped bring recreational sailing to mainstream America.

While the trailer-sailer boom is far behind us, the Venture 21 and its many look-alikes have renewed relevance today. With their discretionary spending sharply cut, younger sailors are taking the Craigslist-route into sailing, scouring the classified ads for boats that don’t require dock space but still have room for a family sail. Meanwhile, many owners of 30-plus-footers are considering downsizing to a boat that doesn’t require mooring fees and a hefty maintenance bill each spring. For better or for worse, in the dim light of a recession, a back-to-basics giveaway boat on the roadside begins to look awfully enticing. For these and other reasons, PS decided to take a closer look at the Venture 21, which, in many ways, is the epitome of “the boat with a price I couldn’t refuse.”

The Venture 21 was designed to be affordable, easy to trailer and launch, and fun to sail, with enough room below for storing gear, napping, or even spending a night at anchor. It was principally aimed at new sailors, but it also appealed to those who wanted to step up from an open daysailer. Its size, sail area, and hull design were tailored for lakes and bays with fickle breezes of less than 15 knots.

Seaworthiness and performance were important considerations but pragmatism and aesthetic appeal were the driving force behind its design features.

Although the boat’s low headroom and Spartan interior would not qualify it as a weekender today, it was initially marketed as a “cruising” sailboat. A sleep-aboard sailboat that could be hauled around the country behind the family station wagon seemed perfectly in tune with the wanderlust of the 1960s.

While the Venture 21 is regarded as one of the first modern trailer-sailers, no single design element stands out as particularly revolutionary or unique. Instead, MacGregor incorporated proven features that would not only appeal to serious sailors, but also would remain consistent with the public perception of what a good boat should be and look like. In the yacht market, the Cruising Club of America boats were still the aesthetic model. Carl Alberg’s popular Ensign, launched by Pearson in 1962, is a good example of a small boat that clung to the CCA philosophy and aesthetic.

The Venture’s heritage is more closely aligned with two daysailers that were enjoying a surge of popularity on the East Coast in the early 1960s: the 17-foot Day Sailer, designed by George O’Day and Uffa Fox in 1958, and, to a lesser degree, the Phillip Rhodes-designed Rhodes 19, first offered by O’Day in 1959. Both were built by the nascent O’Day Group of Fall River, Mass. The similarities in the three boats are most apparent above the waterline. All have a relatively flat sheer line and spoon-like bow overhang (or spoonbow), elements that predate the modern yachting era.

While the Rhodes 19 still carries fairly deep V-sections well aft, making it a capable performer in the chop typical of its New England home waters, the Day Sailer flattens out, particularly at the stern, giving it fast, near-planing speeds off the wind. Fox and O’Day later refined this feature, earning Fox a reputation as the innovator of the planing dinghy. With a modest V-shape and a relatively fine bow, the Venture 21 lies somewhere between the two Rhodes 19 and the Day Sailer.

The Venture’s swing keel gives it 5 feet, 6 inches of draft—even more than its popular big brother, the Venture 25—and retracts to allow the boat to float in about 15 inches of water. (The brochure says 12 inches.)

Although the original design called for a fractional rig with a 22-foot mast, this was later changed to a masthead rig, giving it quite a bit of horsepower for its era. At the peak of its production in the late 1970s, the Venture 21 enjoyed popularity as a racing boat, with fleets springing up on the Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast, as well as its home waters of Southern California. Although some owners have gone to the trouble of re-routing running rigging, fairing the keel, adding travelers and vangs, and replacing the pinned turnbuckles with threaded turnbuckles, we’d encourage someone inclined toward performance to look at a more modern hull with an active racing fleet.

One of the most notable features is the boat’s 7-foot cockpit, as big as that found in the much larger and heavier Catalina 22. However, unlike the Catalina 22, the San Juan 21, and the successively longer Ventures (V-22, V-23, V-25) that widened the cabintop to provide more interior space, the Venture 21 preserves enough sidedeck for crew to move forward . . . with care. Many V-21s, like the one we sailed, never had lifelines; others have had their lifelines removed. The standard single lifelines—low and poorly supported by widely spaced stanchions—offer a modicum of safety, but these are still less than ideal. In our view, lifelines are not a deal-breaker on a 21-foot daysailer, but if you have small children, a boat that is equipped with lifelines with a supporting pushpit and pulpit would be preferable.

The cockpit has a small lazarette, presumably to store fuel for the small bracket-mounted outboard, but this leads directly to the bilge, a bad idea that presents a potential fire risk. The original boats came equipped with top-grinding winches with short T-tracks for the jib. The boat we sailed had only a single fixed-point for the jib sheet. The end-of-boom mainsheet has a 4:1 purchase that spreads the load to each corner of the stern, a basic setup that limits trim options. Some owners modified the leads and added a mainsheet traveler, although this entails either raising the traveler over the tiller, or moving the sheet forward on the boom; both are compromise solutions.

A modest 18- by 18-inch fiberglass bow hatch allows ventilation down below, as well as a place for sails to be passed down. There is no anchor locker or chain pipe. The boat we sailed had an 8-inch diameter screw-on PVC deck plate that was apparently used as a chain pipe.

Overall, the deck has a functional layout, fine for its primary mission, which is to enjoy some time on the water with very little hassle.

Accommodations

The biggest drawback to the Venture 21’s emphasis on trailerability and a 1960s aesthetic is the lack of headroom below. By keeping the cabintop and topsides profile low, MacGregor produced a boat that, in our view, is better looking than the slab-sided models that followed. However, the end result is a very cramped interior. The VW-camper-inspired pop-top on the Venture 22-2, which came shortly after the Venture 21, offered a compromise that was adopted by a number of boats in this size range. Gradually, the intrinsic appeal of a low profile gave way to market demands. (MacGregor’s current and only model, the M26x, is a classic example of the wedding cake look that eschews traditional aesthetics for the sake of comfort below.)

With two quarter berths and a V-berth, the Venture 21 technically could sleep four, but this sort of arrangement probably would be brief and acrimonious. Although you could pack a lot of gear under the cockpit, actual locker storage is limited. Some ambitious owners have added sinks, small galleys, 12-volt systems, and port-a-potties below, but the boat’s cramped headroom restricts its suitability for more than a few days of cruising. For the 20-something adventurer with aspirations of camp-cruising on one of America’s many inland lakes, it will do just fine, but more than a couple of days aboard a boat this size will be a sure test of any marriage.

Construction

During the Venture 21’s 15-year production run, from 1965-1980, the materials and construction methods used for its deck, rig, structural components, and keel went through several changes. Construction of the hull itself, however, remained virtually unchanged. The hull was hand laid up with woven roven and mat. The layup schedule was a single unit of alternating mat and woven roven. Owners do report flexing in some spots, although we noted none on the boat we tested. The early boats are fairly resin rich, so hull thickness is not necessarily a reflection of strength.

The earliest Ventures had a stick-built interior, with bulkheads and bunks made of resin-coated cuts of plywood that were laminated in place. These earlier versions make it easier for owners to modify or rebuild an interior, and this is almost an inevitable project, given plywood’s propensity to rot and delaminate.

By the mid-1970s, MacGregor switched to a molded liner, which accelerated production and eliminated issues of rot, but added about 200 pounds to the total weight. Large sections of the boat are enclosed and filled with foam—a touted safety feature—but it is nonsense to consider the boat unsinkable, as some websites and blog posts suggest.

About 50 V-21s featured lead keels. The poured lead was anchored to a steel beam, and the entire construction sheathed in fiberglass. This process was not only expensive, but it also presented significant corrosion problems, as water eventually migrated into the fiberglass-encased keel.

Most models have solid iron keels; corrosion, however, is still a problem with these keels, but they can be removed, ground-down, faired, and sealed with an epoxy barrier coat to provide many more years of service. This is the biggest “problem” with the Venture 21, and any buyer should take a close look at the keel and the related components.

The original deck was plywood core, but this was later changed to balsa. In either case, rot is a potential problem (particularly in areas of the owner-installed deck hardware), but none of the 14 owners of Venture 21s who participated in our survey reported significant problems with deck rot.

The hull-to-deck joint was initially a bolted and adhesive-bonded shoebox joint, in which the lip of the deck flange fits over the hull just like a shoebox lid. This was later modified to an outward turning flange joint, with the hull lip turning outward to present a horizontal bonding surface for the deck. In both cases, the joint was bonded with a polyurethane adhesive sealant such as 3M 5200, bolted together, and then covered with an extruded aluminum and vinyl rubrail. Neither joint is as rugged as an inward-turning flange, but this is method is typical for a boat of this size.

Early versions of the Venture 21 were fractional rigs, but the majority were masthead rigs with overlapping jibs. An off-center backstay and upper and lower shrouds add support to the 22-foot mast. Early boats, like the 1969 model that we test sailed, did not have spreaders on the upper shrouds. In windy areas, where mast pumping is a noticeable problem, retrofitting spreaders—or looking for a more suitable boat—would be a good idea. The chainplates are through-bolted to the hull, eliminating the typically rot-prone attachment to plywood bulkheads found in some larger boats of this vintage. The original turnbuckles are the fixed-adjustment type that allow 1/8-inch adjustment intervals, making it hard to tune the rig at sea, but impossible to over-tighten, a common novice error.

The two biggest problems cited in our owners’ survey were the hand-crank keel winch and the keel-retaining bolt. Although the keel winches on later MacGregor models are braked mechanisms that will not spin freely under load, the one on the Venture 21 is a common ratchet-type trailer winch. If it is let go under load, the handle can whip around dangerously. Many owners have replaced this with a braked winch—a good idea, although these winches will require more maintenance. The keel-retaining bolt is a 3/8-inch diameter bolt that is slipped through a hole in the centerboard trunk and a corresponding hole in the keel. It is used to lock the keel in place when sailing in deep water, preventing the keel from flopping back into the hull should the boat capsize or surf down the face of a wave. The retaining bolts are commonly bent during a grounding, and any boat with a bent one should be inspected closely around the hull and keel trunk for other signs of damage.

Overall, the construction is light, but adequate for the boat’s designed purposes. If the deck isn’t too rotten, and the swing keel and keel box aren’t shot, most any other potential problem on the Venture 21 is easily remedied by someone who is handy and has the time.

Performance

During its heyday, the Venture 21 was promoted for it speed. MacGregor touted its position as the first of the “hot retracting keel boats” and the “fastest of its type,” with “planing speeds at over 16 miles per hour.” In this age of ultra-light monohulls and multihulls with eye-popping sail area (see PS, September 2009 and May 2010), this sort of hype seems quaint, but if you compare the Venture 21 to other boats of its era, it is clearly no slouch (See “Venture 21 in Context,” page 11). Its sail area/displacement ratio puts it ahead of several contenders, and its hull form—as mentioned—does give it an ability to hit double-digit speeds in the right hands.

The boat we test sailed was handicapped by ancient sails and an outboard that could not be fully tilted out of the water. Although the boat had a masthead rig, the headsail was a fractional working jib. A 140-percent genoa, found on many boats, would have added about 25 percent to the total sail area. To windward, the boat tacked smartly through 90 degrees, although we’d expect a boat with good sails to point higher. The boat was initially tender on the wind, but once the full effect of the 400-pound keel exerted its influence, the boat settled into a comfortable heel. Despite the deep bellies in her sails, the boat handled gusts surprisingly well, and by adjusting the swing keel’s depth, testers could easily achieve a balanced helm. Off the wind in 12 to 15 knots of breeze, we were able to sustain speeds of 7 knots under working sails alone with the keel almost fully retracted. While not wind-in-your hair sailing by today’s standards, it meets our definition of fun.

Conclusions

After spending some time aboard the Venture 21, we were reminded how much and how little has changed since the boat was introduced more than 40 years ago. Most comparable modern “weekenders” with big cockpits and modest cabins, like the Precision 21 or Catalina Capris 22, offer much more in terms of safety, systems (limited as they are), and modern conveniences. And entry-level daysailers like the thermo-molded Hunter 216 offer more in terms of performance options, such as a sprit for the asymmetrical sail and rigging conveniences like a hydraulic lifting keel. If true small-boat performance with a potential for one-design racing is what you’re after, then a boat like the J/22 presents a more sensible choice.

While overall construction quality has improved over the past 40 years, most daysailer hulls (the Hunter 216 and the balsa-cored J/22 excepted) are still solid fiberglass and laid up by hand, an economical and forgiving method. Many daysailers with cabins are actually much heavier than the lightly built V-21, but they also have much better finish quality.

The bottom line with the Venture 21 is the bottom line. If you hunt around long enough, you are likely to pick up a sailaway boat with a trailer and outboard for less than $3,000­—about the cost of a new trailer. The boat we sailed sold for far less, including the trailer and 4-horsepower Evinrude. If you are really patient, you can probably find a fixer-upper that someone will give to if you promise to drag it off their property.

Is this 40-year-old, mass-produced boat still a viable option for the entry-level sailor, or someone looking to downsize? No question about it. The Venture 21 is not a boat we’d recommend for someone with offshore aspirations or in places like San Francisco Bay where heavy air and a stiff chop would render it wet, slow, and uncomfortable. However, if you plan some coastal or lake adventures and are limited by a 2,000-pound tow capacity and a recession-era budget, then the Venture 21 definitely deserves a look.

There is one key caveat: Because it is easy to underestimate the amount of work required to revive barn-found boat, we would strongly urge looking for a Venture 21 that is in sailaway condition, rather than a project boat. Dealing with the iron keel alone can be a time-consuming project, and despite the boat’s interesting history, this adds little or no to resale value. On the good side, however, should you decide to embark on the restoration of a Venture 21, you will not be alone. Plenty have done it before, and given the boat’s irresistibly low price tag, more will surely follow in their wake.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

What kind of Trailer did your boat have. Mine (1972) is a 4″ welded C Channel, Is this a factory style trailer or somebody’s back yard built. It has the right v notches for the C/B etc.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Island Packet 370: What You Should Know | Boat Review

21 ft macgregor sailboat

How To Make Starlink Better On Your Boat | Interview

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Catalina 380: What You Should Know | Boat Review

  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Online Account Activation
  • Privacy Manager

Sailboat Owners Forums

  • Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
  • What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
  • Media New media New comments
  • Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
  • Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
  • Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
  • Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Considering buying a MacGregor 21'.

  • Thread starter chutz
  • Start date Sep 5, 2005
  • Macgregor Owner Forums
  • Ask A Macgregor Owner

Hello All, Requesting any information that may be helpful in the buying of a 1972 MacGregor Venture 21. I looked at it today, and seems pretty sound, hasn't been in the water since 1999. Owner has main sail, jib and genoa (don't know which) all of which look to be in good condition. Is there anything particular I should be looking out for? This boat is fresh water only, a little rust on the trailer. The owner is asking $1500. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you. Chutz.  

Price You might try and talk the guy down some. About three years ago I bought my 74 V222, which was in good condition, sailable right away for 1,000, with sails and trailer! This was from a dealer too! I did have to travel 600 miles to pick it up, but it was well worth it!  

Courtney Anderson

Be sure to check the keel Be sure to check the keel closely. I just bought a venture 21 for $700 including new outboard. However, when I pulled the keel, the fiberglass at the top (where the bolt goes through was totally cracked and swollen. I had to winch the keel out of the boat and am looking at extensive sanding, rust proofing and refiberglassing the keel. Not fun. :{ Actually I am looking for a keel from anyone who has one to sell. Regards, Courtney  

V 21 problem areas Aside from the keel, I would look at the mast step and support inside, and the foestay. On my 21 the forestay is only attached to the deck, and not through to the hull. Some have told me this can be a problem, DJB  

Just one experience... There are a number of Mac's out there - in all kinds of prices from $200 to $4000+ The trouble is they are Never acurately described and at $3 per gallon and heavy traffic in California === !? I bought mine on ebay $900 - it was supposed to be in LA and I traveled another 100 + miles out near Victorville to get it. The hull etc are good- not sure of the outboard and the trailer needed lights and a bearing before moving it another 10 miles. The good news -- it has sails -- lots of sails over a dozen --Whoever once had this -- I think just bought sails for it... all looked perfect - perhaps never used. The boat does worry me somewhat...the mask is only to the top of the cabin ? and the Keel definately needs work but is functional. So far - glad I got it .. mostly because of the sails. There are better boats out there for just a little more money but the distance... my advice -- have patience - see it and locally buy it.  

Keep looking so you'll know Mark is on the right track for you. This boat may be worth the 1500 bucks. I would suggest as Mark did to keep looking so you'll know what you're buying. If it hasn't been in the water I'd be very suspect of the trailer bearings. This is simple but having a bearing go out on the way home will be terribly upsetting with a new to you boat. Simple and cheap, seller should replace for you now. If he won't consider it, look elsewhere. Second. Put it in the water and sail it before you buy it. Sail a few other's too. Mac's are great buys but sail other boats if you can. Stop by a marina and talk to boat owners. Be careful, many of them will have boats they want to sell to you so just live and learn. 1500 is not a bad price but this boat has some years on it and perhaps half that is more a fair price. Is there an outboard? If not, this is too much money. Good luck, keep asking. Don't be bashful about asking someone their adivice at a marina. Perhaps a salesman or repairman for sure. FWIW- I just sold an excellent one owner '94 26S for 7500. That was a great boat and a good solid deal for the buyer. I tell you this so you can know what ages and price ranges are out there. Steve  

Don't forget... And don't forget to check the hose connection between the hull and deck where the keel lifting cable goes ... it's no big deal to replace if it's rotted out. It just wouldn't be much fun to discover while test sailing. (Will be Back Home again In Indiana in about three weeks.)  

Probably pick her up tomorrow. Thanks again guys for all the input, I'm 90% sure I'm going to buy it at this point. I'm going to make an offer tonight. Wish me luck... Here are some pictures from checking her out yesterday: http://www.gpayne.net/sailing.html The pictures are pretty large, so if you have a dialup, it will take a while. .-=gp=-.  

venture 21ft. I bought a 21ft. Mac venture 3 yrs. ago and had to reglass the keel and do some otherthings to make the boat mine and ready for the water.Thats part of owning a boat.We did the same thing to our cars when we were younger.This was my first sailboat.the first year was a real learning experiance.The second yr.I had ran my halyards and boomvang to the rear of the cockpit.It made it a lot easier.I also put slugs in my main sail.Now I an drop it on the boom and tie it off.Last summer I put my boat at the marina at Prineville res.I put my older motorhome across the lake at the free campsites.Every friday after work I'd be at the lake until sunday evening.Thats what I did all summer.I got a lot better at sailing by doing that.Someone's always going to have a better,faster boat.This one was $1700 and I learned to sail and by working on it,had a better understanding of sailing and the boat.I could push the boat from shore and jump onto the front deck.This was a great boat for someone like me,to learn to sail.I could go swimming and get back into the boat.I bought a 22ft. Catalina this summer. I can't climb into the boat.nearly as easily from the water, as my Mac. I think you'll have a lot of fun and learn a few things with this boat.I've still got my Mac.I guess I'll sell it next spring.I learned a lot and had great time with that boat.I had put some 1 1/2" pipe welded to the trailer frame just in front of the fenders and about a foot above the deck.I then slipped some pvc pipe over the other pipe,that way it wouldn't scratch the boat when you were loading it.What a difference it made.It always centered itself and the keel was always in that rubber wedge.I welded the pipe so that it was about 1/2" from the side of the boat with the pvc on.On my ski boat they were at the back of the trailer,but sailboats are wider towards the middle of the boat.Enjoy sailing with your new boat. JIM from Bend,Or.  

V21 Here's my two cents. I bought a V21 this spring on ebay. I'm a new sailor. I paid 1500 w/o a motor which I think was too much. I replaced the halyards at dwyer mast company, refinished the rudder, and went sailing. I bought a 6 hp evinrude which is plenty. I added a tiller tamer and a hinged mast step. I solo sail this boat in the finger lakes of NY with no problem. My 11 yo son and I sail this anytime with all the sails, but I limit myself to the 110% jib when I'm by myself. i can't think of a better boat to learn on. You can store all your sails etc in the boat, launch it by yourself, and sail till you puke. The only complaint i have is replacement cushions are so expensive. Have fun!  

Oy gevalt with the cushions! I have to agree with you on the cushions, I'm trying to find a cheaper alternative. Including trying to convince my wife to teach me how to sew them. I did see a set of Mac 25 cushions going for $100, wondering if I could adapt those to fit. My interior is pretty nasty anyway, so I've got a little time before I need to worry about cushions. I offered the old owners $1300 and insisted on having the motor, so I think I did okay price wise. I have spent the last two days washing all of the lines, sheets and halyards - they were to the point of having mold and other life forms growing on them from sitting outside for so long. Some were so far gone that I had to replace them. Tonight I scrub.... Aiming for putting her into the water on Sunday, and see how it goes. Hopefully the motor will run, it's had the same gas in the tank for the last 4+ years, so I drained that out. Maybe I'll try and start it tonight. .-=gp=-.  

Run the motor before you go Do start and run the motor before you go. Old gas sitting in the carb will settle out and leave a jelly gunk. You may run for 5 seconds and stop while you have left the trailer. You may have to flush the carb and do replace the gas with fresh gas. steve  

  • This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

MACGREGOR 21 Detailed Review

https://images.harbormoor.com/originals/fca4e24d-fbe6-4d82-8448-d32c87055e80

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of MACGREGOR 21. Built by Macgregor Yacht Corp and designed by Roger MacGregor, the boat was first built in 1980. It has a hull type of Swing Keel and LOA is 6.4. Its sail area/displacement ratio 29.66. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

MACGREGOR 21 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about MACGREGOR 21 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, contributions, who designed the macgregor 21.

MACGREGOR 21 was designed by Roger MacGregor.

Who builds MACGREGOR 21?

MACGREGOR 21 is built by Macgregor Yacht Corp.

When was MACGREGOR 21 first built?

MACGREGOR 21 was first built in 1980.

How long is MACGREGOR 21?

MACGREGOR 21 is 5.64 m in length.

What is mast height on MACGREGOR 21?

MACGREGOR 21 has a mast height of 7.01 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

  • Sailboat Guide

1977 macgregor Venture 21

  • Description

Seller's Description

Excellent working condition, sturdy with signs of wear. Recently sailed and camped on. We have loved this boat! New lines. New cushions. Lots of new hardware. Newly refinished teak. Swing keel. Kick-up rudder. Sturdy trailer recently repainted with new lights, new wiring, new tires and waterproof bearings. 6HP Johnson outboard motor and tank, recently serviced and running great. New 12 volt battery. New wiring, interior lights, electrical panel with USB. New bow, stern, and mast light bulbs. Main & jib sails are sturdy & good condition. Anchor. Portable ladder. Two mast supports. 1 7/8 hitch. Super light for towing! 1500 lbs plus trailer and motor. More specs at https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/venture-21. Has been kept under a tarp. This ship is ready to set sail!

Equipment: 6 HP Johnson outboard motor. Trailer. Ladder. Anchor.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The VENTURE 21 was the first (mono-hull) yacht built by MacGregor Yachts. It was updated and renamed MACGREGOR 21 in 1980. Thanks to ‘sea-scooter’ for providing updated information.

This listing is presented by SailboatListings.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

View on SailboatListings.com

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

  • About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Windward 21 macgregor

The windward 21 macgregor is a 21.0ft cutter designed by roger macgregor and built in fiberglass by windward yachts (usa) between 1966 and 1969..

The Windward 21 macgregor is an ultralight sailboat which is a very high performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

Windward 21 macgregor for sale elsewhere on the web:

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

21 ft macgregor sailboat

See how Sailboatlab works in video

21 ft macgregor sailboat

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data, modal title.

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

21 ft macgregor sailboat

Boatsector

Specifications WINDWARD 21 (MACGREGOR)

1966 - 21.00 ft / 6.40 m - Roger Macgregor - Windward Yacht (USA)

WINDWARD 21 (MACGREGOR) Sailboat Data

Hull Type: Swing Keel Rigging Type: Cutter LOA: 21.00 ft / 6.40 m LWL: 18.50 ft / 5.64 m S.A. (reported): 175.00 ft² / 16.26 m² Beam: 6.83 ft / 2.08 m Displacement: 1,200.00 lb / 544 kg Ballast: 400.00 lb / 181 kg Max Draft: 5.50 ft / 1.68 m Min Draft: 1.00 ft / 0.30 m Construction: FG First Built: 1966 Last Built: 1969 Builder: Windward Yacht (USA) Designer: Roger MacGregor

Information from  sailboatdata.com .

Hull Speed: 5.76 kn

21 ft macgregor sailboat

VIDEO

  1. Col. Douglas Macgregor: Does the US Have a Coherent Foreign Policy?

  2. MacGregor 26X Pedestal refurbish

  3. MacGregor Sailboat Drag Race stabilized

  4. Macgregor reveals pentagons hidden truths on the U.S military

  5. MacGregor 26M on the freeway

  6. Don't Miss This Content! Subscribe Today!

COMMENTS

  1. MACGREGOR 21

    Discount Sails-MacGregor_21. Electric Yacht. New Rudders ... BOTH. US IMPERIAL. METRIC. Sailboat Specifications Definitions Hull Type: Swing Keel: Rigging Type: Masthead Sloop: LOA: 21.00 ft / 6.40 m ... Camden, Maine, 1997), states that a boat with a BN of less than 1.3 will be slow in light winds. A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat ...

  2. Venture 21 Used-boat Review

    Today, with some 36,000 sailboat hulls behind it, the company builds just one boat, the hybrid sailboat/powerboat MacGregor 26x. Although MacGregor sold fewer Venture 21s than its successor—the Venture 22, which later became the pop-top Venture 22-2—the 21's easy trailerability and affordable price helped it maintain its popularity ...

  3. MacGregor 21

    The MacGregor 21 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, a spooned raked stem, a slightly angled transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a retractable swing keel. It displaces 1,175 lb (533 kg) and carries 400 lb (181 kg) of cast iron ballast.

  4. Considering buying a MacGregor 21'.

    42. Macgregor 21 Portland Oregon. Sep 5, 2005. #1. Hello All,u000bu000bRequesting any information that may be helpful in the buying of a 1972 MacGregor Venture 21. u000bu000bI looked at it today, and seems pretty sound, hasn't been in the water since 1999. Owner has main sail, jib and genoa (don't know which) all of which look to be in good ...

  5. MACGREGOR 21: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine

    MACGREGOR 21 Detailed Review. 1 of 1. If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of MACGREGOR 21. Built by Macgregor Yacht Corp and designed by Roger MacGregor, the boat was first built in 1980. It has a hull type of Swing Keel and LOA is 6.4.

  6. Macgregor 21

    The Macgregor 21 is a 21.0ft masthead sloop designed by Roger MacGregor and built in fiberglass by Macgregor Yacht Corp between 1980 and 1985. The Macgregor 21 is an ultralight sailboat which is a very high performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

  7. Macgregor 21

    Macgregor 21 is a 20′ 11″ / 6.4 m monohull sailboat designed by Roger MacGregor and built by Macgregor Yacht Corp between 1979 and 1985. Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts. ... Macgregor 21 is a 20 ...

  8. Venture 21

    198.77 sq ft (18.466 m 2) Racing. PHRF. 252. MacGregor 21 →. [ edit on Wikidata] The Venture 21 is an American trailerable sailboat that was designed by Roger MacGregor as a racer - cruiser and first built in 1966. [1] [2] [3] Boat reviewer Darrell Nicholson noted, "capitalizing on the fiberglass revolution in boatbuilding, MacGregor's ...

  9. Specifications MACGREGOR 21

    MACGREGOR 21 Sailboat Data Hull Type: Swing Keel Rigging Type: Masthead Sloop LOA: 21.00 ft / 6.40 m LWL: 18.50 ft / 5.64 m S.A. (reported): 206.00 ft² / 19.14 m² Beam: 6.83 ft / 2.08 m Displacement: 1,175.00 lb / 533 kg Ballast: 400.00 lb / 181 kg Max Draft: 5.50 ft / 1.68 m Min Draft: 1.00 ft / 0.30 m Construction: FG First Built: 1980 Last ...

  10. 1977 macgregor Venture 21

    The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ ... yacht built by MacGregor Yachts. It was updated and renamed MACGREGOR 21 in 1980. Thanks to 'sea-scooter' for providing updated information. This listing is presented by ...

  11. Venture 21

    The Venture 21 is a 21.0ft cutter designed by Roger MacGregor and built in fiberglass by Macgregor Yacht Corp between 1966 and 1979. The Venture 21 is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. ... 5.50 ft Displacement: 1500 lbs ...

  12. Macgregor 21 Boats for sale

    Year 1968. Make Macgregor. Model Venture 21. Category Daysailer Sailboats. Length 21.0. Posted Over 1 Month. 68' Venture 21 sailboat with trailer and outboard motor. This is a swing keel trailer sail boat with a shallow draft. 18" with keel up and 5' 6" down. Hull is in good shape and was painted 2yrs. ago.

  13. MacGregor Venture 21 boats for sale

    1977 MacGregor Venture 21. $3,100. Cincinnati, OH 45242 | Private Seller. Request Info. <. 1. >. Find 1 MacGregor Venture 21 Boats boats for sale near you, including boat prices, photos, and more. For sale by owner, boat dealers and manufacturers - find your boat at Boat Trader!

  14. PDF OWNER'S INSTRUCTIONS V21, V22, V25

    Bolt it to the hinged mast step with a 1/4" x 4" bolt and lock (nylon insert) nut. The 1/4" bolt hole in the mast is near the spreaders. Put a rubber washer on the bolt on each side of the mast to keep it from wearing on the hinged mast step. Make sure the nut is tight. If it comes off, things could get very bad.

  15. Windward 21 macgregor

    The Windward 21 macgregor is a 21.0ft cutter designed by Roger MacGregor and built in fiberglass by Windward Yachts (USA) between 1966 and 1969. The Windward 21 macgregor is an ultralight sailboat which is a very high performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

  16. Macgregor sailboats for sale by owner.

    Macgregor preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Macgregor used sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. ... Sailboat Added 21-Apr-2017 More Details: MacGregor 26M: Length: 26' Beam: 7'9' Year: 2012: Type: cruiser: ... Ft Myers FL, Florida Asking $25,500. 21' Marine Concepts SeaPearl 21 Trimaran Stone Mountain, Georgia ...

  17. Macgregor Yachts for sale

    What MacGregor model is the best? Some of the most iconic MacGregor models currently listed include: Macgregor 26m Sl, 65, 26 \"X\", 26x and 40 Catamaran. Various MacGregor models are currently offered for sale by specialized yacht brokers, dealers and brokerages on YachtWorld, with listings ranging from 1989 year models up to 2011.

  18. Specifications WINDWARD 21 (MACGREGOR)

    WINDWARD 21 (MACGREGOR) Sailboat Data Hull Type: Swing Keel Rigging Type: Cutter LOA: 21.00 ft / 6.40 m LWL: 18.50 ft / 5.64 m S.A. (reported): 175.00 ft² / 16.26 m² Beam: 6.83 ft / 2.08 m Displacement: 1,200.00 lb / 544 kg Ballast: 400.00 lb / 181 kg Max Draft: 5.50 ft / 1.68 m Min Draft: 1.00 ft / 0.30 m Construction: FG First Built: 1966 ...

  19. Solo mast stepping Venture 21

    Sailboat: MacGregor 26X. Location: Rochester, NY '99X BF50 'Tomfoolery'. Re: Solo mast stepping Venture 21. by Tomfoolery » Sat Sep 18, 2021 4:04 pm. Two words: Baby Stays. My came with baby stays to hold the mast against lateral movement when stepping, and those are common on Macs. They mount about 6 ft up the mast, one on each side, with an ...

  20. Macgregor Yachts for sale

    MacGregor boats on Boat Trader. MacGregor is a boat builder in the marine industry that offers boats for sale spanning different sizes on Boat Trader, with the smallest current boat listed at 21 feet in length, to the longest vessel measuring in at 65 feet, and an average length of 25.98 feet.