Aquarius 21 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Aquarius 21 began production in 1969 and was manufactured until 1977. Coastal Recreation Inc., established in 1968, quickly gained recognition for its "Aquarius" and "Balboa" lines, focusing on fiberglass construction for the recreational market. The company emphasized producing practical and accessible sailboats, often collaborating with notable naval architects. Peter Barrett designed the Aquarius 21 as a cruiser, with a primary goal of creating a stable and easily handled boat. It is widely noted that the Aquarius 21 shares its design with the Balboa 21, indicating a consistent design philosophy across Coastal Recreation's product lines. While specific major variations like "MkI" or "MkII" are not commonly documented, minor production variances are typical for boats of this era and volume, often not affecting the core design or performance significantly.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 21 feet and a waterline length of 18.25 feet, the Aquarius 21 is primarily designed for stability and ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for new sailors or those seeking a relaxed cruising experience. Her wide and stable hull design contributes to a small heeling angle, allowing the boat to sail relatively flat in light to medium wind conditions. Owners frequently describe the Aquarius 21 as "extremely easy to sail" and appreciate its inherent stability, which enhances safety, particularly for families or those sailing with children. While she is not known for high-performance racing, often described as a "pokey old thing" in terms of raw speed, her predictable behavior and comfortable motion in various sea states make her a fun and reliable companion for day sailing and coastal adventures. Her design prioritizes a safe and enjoyable experience over competitive speeds, aligning with her purpose as an accessible cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 21-foot length, the Aquarius 21 offers basic yet functional accommodations suited for overnight stays or weekend trips. The interior layout typically features a V-berth forward, providing sleeping space for two. A small salon area often includes bench seating that can serve as additional berths, and a rudimentary galley typically provides space for a portable stove and a small sink. While specific headroom figures are not widely detailed, it is generally limited, as is common for trailerable boats of this size, requiring occupants to stoop or sit. Storage is often found beneath berths and seating. The construction primarily utilizes fiberglass for the hull and deck, with interior finishes usually being simple, practical fiberglass surfaces, sometimes augmented with minimal wood trim. Owners have often found the cabin layout to be sweet and functional for its size.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Aquarius 21 consistently praise its attributes as a reliable and accessible small cruiser. Its stability and ease of sailing are frequently highlighted as major strengths, making it a highly forgiving boat for beginners and a relaxed platform for experienced sailors. The robust fiberglass construction is generally regarded as durable, with many examples from its production run still actively sailing today. The appeal often lies in its affordability and trailerability, allowing owners to easily explore various waterways. However, common feedback also points to its modest performance, with some owners noting it can be challenging to achieve higher speeds or competitive PHRF ratings. A minor inconvenience sometimes mentioned by owners is the process of raising or lowering the centerboard, which may require going below deck. Despite these minor limitations, the collective sentiment among owners often revolves around the Aquarius 21 being a fun, safe, and capable small sailboat that delivers on its promise of accessible recreational boating.