Cornish Shrimper 21 Information, Review, Specs

The Cornish Shrimper 21 builds upon a rich heritage dating back to Roger Dongray's original Shrimper design in 1979. Dongray, known for his passion for classic lines and robust naval architecture, conceived the Shrimper series to be sturdy and capable of handling challenging British waters, while also incorporating practical features like lifting keels for shallow water access. The Shrimper 21, introduced in 2015, saw its design further refined by Dongray alongside D. Thomas, bringing the iconic Shrimper series into a new generation with enhanced features.

Cornish Crabbers, the builder, transitioned from plywood to fiberglass construction early in its history, allowing for series production of traditionally styled boats. This commitment to "modern classics"—boats that blend the spirit of traditional working vessels with contemporary techniques—is evident in the Shrimper 21. The design features a gaff-rigged sloop, a hallmark of many Cornish Crabbers, and a centerboard keel, allowing for a minimum draft of 1.83 ft and a maximum draft of 4.42 ft. This shallow draft capability is a key design philosophy of Cornish Crabbers, enabling exploration of creeks and estuaries. The Shrimper 21 was also offered in a Bermudian rigged version, known as the Adventure 21, providing options for different sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cornish Shrimper 21, with a length overall of nearly 25 feet and a waterline length of 20 feet, is designed to offer a balanced and forgiving sailing experience. Its traditional gaff rig provides ample sail area (252 sq ft reported) for propulsion. Reviews indicate that the Shrimper 21 is a traditionally styled gaffer that incorporates modern boat-building techniques and design knowledge, resulting in improved handling compared to earlier models. Owners and reviewers often describe the boat as seaworthy, a characteristic inherited from its inspiration in traditional British shrimp fishing boats. Its solid fiberglass hull construction contributes to a stable motion, making it a comfortable cruiser for its size. The vessel is equipped with a 9 hp Yanmar diesel engine, providing reliable auxiliary power.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Cornish Shrimper 21 significantly improves upon the accommodation of its smaller sibling, the Shrimper 19, offering a higher degree of comfort and a much larger cockpit for socializing. The interior layout typically includes sleeping for four, with two berths in the main cabin and a V-berth forward. The design allows for a good level of natural light and ventilation, often featuring traditional wood trim and a quality finish that is characteristic of Cornish Crabbers. The layout is often customizable, with owners able to specify certain interior details to their requirements, highlighting the bespoke nature of these vessels. The interior is designed to be practical and functional, suitable for weekend cruising and comfortable overnight stays.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cornish Shrimper 21 frequently praise its solid construction and the distinctive, timeless appeal of its gaff rig. The boat's robust build quality and seaworthiness are consistently highlighted, making it well-suited for a variety of conditions and instilling confidence in sailors. The increased space and comfort compared to the Shrimper 19 are also often cited as significant advantages, allowing for more enjoyable extended cruising. Owners appreciate the lifting keel mechanism, which greatly expands their cruising grounds by allowing access to shallow anchorages and rivers. The strong community surrounding Cornish Crabbers, including active owner associations, further enhances the ownership experience, providing a valuable resource for advice and shared experiences. While specific common weaknesses are not broadly reported, the nature of a gaff rig does involve more lines and a slightly different handling approach compared to a Bermudian rig, which can be a learning curve for some new owners.