Phobos 21 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Phobos 21's production commenced in 2011, joining Dalpol Yacht's successful "Phobos series" which forms a cornerstone of their offerings. Dalpol Yacht, having transitioned from yacht repair to manufacturing in 2001, built its reputation on well-crafted recreational sailboats, primarily using fiberglass construction. Their manufacturing ethos emphasizes versatility, aiming to create yachts suitable for family sailing and extended stays on the water, a philosophy clearly evident in the Phobos 21's design. The designer, Wojciech Spisak, a renowned racer, conceived the Phobos 21 with a clear objective: to provide a boat that is remarkably easy to handle, making sailing accessible to a broad audience. This focus on user-friendliness aligns perfectly with Dalpol's commitment to practical and comfortable yachts. The Phobos 21 notably features a swing keel, allowing for an impressive range in draft, from a mere 0.92 feet with the keel retracted to 4.04 feet when fully extended.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Phobos 21 is known for its straightforward and pleasant sailing characteristics. Its design as a centerboard monohull provides significant versatility, allowing for extremely shallow draft for exploring secluded anchorages or accessing virtually any shoreline [4,. When the centerboard is deployed, it offers sufficient lateral resistance for upwind performance. The boat is equipped with a fractional sloop rig, a choice that benefits cruisers by featuring smaller headsails, which simplifies tacking and overall sail management [6,. Paired with an outboard rudder, the Phobos 21 is consistently described as very easy to handle, providing a surprising level of maneuverability for its size [4,. Auxiliary power is typically provided by a modest 4-6 HP outboard engine.

Accommodations and Layout

The Phobos 21 is remarkably spacious and comfortable for a boat of its dimensions, earning it the endearing description of a "little house by the lake". The interior is designed as a uniform, large space, notably high, well-lit, and ventilated, creating an open and inviting atmosphere without internal barriers. Owners and reviewers often highlight the clever use of space, which accommodates a typical and proven layout featuring four bunks, expandable to sleep up to six individuals. While specific details on materials are limited, the overall finish quality is geared towards practical cruising comfort. Essential amenities for a compact cruiser, such as a sink, cooker, basic kitchen utensils, and an audio system, are commonly found on board, enhancing its livability for weekend trips and short cruises. The cabin boasts a comfortable headroom of approximately 1.69 meters (about 5.54 feet).

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and charter operators generally find the Phobos 21 to be a reliable and user-friendly vessel, reflecting Dalpol Yacht's success in creating durable and easy-to-manage options for their fleets. The boat's consistent popularity in the charter market indirectly speaks to its robust construction and suitability for recreational use, where reliability and straightforward operation are paramount. While detailed collective owner reviews on specific common problems are not widely publicized, individual experiences note issues like potential humidity-related malfunctions with certain original equipment, such as VDO tachometers. However, these tend to be isolated equipment concerns rather than systemic design or construction flaws. The overall sentiment points to the Phobos 21 as a dependable and enjoyable small cruising yacht.