The search results provide a good amount of information, especially considering the MacGregor 21 was also known as the Venture 21. It seems the boat was designed by Roger MacGregor as a trailerable racer-cruiser with affordability and ease of use in mind.
Here's a breakdown of how the information will be used:
Introduction:
- Essence: Trailerable racer-cruiser, affordable, easy to launch/retrieve, fun to sail.
- Designer: Roger MacGregor.
- Builder: MacGregor Yacht Corp.
- Context: Mention MacGregor's reputation for accessible, versatile "power-sailers."
History and Design:
- Production: 1980-1985 (MacGregor 21), but notes indicate it was originally the Venture 21 from 1966-1979, 12]. I need to clarify this timeline. The states MacGregor 21: production start 1980, end 1985. Notes: "Called the Venture 21 from 1966 - 1979". Wikipedia confirms the MacGregor 21 was designed in 1980, and the Venture 21 in 1966. So, I should probably focus on the MacGregor 21's specific production, but acknowledge its Venture 21 predecessor.
- Designer's philosophy: Designed by Roger MacGregor to be affordable, easy to trailer and launch, and fun to sail, with enough room below for gear. Part of MacGregor's "trailerable power-sailers" philosophy, though the 21 is more sailing-focused than later models like the 26M. It has a swing keel for shallow water access.
- Variations: The search mentions "Venture 21 (two versions)" in a brochure, but no major "MkI vs MkII" type variations are strongly highlighted for the MacGregor 21 specifically, beyond the name change from Venture. The keel type is "wing" in the, but results also mention "centerboard" and "swing keel". These terms are often used interchangeably for a lifting keel that allows shallow draft. I'll use "swing keel" as it seems more common in reviews. There's a mention of older Venture 21 keel winches being a common ratchet type vs. braked mechanisms on later MacGregors.
Sailing Performance and Handling:
- Qualitative description: Light displacement (1175 lbs), narrow beam (6.83 ft), long waterline (18.5 ft). Swing keel (min draft 1.0 ft, max draft 5.5 ft) provides versatility.
- Handling: Sails well downwind and on a reach, not as good upwind. Handles gusts surprisingly well. Owners report a "big boat" feeling for a 21-footer. Quick and easy to rig. Good stability for a small boat.
- Challenges: Some mention they don't sail incredibly well and build quality isn't amazing.
Accommodations and Layout:
- JSON:
max_headroom_ft: null. - Grounded Search: Several forum threads and a YouTube video refer to interior rebuilds and layouts. While no detailed diagrams, descriptions hint at a basic, functional layout for storing gear. It's a "low setting boat", implying limited headroom. It's a small boat designed for weekenders or daysailing, so interior accommodations would be simple. I'll need to infer typical small cruiser layout.
Owner's Perspectives:
- Strengths: Affordable, easy to trailer/launch, fun to sail, good for skinny water, feels like a "big boat", good stability. Good starter boat.
- Weaknesses/Common Issues: Not great upwind performance. Build quality "isn't amazing" on older models. Keel issues (cast iron fiberglass covered keel can rust and crack if water gets in). Rudder problems mentioned by owners. Hatches falling open can cause sinking. Keel pivot bolt needs to be good.
Now I have enough information to construct the article following the specified structure.