Venture 21 Information, Review, Specs

The Venture 21 emerged from MacGregor Yacht Corp. in 1966, marking the company's entry into monohull sailboat production. Founded by Roger MacGregor, whose academic background influenced a focus on innovative and accessible boat designs, MacGregor Yacht Corp. initially made a name for itself with compact catamarans before venturing into monohulls like the Venture 21. Operating from Costa Mesa, California, the company's core vision was to create boats that were not only enjoyable to sail but also remarkably easy to transport and manage, directly addressing common barriers to boat ownership. During this era, MacGregor's manufacturing ethos emphasized light displacement and shallow draft, characteristics that would become hallmarks of their designs. The Venture 21, with a production run spanning from 1966 to 1979, was a direct reflection of this philosophy, designed to be easily trailerable and manageable for a broad audience. There is no information from the search results regarding significant variations during the production run, such as MkI or MkII versions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Venture 21, while a smaller vessel at 21 feet overall, offers a surprisingly "big boat" feel when sailing. Its design prioritizes stability for a boat of its size, making it less prone to excessive heeling in light winds. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 24.7, the Venture 21 suggests good light-air performance, allowing it to move well even in gentler breezes. Its ballast to displacement ratio, around 26.7%, contributes to its stability, allowing it to stand up to wind relatively well for a small boat. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 237 indicates a moderately light displacement vessel, offering a balance between performance and the inherent stability of a heavier cruiser. Owners have noted that the Venture 21 sails well and can point higher than many comparable boats, though some mention it can sail a bit "wet" in certain conditions. The boat is generally described as quick and easy to rig. The swing keel, which can be raised and lowered, allows for adjustment of the center of lateral resistance, influencing weather helm and overall balance.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Venture 21, while compact, offers basic accommodations suitable for weekend cruising. With a maximum headroom of 4.0 feet, standing upright is generally not possible, typical for a sailboat of this size. Owners frequently discuss modifying the interior layout to enhance livability, often focusing on the V-berth, galley, and porta-potty arrangements. The original interior often features a simple layout with basic gel coat finishes, and owners may add new teak or mahogany trim to upgrade the aesthetic. While detailed descriptions of the original interior configuration are scarce, the design aims to preserve enough sidedeck space for crew movement, suggesting a practical, if modest, interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Venture 21 often praise its suitability as a starter boat due to its affordability and ease of handling. Many appreciate its "big boat" feel despite its small size, and its ability to sail relatively well, even pointing higher than some other small craft. The trailerable nature of the boat is a significant advantage, allowing for easy transport and access to various sailing grounds.

However, several recurring issues and areas for improvement are frequently mentioned by owners. A primary concern is the construction of the swing keel, particularly with older models where the fiberglass-covered cast iron keel can develop issues if water infiltrates, leading to rust expansion and cracking of the fiberglass. This necessitates careful inspection of the keel and keel box for potential rot or damage. Some owners also report rudder problems, indicating that the original rudder design may be a weak point. Furthermore, to keep the price down, MacGregor sometimes used less expensive hardware, leading some owners to upgrade fittings for better performance and durability. Despite these common maintenance considerations, owners often find the Venture 21 to be a worthwhile investment, especially for its price point, offering a solid entry into sailing for many.