Venture 222 Information, Review, Specs

With its compact size and thoughtful design, the Venture 222 quickly earned a reputation as an ideal choice for weekend cruising, day sailing, or club racing. It offered a compelling blend of sailing capability and the convenience of trailerability, a hallmark of Roger MacGregor's innovative approach to boat design.

History and Design

The Venture 222's production commenced in 1971 and continued for over a decade, concluding in 1982. This period was integral to MacGregor Yacht Corp.'s growth, as the company, founded by Roger MacGregor in the early 1960s, focused on creating small, trailerable sailing yachts. The "Venture" brand, under which the Venture 222 was released, represented MacGregor's initial foray into the market before all models eventually transitioned to carrying the "MacGregor" name after 1969. The company's ethos, even in these early years, was to produce boats that were not only fun to sail but also incredibly easy to transport and manage, directly addressing common barriers to boat ownership.

The Venture 222 shares many similarities with its siblings, the Venture 22 and the later MacGregor 22. While largely consistent in their fundamental design, these models featured minor differences in hardware, hatch types, and small rig dimensions throughout their production runs. Roger MacGregor, the principal designer for many of the company's models, including the Venture line, aimed to provide an economical and simple cruiser that could appeal to new sailors and families.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Weighing in at 2,000 pounds displacement, with 500 pounds of ballast, the Venture 222 is a light-displacement monohull. This relatively light construction, combined with a total sail area of approximately 208.88 square feet, suggests a boat that can perform adequately in lighter winds, typical of inland lakes or protected coastal waters. The ballast, composed of iron and contributing to 25% of the boat's displacement, provides a reasonable degree of stability for a boat of its size, allowing it to stand up to a moderate breeze.

With a length overall of 22 feet and a waterline length of 18.17 feet, the Venture 222 is designed for maneuverability. Its shallow minimum draft of 1.0 foot, combined with a maximum draft of 4.5 feet due to its wing keel, allows for access to shallow anchorages and easier retrieval for trailering. Anecdotal evidence from owners often describes the Venture series as generally easy to handle, though some small trailerable boats in this class can be tender in strong winds, requiring sailors to be attentive to sail trim. Forum discussions indicate that the Venture 222 is considered a solid option for learning to sail and for couples seeking a smaller, easily managed boat for weekend excursions.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications for the Venture 222's interior accommodations are not extensively provided in structured data, the design as a cruiser implies a functional, albeit compact, living space. Typically, boats of this size from the era would feature a basic cabin layout designed to accommodate overnight stays for a small crew or family. Owners often describe the interior as relatively simple and straightforward, allowing for customization and renovation.

Based on common layouts for trailerable cruisers, the Venture 222 would likely include a V-berth forward for sleeping, a small galley area possibly with a sink and space for a portable stove, and a compact salon with bench seating that could convert into additional berths. Storage would be present in lockers and under seating. Ventilation would typically be managed through a forward hatch and possibly a few portlights. The finish quality would generally align with the builder's focus on affordability and accessibility, often featuring fiberglass surfaces that are easy to maintain, with some wooden trim. Owners frequently undertake interior refurbishment projects, highlighting the potential for personalizing the space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Venture 222 consistently praise its affordability, ease of trailering, and its suitability as an entry-level sailboat. Many appreciate its robust construction for a boat of its type, often noting its "nice and solid" feel despite its age. The ability to easily launch and retrieve the boat, coupled with its shallow draft, makes it highly versatile for exploring various waterways. The active owner community on various forums speaks to the enduring appeal and support available for these classic MacGregor-designed vessels.

However, as with any older boat, owners frequently mention common maintenance issues related to the age of the vessels. These can include needing to update or repair original hardware, issues with hatch types, and addressing small rig differences that may have occurred over the production run. Interior refurbishment is also a common project, with owners often gutting and redesigning the cabin to better suit their needs or refresh aged surfaces. Despite these typical challenges of owning a vintage boat, the overall sentiment among owners remains positive, valuing the Venture 222 as a practical and enjoyable sailboat.