Parker 21 (Trailer Sailer 21) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Parker 21 begins with the Mini-Seal, an IOR mini-ton cruiser/racer designed by Ron Holland for John Baker Ltd. in the early 1980s. This design, characterized by its performance-oriented hull shape including a pronounced IOR stern, laid the groundwork for a compact yet competitive sailing vessel. Parker Liftkeel Yachts, known for their robust construction and clever designs with a strong emphasis on shallow-draft capabilities, acquired the rights to the Mini-Seal design. From 1982 to 1998, Parker transformed this foundation into the Parker 21, integrating their signature lifting-keel philosophy.

During this era, Parker Yachts transitioned their expertise from successful racing dinghies, such as the International 505, into a line of innovative cruising yachts. The Parker 21 embodied this ethos, offering a well-built fiberglass solid hull and deck, indicative of Parker's commitment to quality. While specific variations like "MkI" or "MkII" are not widely documented for the Parker 21 sailboat, the core design remained consistent with its lifting keel, allowing the draft to be reduced from 3.75 feet to a mere 0.83 feet for ease of trailering and shallow-water access.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Parker 21 delivers impressive sailing performance and handling characteristics. Owners frequently praise its "uncanny" stability, a notable trait for a boat of its length overall of just over 21 feet. Described as a "nippy little boat," she is known to be quite fast and handles "pretty good in a chop," making her a confidence-inspiring vessel in various conditions. Her fractional sloop rig provides a versatile sail plan, contributing to her agility and ease of handling for single-handed or short-handed sailing. The ability to significantly reduce her draft means she can sail close to beaches and access areas inaccessible to fixed-keel boats, greatly expanding cruising grounds.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Parker 21, while compact, is thoughtfully arranged to maximize the available space for a vessel of its size. It features a "light airy cabin" with a "surprising amount of open plan interior," which contributes to a more spacious feel below decks. Typical layouts for trailerable cruisers of this size often include a V-berth forward, a small galley area, and a compact salon with seating. Given Parker's reputation, the finish quality generally involved durable fiberglass components with practical, functional design, focusing on efficiency within the limited dimensions. Storage, while not extensive, is usually integrated to support weekend or short-term cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

The Parker 21 enjoys a loyal following among its owners, who consistently highlight several key strengths of the design. Its solid construction and the overall build quality are frequently lauded, reflecting Parker Yachts' heritage of producing durable vessels. Owners particularly appreciate the boat's excellent sailing performance and its remarkable stability for a small trailerable boat, often noting that it "sails extremely well." The defining feature, the lifting keel, is a major draw, providing unparalleled flexibility for exploring shallow estuaries, drying out on beaches, and facilitating easy road transport. This versatility allows owners to access a wider variety of cruising destinations and simplifies storage. While specific common problems for the Parker 21 sailboat are not widely reported in owner forums, the general maintenance associated with an aging vessel of this type, such as re-bedding deck fittings, would be typical considerations for potential buyers.