Bay Hen 21 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bay Hen 21 emerged from Sovereign Yacht Co. (which contracted Custom Fiberglass Products of Florida for manufacturing) in 1984, representing an earlier iteration of the highly regarded "Hen boat" series designed by Reuben Trane. While the builder article notes Custom Fiberglass Products of Florida (CFPF) formally introduced "Hen boats" as a distinct line in 1992, the Bay Hen 21 predates this, showcasing Trane's innovative approach to shallow-draft sailing a few years prior. Sovereign Yachts, under its various ownership phases, consistently focused on producing sturdy, trailerable fiberglass sailboats for the cruising market, a philosophy perfectly aligned with the Bay Hen 21's design. The company's manufacturing ethos, often leveraging common hull molds, aimed for practicality and versatility.

Reuben Trane's design philosophy for the "Hen boats" emphasized innovative pocket cruisers, prioritizing shallow-water capability and robust, simple construction. The Bay Hen 21 exemplifies this with its solid fiberglass hull and unique twin, side-by-side centerboards, allowing a remarkable minimum draft of just 0.75 feet when retracted and a maximum draft of 3.5 feet when deployed. This ingenious configuration enables beaching and exploration of virtually inaccessible anchorages.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size and shallow-draft capabilities, the Bay Hen 21 is recognized for its surprisingly lively sailing performance. With a length overall of 21 feet and a waterline length of 18.25 feet, coupled with a reported sail area of 175 square feet, it is characterized as an ultralight, high-performing vessel. [2, 3, Its gaff-headed cat rig is simple to manage, contributing to its appeal as a user-friendly cruiser. Owners frequently commend its ability to sail well and describe it as feeling almost as stiff as a small keel boat, even in challenging conditions.

The Bay Hen 21's design features a hull that is notably slimmer than many comparable sailboats, suggesting a focus on speed. While offering reasonable stability, it is important to note that its ultralight displacement of 900 pounds and design prioritize performance and shallow draft over ultimate righting capability in extreme situations. [3, Its maneuverability and ease of handling in varying sea states are frequently highlighted by owners, making it a capable companion for coastal exploration and gunkholing.

Accommodations and Layout

As a pocket cruiser, the Bay Hen 21 offers a practical, albeit compact, interior designed for overnighting and shelter. The cabin typically features a V-berth forward, providing sleeping accommodations for one or two individuals. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented, it is characteristic of boats in this class to have limited standing headroom, emphasizing a more reclined or seated posture within the cabin. The twin centerboard trunks, a defining feature of its shallow-draft capability, are integrated into the hull design.

Interior finishes often feature traditional elements, reflecting the era of its construction with a focus on durability. Storage is typically modest, designed for essentials required for weekend or short-term cruising. Ventilation would generally rely on a companionway hatch and any small opening ports, if installed. Given its trailerable nature, the emphasis on the Bay Hen 21's design is heavily skewed towards its outstanding on-water performance and its ability to access shallow areas, with interior comfort being functional rather than luxurious.

Owner's Perspectives

The Bay Hen 21 has cultivated a dedicated community of owners who actively discuss their experiences and share insights, notably through online forums such as the "Hensnest@groups.io" group. Owners consistently praise the boat's solid construction and its exceptional ability to explore shallow waters, making it an ideal choice for gunkholing and accessing secluded anchorages. Its sailing characteristics are frequently lauded, with many appreciating its responsiveness and performance in various conditions.

Discussions among owners often revolve around the unique twin centerboard system, with some comparing it to single-board configurations. While generally well-regarded for its stability, some owner feedback has indicated that, as an ultralight design, it possesses a lower righting capability compared to heavier keelboats. Overall, the Bay Hen 21 is celebrated as a fun, versatile, and enduring small cruiser that excels in its niche as a highly capable and accessible shallow-water sailboat.