Aquarius 21 Buyer's Guide
The Aquarius 21 is a Peter Barrett–designed 21-foot fiberglass trailer-sailer built by Coastal Recreation Inc. from 1969 until 1977, now out of production. For a shopper scanning the used market, she represents a small, centerboard-equipped coastal cruiser with an outboard and a pop-top cabin — simple, light, and easy to haul.
Layouts on the Used Market
Every example shares the same fundamental plan: a fractional sloop rig, retractable centerboard, transom-hung tiller steering, and a pop-top cabin. Below, sleeping is for two in a bow V-berth plus two quarter berths under the cockpit, with a port-side galley forward of the companionway and a head under the forward berth. Because the model ran only to 1977, any boat offered will be a single-generation design with no later redesign to compare.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
The as-built specification is minimal: an outboard motor, a stove and sink in the galley, and the pop-top cabin structure. Owner additions on the used market tend to be limited to canvas and basic sail-handling gear rather than major systems, since the boat's size and outboard power leave little room for generators or watermakers. A buyer should expect period-correct simplicity and judge any listed upgrades on whether they aid trailering or short coastal hops.
What to Inspect
A survey should focus on the ordinary concerns of a 1969–1977 fiberglass centerboarder: the condition of the solid hull and deck laminate, the transom-hung rudder and tiller, the centerboard trunk and pivot, and the pop-top seal. The outboard mount and its wiring, plus the galley stove and sink, are the only fitted systems worth a close look outboard motor.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Used Aquarius 21 boats are found in the United States. For a buyer, the takeaway is a short checklist: confirm the centerboard retracts smoothly and the trunk is dry; check the pop-top for leaks and sound sealing; verify the transom rudder and tiller are free of play; inspect the hull for ordinary gelcoat and laminate age; and test the outboard and galley fixtures. She is a modest, slow coastal cruiser best suited to simple trailerable sailing.