Writing in boats.com, the reviewer describes the 21 as a traditionally styled modern gaffer that combines current building techniques and design knowledge with a classic workboat silhouette. It sails remarkably well against many other types and feels safe and secure at sea—the quiet promise behind any pocket cruiser that calls itself a proper sea boat.
Design and Construction
Cornish Crabbers builds every Shrimper to order. Owners specify the hull colour, deck colour, and interior layout rather than choosing a boat from stock. The builder offers a choice of hull colours offset with contrasting deck colours, with off-white currently the trend for decks.
Beyond the cosmetics, the engineering that goes into each Shrimper is impressive. Cornish Crabbers states that layup quality and the strength of the hull and mouldings are design priorities. Cleats and fittings are designed to exceed the loads they’ll carry, an approach that suits a boat intended for family crews sailing in tidal estuaries.
The rudder is transom-hung and fitted with a stainless-steel lifting drop plate. It also incorporates a balance area to reduce loads on the helm.
Rig, Sailing, and Handling
The mast can be stepped easily using the pivoting bowsprit as a lever, helping to keep trailering and launching a one-person job. Compared with an old-fashioned gaff rig from 50 years ago, excess cordage has been all but eliminated. The boat is set up for straightforward sailing, with low loads in the lines.
Its shallow draught makes the Shrimper 21 well suited to exploring sheltered waters with plenty of quiet anchorages. In good weather, it will also happily venture into open water. The hull’s long waterline length allows it to reach six knots reliably in moderate breezes.
For sailors who prefer a taller rig, the Adventure range replaces the gaff with a Bermudan sail plan.
Cockpit and Accommodation
Compared with the Shrimper 19, the 21 provides more comfortable accommodation and a larger cockpit with much more usable, single-level seating. Teak inlays for the cockpit seats are optional.
Below decks, the accommodation is surprisingly spacious, well designed, and attractively finished. Several options allow owners to tailor the layout. There are two settee/quarter berths and a table that also provides extra galley worktop space. Stowage has been improved throughout the boat, including around the galley.
The more separate forecabin has a choice of either a chemical toilet or a sea toilet beneath the head of the berth. Sitting headroom is generous, and the lifting centreboard case doesn’t intrude unduly on legroom.
Auxiliary Power and Equipment
The standard auxiliary is an inboard Yanmar 1GM diesel, with easy-to-use controls led to the cockpit. The builder also lists 6 or 8 hp outboards mounted in a well at the back of the cockpit, or a 9 hp Yanmar 1GM diesel inboard.
Electric propulsion is an emerging option, with various electric inboard and outboard choices available. The electric setup is presented as a specialist solution, particularly for boats based in estuary, Broads, and river home ports.
Verdict
The Shrimper 21 takes the long-running formula of the original 19-foot Shrimper and enlarges it just enough to make weekend cruising genuinely civilised. It does so without sacrificing trailerability or the freedom its shallow draught provides. This is a forgiving boat at sea, built around owner specification and sound mouldings.
Pros
- More comfortable and spacious than the Shrimper 19
- Mast is easily stepped using the pivoting bowsprit as a lever
- Shallow lifting-keel draught suits sheltered-water exploration and easy trailering
- Balanced, transom-hung rudder with drop plate reduces helm loads
- Built to order, with owner-specified hull colour, deck colour, and layout
Cons
- Modest sail area and a six-knot reaching speed make it a gentle cruiser rather than a lively racer
- RCD Category C limits it to sheltered and inshore waters rather than offshore passage-making
