Sailing Performance & Handling
The Quickstep 21 is characterized by a fractional sloop rig and a hull design that prioritizes tracking and light-air responsiveness. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 191, the boat is categorized as a moderate-displacement cruiser, providing enough mass to handle a coastal chop with more grace than lighter dinghy-style boats. Its sailing performance is notably "lively" in light air, a trait attributed to its relatively high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, which ranges between 17.3 and 20.1 depending on the choice of headsail. According to technical data archived by the Quickstep Owners' Group, the boat’s deep forefoot allows it to track exceptionally well, making it easy to keep on course during long reaches.
Under sail, the combination of a stub keel and a 90-pound retractable centerboard provides a versatile draft range from 1.92 feet to 4.33 feet. This configuration enables the boat to point effectively while still maintaining the ability to explore shallow "skinny water" anchorages. However, the same design features that aid its straight-line tracking can make for challenging low-speed maneuvering. Editorial reviews and owner anecdotes suggest that the Quickstep 21 has a wide turning radius, often requiring a "kick" from the outboard motor to pivot sharply when approaching a dock or navigating tight marinas.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite its 21-foot length, the interior of the Quickstep 21 is designed as a functional cruising cabin rather than a mere cuddy. The layout provides sleeping accommodations for four, featuring a V-berth measuring over seven feet in length and two straight settee berths in the main salon. Cabin headroom is approximately 51 to 53 inches, which limits most adults to sitting headroom, yet the space feels more substantial than many competitors due to the extensive use of teak trim, a teak-and-holly sole, and padded backrests.
The galley is split across the forward end of the main cabin, typically equipped with a single-burner stove and a stainless steel sink. One of the more innovative features for a boat of this size is the "hinged head" compartment, which provides a degree of privacy for the portable toilet. Ventilation and light are provided by four screened Lewmar opening ports and a forward hatch, features often omitted on smaller production boats to save costs. Because Quickstep positioned these as semi-custom vessels, variations usually pertain to equipment rather than layout; many were fitted with optional teak cockpit gratings and high-end Hood or Thurston sails.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Quickstep 21 received significant attention from the yachting press during its short production run. A prominent editorial review appeared in the March 1989 issue of Cruising World, where Dan Spurr evaluated the boat’s potential for young families and experienced sailors transitioning to a trailerable platform. The review lauded the boat for its "strength and integrity," noting that the construction lacked the "oilcanning" (flexing) often found in thinner fiberglass hulls. It has also been featured in Steve Henkel’s The Sailor’s Book of Small Cruising Sailboats, where it was praised for its aesthetic appeal and the quality of its Rhode Island-based craftsmanship.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Potential buyers should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas common to boats of this era and construction type:
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of the 1980s, the Quickstep 21 uses a balsa-cored deck. Buyers should check for soft spots or delamination around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step, as moisture ingress in these areas can lead to rot.
- Centerboard and Trunk: The centerboard pendant and the pivot pin should be inspected for wear. While the 90-pound board is manageable, any swelling of the board or debris in the trunk can lead to jamming.
- Rudder Assembly: The boat features a transom-hung, kick-up rudder. The hardware and pintles should be checked for play or stress cracks, as the rudder is a primary control point that undergoes significant stress due to the boat's high tracking stability.
- Plumbing and Scuppers: While the boat is celebrated for having no underwater thru-hulls (the sink and cockpit scuppers drain through or above the waterline), the hoses and connections for these drains should be inspected for age-related brittleness.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for information and technical support is the Quickstep Owners' Group. This association maintains an archive of original brochures, manufacturing notes from Gary Lannigan, and a registry of the surviving hulls. The group is an essential resource for owners looking to source specific hardware or seeking advice on maintaining the boat’s unique semi-custom features.
The Verdict
The Quickstep 21 is an overbuilt, elegant pocket cruiser that offers a "big boat" feel in a trailerable package. It is best suited for coastal cruising and light-air performance rather than aggressive racing or heavy-weather offshore work.
Pros:
- Superior build quality with high-end hardware and balsa-cored decks.
- Excellent straight-line tracking and sea-kindliness for its size.
- Functional, well-appointed interior with genuine teak joinery.
- Shallow draft with centerboard up allows for easy trailering and beaching.
Cons:
- Limited low-speed maneuverability; can be difficult to turn in tight quarters.
- Sitting headroom only (approx. 51–53 inches).
- Rare availability on the used market due to low production numbers.
- Heavier than many comparable 21-footers, requiring a more robust towing vehicle.
