Waarschip 21 CR Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Waarschip 21 CR is characterized by a "dinghy-like" responsiveness that is common among high-quality wooden hulls. Because the wood-epoxy construction results in a significantly lighter displacement than comparable fiberglass vessels, the boat accelerates rapidly in light airs. With a beam of 2.50 meters carried well aft, the 21 CR resists excessive heeling better than the narrower Waarschip models of the 1970s, providing a stable platform when reaching or running.

Handling is precise, aided by a high-aspect-ratio rudder that provides immediate feedback to the tiller. While technical data from the manufacturer suggests a focus on inland and coastal waters, owner anecdotes often highlight the boat's "stiff" feeling, a result of the inherent structural rigidity of its multi-chine epoxy-joined plywood panels. The boat typically carries a fractional rig with a large mainsail, allowing for fine-tuned power control. In heavier conditions, the 21 CR tracks well, though its light weight requires active weight management from the crew to maintain the optimal trim. The hull’s flat sections aft facilitate early planing under asymmetrical spinnakers, a feature that distinguishes the "CR" variant from the brand’s purely cruising-oriented predecessors.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its compact 6.4-meter length, the Waarschip 21 CR offers a functional cabin that accommodates four adults for short-term cruising. The layout is centered around a double V-berth in the bow and two longitudinal settee berths that extend under the cockpit seats. The interior finish is typically characterized by the warm, exposed wood grain of the hull panels, sealed in clear epoxy, which avoids the "plastic" feel of many modern production boats.

The 21 CR is frequently compared to its sibling, the Waarschip 21 LD (Long Distance). While the 21 CR is optimized for speed and versatility in protected waters, the LD variant is often outfitted with a deeper keel and enhanced safety equipment for more ambitious offshore passages. Another notable variation in the 21-foot hull series is the "Tour" version, which sometimes features a more simplified deck layout to prioritize ease of movement for family sailing. In all versions, the use of marine-grade Okoumé plywood ensures that the interior remains dry and insulated, provided the exterior epoxy skin is properly maintained.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

The primary concern for any prospective Waarschip buyer is the integrity of the epoxy coating. While wood-epoxy construction is theoretically "maintenance-free" in the way fiberglass is, any breach in the epoxy skin—such as a deep scratch, a poorly bedded deck fitting, or a collision—can allow moisture to reach the plywood core.

1. Hard Point Inspection: Check the areas where the chainplates and deck hardware are through-bolted. If the holes were not oversized and filled with epoxy "donuts" during construction, moisture may have wicked into the plywood.
2. The "Black Spot" Test: Inspect the interior hull panels for dark discolorations, which are the first sign of moisture ingress behind the epoxy.
3. Keel Attachment: On 21 CR models equipped with the lifting keel option, the trunk and pivot mechanism should be checked for lateral play and wear. For fixed keel versions, examine the "deadwood" area for any signs of compression or cracking at the hull-keel joint.
4. Rudder Play: The high-aspect rudder on this model puts significant stress on the gudgeons and pintles; ensure there is no excessive slop in the bushings.

Community & Resources

The Waarschip community is exceptionally active, largely due to the brand's history of selling boats as kits for home builders. The Waarschipvereniging (Waarschip Association) is the primary technical resource for owners, providing a repository of building plans, maintenance advice, and historical data. This association also organizes regattas and "musters" that are frequently attended by 21 CR owners. Because many 21 CRs were factory-finished or built under professional supervision in Delfzijl, they often command a premium over older home-built models in the secondary market.

The Verdict

The Waarschip 21 CR is a specialist's boat, appealing to those who value the warmth and rigidity of wood but demand modern performance. It excels as a trailer-sailer that can be rigged and launched quickly, offering a level of sailing engagement that few mass-produced fiberglass cruisers can match.

Pros

• Exceptional Rigidity: The wood-epoxy hull provides a quiet, stiff, and high-performance sailing experience.
• Trailerability: At 2.50 meters wide, it remains within standard towing limits, expanding cruising grounds significantly.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of modern hull lines and traditional wooden craftsmanship is unique in the 21-foot class.

Cons

• Maintenance Vigilance: Unlike GRP, the hull requires immediate attention to any surface damage to prevent rot.
• Cramped for Long Stays: While it sleeps four, the low headroom makes it better suited for "weekending" than extended living.
• Resale Sensitivity: Market value is highly dependent on the quality of the original build and the current state of the epoxy coating.