Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.8 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 18.5′, the Macgregor 21 tops out around 5.8 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √18.5′ LWL = 5.8 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
263s/nm
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
Ballast / Displacement
34.0%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
83
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.8kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Macgregor 21 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Impulse 21
Hunter 212
Venture 21
Macgregor 21
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
Buccaneer 210
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Macgregor 21.
| Macgregor 21 | Buccaneer 210 | Hunter 212 | Impulse 21 | Sea Pearl 21 | Venture 21 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 21.0 | 20.8 | 21.0 | 21.0 | 21.0 | 21.0 |
| LWL | 18.5 | 18.3 | 18.0 | 18.5 | 19.0 | 18.5 |
| Beam | 6.8 | 8.0 | 9.2 | 8.0 | 5.5 | 6.8 |
| Displacement | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 600 | 1 |
| Ballast | 400 | 900 | 140 | 600 | — | 400 |
| Sail Area | — | 191 | 202 | 208 | 136 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 263 | 282 | 216 | 183 | — | 252 |
| SA/Disp | — | 14.7 | 21.9 | 28.0 | 30.6 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 34.0 | 30.0 | 7.8 | 46.2 | — | 26.7 |
| Comfort | — | 15.2 | 7.7 | 6.5 | 4.9 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.22 | 3.02 | 2.93 | 2.61 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.7 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.8 | — |