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Rk 21
Designer: Peter Barrett  ·  Builder: Rk Industries (Usa)  ·  First built: 1972
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About the Rk 21

Designed as a compact and accessible sailboat, the Rk 21 occupies a niche well suited to sailors looking for an entry-level or casual daysailing experience. With limited specification data widely available, the Rk 21 remains a somewhat obscure model, likely produced in modest numbers and intended for sheltered coastal or inland waters rather than demanding offshore passages. Boats in this size class typically prioritize ease of handling and simplicity, making them appealing to newer sailors or those seeking a low-maintenance vessel for relaxed weekend sailing. The Rk 21 would be at home on lakes, bays, and protected coastal areas where conditions remain manageable and the emphasis is on enjoyment rather than performance. For prospective buyers, the limited documentation surrounding this model means that thorough in-person inspection and, where possible, consultation with current or previous owners becomes especially important. Tracking down builder records or class association resources, if they exist, could help fill in the gaps. Despite its obscurity, a well-maintained Rk 21 could still represent a practical and affordable option for the right sailor.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.25 ft / 5.56 m
Beam 7.92 ft / 2.41 m
Max Draft 4.58 ft / 1.40 m
Displacement 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Ballast 665.00 lb / 302 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing keel w/outboard rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Peter Barrett
Builder RK Industries (USA)
First Built 1972
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
33.25
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
146.89
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 3.1 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 1.00 ft / 0.30 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 206.00 ft² / 19.14 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 146.89
How It Compares

vs. Clipper Marine 21, Macgregor 21, Venture 21

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Rk 21 ★
21.0 ft
Clipper Marine 21
20.9 ft
Macgregor 21
21.0 ft
Venture 21
21.0 ft
LWL
Rk 21 ★
18.3 ft
Clipper Marine 21
16.7 ft
Macgregor 21
18.5 ft
Venture 21
18.5 ft
Beam
Rk 21 ★
7.9 ft
Clipper Marine 21
7.3 ft
Macgregor 21
6.8 ft
Venture 21
6.8 ft
Displacement
Rk 21 ★
2 lbs
Clipper Marine 21
1 lbs
Macgregor 21
1 lbs
Venture 21
1 lbs
Ballast
Rk 21 ★
665 lbs
Clipper Marine 21
410 lbs
Macgregor 21
400 lbs
Venture 21
400 lbs
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Rk 21 ★
Clipper Marine 21
270 s/nm
Macgregor 21
263 s/nm
Venture 21
252 s/nm
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Rk 21 ★
33.3 %
Clipper Marine 21
Macgregor 21
34.0 %
Venture 21
26.7 %
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Rk 21 ★
146
Clipper Marine 21
Macgregor 21
82
Venture 21
105
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