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Venture 21
Designer: Roger Macgregor  ·  Builder: Macgregor Yachts Corp.(Usa)  ·  First built: 1966
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About the Venture 21

A compact and accessible pocket cruiser, the Venture 21 earned a loyal following among sailors looking for an affordable and manageable entry into recreational sailing. Designed with simplicity in mind, this small sailboat appeals to beginners and budget-conscious sailors who want a capable daysailer or weekend cruiser without the complexity of a larger vessel. Well suited to sheltered coastal waters, lakes, and inland waterways, the Venture 21 offers a forgiving sailing experience that makes it an excellent choice for those still building their confidence on the water. Its modest size means launching, trailering, and single-handed sailing are all realistic options, adding to its versatility and appeal for sailors with limited time or resources. While detailed specifications are scarce, the boat's reputation rests on its practical design and ease of handling rather than performance credentials. It is not built for offshore passages or competitive racing, but as a relaxed coastal cruiser it delivers genuine enjoyment. For anyone seeking an uncomplicated introduction to sailing or a low-maintenance weekend escape, the Venture 21 remains a sensible and charming option worth considering.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.50 ft / 5.64 m
Beam 6.83 ft / 2.08 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 1,500.00 lb / 680 kg
Ballast 400.00 lb / 181 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Headroom 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Roger MacGregor
Builder MacGregor Yachts Corp.(USA)
First Built 1966
Last Built 1979
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
252
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
26.67
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
105.76
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. 2.71 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 1.50 ft / 0.46 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.67 ft / 2.34 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 175.00 ft² / 16.26 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Outboard
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 10
Water Capacity 3 gals / 9 L
How It Compares

vs. South Coast 21, Victory 21, Windward 21 Macgregor

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Venture 21 ★
21.0 ft
South Coast 21
21.0 ft
Victory 21
21.0 ft
Windward 21 Macgregor
21.0 ft
LWL
Venture 21 ★
18.5 ft
South Coast 21
14.3 ft
Victory 21
15.0 ft
Windward 21 Macgregor
18.5 ft
Beam
Venture 21 ★
6.8 ft
South Coast 21
6.9 ft
Victory 21
6.3 ft
Windward 21 Macgregor
6.8 ft
Displacement
Venture 21 ★
1 lbs
South Coast 21
2 lbs
Victory 21
1 lbs
Windward 21 Macgregor
1 lbs
Ballast
Venture 21 ★
400 lbs
South Coast 21
625 lbs
Victory 21
500 lbs
Windward 21 Macgregor
400 lbs
Sail Area
Venture 21 ★
South Coast 21
206 sq ft
Victory 21
185 sq ft
Windward 21 Macgregor
175 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Venture 21 ★
252 s/nm
South Coast 21
258 s/nm
Victory 21
276 s/nm
Windward 21 Macgregor
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Venture 21 ★
South Coast 21
20.8
Victory 21
24.3
Windward 21 Macgregor
24.8
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Venture 21 ★
26.7 %
South Coast 21
31.3 %
Victory 21
37.0 %
Windward 21 Macgregor
33.3 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Venture 21 ★
South Coast 21
14.4
Victory 21
10.8
Windward 21 Macgregor
7.5
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Venture 21 ★
South Coast 21
2.20
Victory 21
2.26
Windward 21 Macgregor
2.57
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Venture 21 ★
105
South Coast 21
303
Victory 21
178
Windward 21 Macgregor
84
Hull Speed
Venture 21 ★
South Coast 21
5.1 kts
Victory 21
5.2 kts
Windward 21 Macgregor
5.8 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Venture 21 ★
South Coast 21
2.0
Victory 21
3.9
Windward 21 Macgregor
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