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macgregor 21 venture sailboat

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  • Sailboat Reviews

Venture 21 Used-boat Review

The vintage macgregor is a good example of a budget-friendly boat..

macgregor 21 venture sailboat

Maybe this has happened to you: You’re on a country road, driving to a wedding (or family vacation or business conference), and you pass a sailboat on a trailer with a “For Sale” sign. It’s not a big boat. It’s not a small boat. But it’s just about right for launching a small adventure with your young family, or maybe you’re looking to downsize. You can’t resist stopping for a closer look. Incredibly, the sign reads “$600,” including a nearly new trailer and an old 4-horsepower, two-stroke outboard that “runs like a top.” You write down the number and drive away, thinking: “Somebody is giving away a perfectly good boat.”

Chances are that “steal of a deal” is a Roger MacGregor-designed Venture 21, and if not, it’s probably one of the many copycats riding the trailer-sailer boom that MacGregor’s little boat ignited. The Catalina 22, the Santana 21, and the San Juan 21 are just some of the boats that followed closely in the wake of the Venture 21’s introduction.

The concept for the Venture 21 came out of MacGregor’s master’s thesis in the Stanford University MBA program. The first hull was introduced in 1965, but full-fledged production didn’t begin until 1967. Several thousand hulls later, the last MacGregor 21 (the boat was renamed in 1980) rolled off the line in 1986 at the MacGregor factory in Costa Mesa, Calif. Today, with some 36,000 sailboat hulls behind it, the company builds just one boat, the hybrid sailboat/powerboat MacGregor 26x.

Although MacGregor sold fewer Venture 21s than its successor—the Venture 22, which later became the pop-top Venture 22-2—the 21’s easy trailerability and affordable price helped it maintain its popularity throughout the 1970s. Capitalizing on the fiberglass revolution in boatbuilding, MacGregor’s business-school project sparked a pivotal marketing shift that helped bring recreational sailing to mainstream America.

While the trailer-sailer boom is far behind us, the Venture 21 and its many look-alikes have renewed relevance today. With their discretionary spending sharply cut, younger sailors are taking the Craigslist-route into sailing, scouring the classified ads for boats that don’t require dock space but still have room for a family sail. Meanwhile, many owners of 30-plus-footers are considering downsizing to a boat that doesn’t require mooring fees and a hefty maintenance bill each spring. For better or for worse, in the dim light of a recession, a back-to-basics giveaway boat on the roadside begins to look awfully enticing. For these and other reasons, PS decided to take a closer look at the Venture 21, which, in many ways, is the epitome of “the boat with a price I couldn’t refuse.”

The Venture 21 was designed to be affordable, easy to trailer and launch, and fun to sail, with enough room below for storing gear, napping, or even spending a night at anchor. It was principally aimed at new sailors, but it also appealed to those who wanted to step up from an open daysailer. Its size, sail area, and hull design were tailored for lakes and bays with fickle breezes of less than 15 knots.

Seaworthiness and performance were important considerations but pragmatism and aesthetic appeal were the driving force behind its design features.

Although the boat’s low headroom and Spartan interior would not qualify it as a weekender today, it was initially marketed as a “cruising” sailboat. A sleep-aboard sailboat that could be hauled around the country behind the family station wagon seemed perfectly in tune with the wanderlust of the 1960s.

While the Venture 21 is regarded as one of the first modern trailer-sailers, no single design element stands out as particularly revolutionary or unique. Instead, MacGregor incorporated proven features that would not only appeal to serious sailors, but also would remain consistent with the public perception of what a good boat should be and look like. In the yacht market, the Cruising Club of America boats were still the aesthetic model. Carl Alberg’s popular Ensign, launched by Pearson in 1962, is a good example of a small boat that clung to the CCA philosophy and aesthetic.

The Venture’s heritage is more closely aligned with two daysailers that were enjoying a surge of popularity on the East Coast in the early 1960s: the 17-foot Day Sailer, designed by George O’Day and Uffa Fox in 1958, and, to a lesser degree, the Phillip Rhodes-designed Rhodes 19, first offered by O’Day in 1959. Both were built by the nascent O’Day Group of Fall River, Mass. The similarities in the three boats are most apparent above the waterline. All have a relatively flat sheer line and spoon-like bow overhang (or spoonbow), elements that predate the modern yachting era.

While the Rhodes 19 still carries fairly deep V-sections well aft, making it a capable performer in the chop typical of its New England home waters, the Day Sailer flattens out, particularly at the stern, giving it fast, near-planing speeds off the wind. Fox and O’Day later refined this feature, earning Fox a reputation as the innovator of the planing dinghy. With a modest V-shape and a relatively fine bow, the Venture 21 lies somewhere between the two Rhodes 19 and the Day Sailer.

The Venture’s swing keel gives it 5 feet, 6 inches of draft—even more than its popular big brother, the Venture 25—and retracts to allow the boat to float in about 15 inches of water. (The brochure says 12 inches.)

Although the original design called for a fractional rig with a 22-foot mast, this was later changed to a masthead rig, giving it quite a bit of horsepower for its era. At the peak of its production in the late 1970s, the Venture 21 enjoyed popularity as a racing boat, with fleets springing up on the Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast, as well as its home waters of Southern California. Although some owners have gone to the trouble of re-routing running rigging, fairing the keel, adding travelers and vangs, and replacing the pinned turnbuckles with threaded turnbuckles, we’d encourage someone inclined toward performance to look at a more modern hull with an active racing fleet.

One of the most notable features is the boat’s 7-foot cockpit, as big as that found in the much larger and heavier Catalina 22. However, unlike the Catalina 22, the San Juan 21, and the successively longer Ventures (V-22, V-23, V-25) that widened the cabintop to provide more interior space, the Venture 21 preserves enough sidedeck for crew to move forward . . . with care. Many V-21s, like the one we sailed, never had lifelines; others have had their lifelines removed. The standard single lifelines—low and poorly supported by widely spaced stanchions—offer a modicum of safety, but these are still less than ideal. In our view, lifelines are not a deal-breaker on a 21-foot daysailer, but if you have small children, a boat that is equipped with lifelines with a supporting pushpit and pulpit would be preferable.

The cockpit has a small lazarette, presumably to store fuel for the small bracket-mounted outboard, but this leads directly to the bilge, a bad idea that presents a potential fire risk. The original boats came equipped with top-grinding winches with short T-tracks for the jib. The boat we sailed had only a single fixed-point for the jib sheet. The end-of-boom mainsheet has a 4:1 purchase that spreads the load to each corner of the stern, a basic setup that limits trim options. Some owners modified the leads and added a mainsheet traveler, although this entails either raising the traveler over the tiller, or moving the sheet forward on the boom; both are compromise solutions.

A modest 18- by 18-inch fiberglass bow hatch allows ventilation down below, as well as a place for sails to be passed down. There is no anchor locker or chain pipe. The boat we sailed had an 8-inch diameter screw-on PVC deck plate that was apparently used as a chain pipe.

Overall, the deck has a functional layout, fine for its primary mission, which is to enjoy some time on the water with very little hassle.

Accommodations

The biggest drawback to the Venture 21’s emphasis on trailerability and a 1960s aesthetic is the lack of headroom below. By keeping the cabintop and topsides profile low, MacGregor produced a boat that, in our view, is better looking than the slab-sided models that followed. However, the end result is a very cramped interior. The VW-camper-inspired pop-top on the Venture 22-2, which came shortly after the Venture 21, offered a compromise that was adopted by a number of boats in this size range. Gradually, the intrinsic appeal of a low profile gave way to market demands. (MacGregor’s current and only model, the M26x, is a classic example of the wedding cake look that eschews traditional aesthetics for the sake of comfort below.)

With two quarter berths and a V-berth, the Venture 21 technically could sleep four, but this sort of arrangement probably would be brief and acrimonious. Although you could pack a lot of gear under the cockpit, actual locker storage is limited. Some ambitious owners have added sinks, small galleys, 12-volt systems, and port-a-potties below, but the boat’s cramped headroom restricts its suitability for more than a few days of cruising. For the 20-something adventurer with aspirations of camp-cruising on one of America’s many inland lakes, it will do just fine, but more than a couple of days aboard a boat this size will be a sure test of any marriage.

Construction

During the Venture 21’s 15-year production run, from 1965-1980, the materials and construction methods used for its deck, rig, structural components, and keel went through several changes. Construction of the hull itself, however, remained virtually unchanged. The hull was hand laid up with woven roven and mat. The layup schedule was a single unit of alternating mat and woven roven. Owners do report flexing in some spots, although we noted none on the boat we tested. The early boats are fairly resin rich, so hull thickness is not necessarily a reflection of strength.

The earliest Ventures had a stick-built interior, with bulkheads and bunks made of resin-coated cuts of plywood that were laminated in place. These earlier versions make it easier for owners to modify or rebuild an interior, and this is almost an inevitable project, given plywood’s propensity to rot and delaminate.

By the mid-1970s, MacGregor switched to a molded liner, which accelerated production and eliminated issues of rot, but added about 200 pounds to the total weight. Large sections of the boat are enclosed and filled with foam—a touted safety feature—but it is nonsense to consider the boat unsinkable, as some websites and blog posts suggest.

About 50 V-21s featured lead keels. The poured lead was anchored to a steel beam, and the entire construction sheathed in fiberglass. This process was not only expensive, but it also presented significant corrosion problems, as water eventually migrated into the fiberglass-encased keel.

Most models have solid iron keels; corrosion, however, is still a problem with these keels, but they can be removed, ground-down, faired, and sealed with an epoxy barrier coat to provide many more years of service. This is the biggest “problem” with the Venture 21, and any buyer should take a close look at the keel and the related components.

The original deck was plywood core, but this was later changed to balsa. In either case, rot is a potential problem (particularly in areas of the owner-installed deck hardware), but none of the 14 owners of Venture 21s who participated in our survey reported significant problems with deck rot.

The hull-to-deck joint was initially a bolted and adhesive-bonded shoebox joint, in which the lip of the deck flange fits over the hull just like a shoebox lid. This was later modified to an outward turning flange joint, with the hull lip turning outward to present a horizontal bonding surface for the deck. In both cases, the joint was bonded with a polyurethane adhesive sealant such as 3M 5200, bolted together, and then covered with an extruded aluminum and vinyl rubrail. Neither joint is as rugged as an inward-turning flange, but this is method is typical for a boat of this size.

Early versions of the Venture 21 were fractional rigs, but the majority were masthead rigs with overlapping jibs. An off-center backstay and upper and lower shrouds add support to the 22-foot mast. Early boats, like the 1969 model that we test sailed, did not have spreaders on the upper shrouds. In windy areas, where mast pumping is a noticeable problem, retrofitting spreaders—or looking for a more suitable boat—would be a good idea. The chainplates are through-bolted to the hull, eliminating the typically rot-prone attachment to plywood bulkheads found in some larger boats of this vintage. The original turnbuckles are the fixed-adjustment type that allow 1/8-inch adjustment intervals, making it hard to tune the rig at sea, but impossible to over-tighten, a common novice error.

The two biggest problems cited in our owners’ survey were the hand-crank keel winch and the keel-retaining bolt. Although the keel winches on later MacGregor models are braked mechanisms that will not spin freely under load, the one on the Venture 21 is a common ratchet-type trailer winch. If it is let go under load, the handle can whip around dangerously. Many owners have replaced this with a braked winch—a good idea, although these winches will require more maintenance. The keel-retaining bolt is a 3/8-inch diameter bolt that is slipped through a hole in the centerboard trunk and a corresponding hole in the keel. It is used to lock the keel in place when sailing in deep water, preventing the keel from flopping back into the hull should the boat capsize or surf down the face of a wave. The retaining bolts are commonly bent during a grounding, and any boat with a bent one should be inspected closely around the hull and keel trunk for other signs of damage.

Overall, the construction is light, but adequate for the boat’s designed purposes. If the deck isn’t too rotten, and the swing keel and keel box aren’t shot, most any other potential problem on the Venture 21 is easily remedied by someone who is handy and has the time.

Performance

During its heyday, the Venture 21 was promoted for it speed. MacGregor touted its position as the first of the “hot retracting keel boats” and the “fastest of its type,” with “planing speeds at over 16 miles per hour.” In this age of ultra-light monohulls and multihulls with eye-popping sail area (see PS, September 2009 and May 2010), this sort of hype seems quaint, but if you compare the Venture 21 to other boats of its era, it is clearly no slouch (See “Venture 21 in Context,” page 11). Its sail area/displacement ratio puts it ahead of several contenders, and its hull form—as mentioned—does give it an ability to hit double-digit speeds in the right hands.

The boat we test sailed was handicapped by ancient sails and an outboard that could not be fully tilted out of the water. Although the boat had a masthead rig, the headsail was a fractional working jib. A 140-percent genoa, found on many boats, would have added about 25 percent to the total sail area. To windward, the boat tacked smartly through 90 degrees, although we’d expect a boat with good sails to point higher. The boat was initially tender on the wind, but once the full effect of the 400-pound keel exerted its influence, the boat settled into a comfortable heel. Despite the deep bellies in her sails, the boat handled gusts surprisingly well, and by adjusting the swing keel’s depth, testers could easily achieve a balanced helm. Off the wind in 12 to 15 knots of breeze, we were able to sustain speeds of 7 knots under working sails alone with the keel almost fully retracted. While not wind-in-your hair sailing by today’s standards, it meets our definition of fun.

Conclusions

After spending some time aboard the Venture 21, we were reminded how much and how little has changed since the boat was introduced more than 40 years ago. Most comparable modern “weekenders” with big cockpits and modest cabins, like the Precision 21 or Catalina Capris 22, offer much more in terms of safety, systems (limited as they are), and modern conveniences. And entry-level daysailers like the thermo-molded Hunter 216 offer more in terms of performance options, such as a sprit for the asymmetrical sail and rigging conveniences like a hydraulic lifting keel. If true small-boat performance with a potential for one-design racing is what you’re after, then a boat like the J/22 presents a more sensible choice.

While overall construction quality has improved over the past 40 years, most daysailer hulls (the Hunter 216 and the balsa-cored J/22 excepted) are still solid fiberglass and laid up by hand, an economical and forgiving method. Many daysailers with cabins are actually much heavier than the lightly built V-21, but they also have much better finish quality.

The bottom line with the Venture 21 is the bottom line. If you hunt around long enough, you are likely to pick up a sailaway boat with a trailer and outboard for less than $3,000­—about the cost of a new trailer. The boat we sailed sold for far less, including the trailer and 4-horsepower Evinrude. If you are really patient, you can probably find a fixer-upper that someone will give to if you promise to drag it off their property.

Is this 40-year-old, mass-produced boat still a viable option for the entry-level sailor, or someone looking to downsize? No question about it. The Venture 21 is not a boat we’d recommend for someone with offshore aspirations or in places like San Francisco Bay where heavy air and a stiff chop would render it wet, slow, and uncomfortable. However, if you plan some coastal or lake adventures and are limited by a 2,000-pound tow capacity and a recession-era budget, then the Venture 21 definitely deserves a look.

There is one key caveat: Because it is easy to underestimate the amount of work required to revive barn-found boat, we would strongly urge looking for a Venture 21 that is in sailaway condition, rather than a project boat. Dealing with the iron keel alone can be a time-consuming project, and despite the boat’s interesting history, this adds little or no to resale value. On the good side, however, should you decide to embark on the restoration of a Venture 21, you will not be alone. Plenty have done it before, and given the boat’s irresistibly low price tag, more will surely follow in their wake.

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What kind of Trailer did your boat have. Mine (1972) is a 4″ welded C Channel, Is this a factory style trailer or somebody’s back yard built. It has the right v notches for the C/B etc.

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macgregor 21 venture sailboat

Macgregor 21 Boats for sale

21' Macgregor venture sailboat

21' Macgregor venture sailboat

Opelousas, Louisiana

Make Macgregor

Model Venture 21

Category Daysailer Sailboats

Length 21.0

Posted Over 1 Month

68' Venture 21 sailboat with trailer and outboard motor. This is a swing keel trailer sail boat with a shallow draft. 18" with keel up and 5' 6" down. Hull is in good shape and was painted 2yrs. ago. All fittings, mast, boom, rigging , and sails in good shape. A main, working jib , and 150% genoa are included. A mast raising rig is included. Its not original to the boat. I have raised the mast several times alone with it so it works. Though it is much easier with 2 people. Kick-up rudder with 2 tillers are in good shape. A new aux. engine mount was installed 2yrs. ago. Trailer is in excellent shape. New tires,lights, bearings,spare, all in good condition. The coupler extends to help keep your vehicle dry when at the launch. The little cabin stays dry and the door and hatch are fiberglass. Not wood. The keel winch looks almost new. I also have some of the original documents the boat came with. Including a 12 volt Motor Guide trolling motor and marine battery.

2006 Macgregor 26

2006 Macgregor 26

Riverside, New Jersey

2006 Macgregor 26 2006 MacGregor 26With Trailer"Lets Go Big Mac"$ 21,995.* Evinrude E Tec 50 HP O/B Motor* Factory TrailerThis is by far the cleanest, used MacGregor 26 we have ever seen!One owner, lightly used on the fresh water in the Delaware River.

1996 Macgregor 26X

1996 Macgregor 26X

San Diego, California

1996 Macgregor 26X, 1996 MacGregor 26X, Cruiser, Length: 26 feetBeam: 7.8 feet - Hull Material: Fiberglass. Rigging: Sloop, Fractional. Keel: Swing. Rudders: 2 SwingRigging: Steering Wheel. Ballast: Water (1500 lbs.). Max. draft: 5.5'. Dry Wt: 2250 lbs.Use: Fresh or Salt Water. Engine Type: Single Outboard (1999 Mariner 50HP outboard 4-stroke/4-carb)Cooling system rebuilt (10/12) Oil/filter changed (7/12) Electric Start. Fuel filter/water separator. Duel Fuel tanks. New Remote Cables 2014. Power tilt/lift (new 2009). Engine Make: Mariner 50. Primary Fuel Type: Gas. Fuel Capacity 21-30 Gallons. Interior: # of double berths: 3, sleeps 6.Head: Enclosed, port-a-pot, sink. All interior LED Lights. Galley: Alcohol stove + Sink with pump faucet. Electronics: (2) 12- V batteries, Battery Swich, 110-V battery charger, 5-W solar panel/charger. Sony AM/FM/CD/IPOD receiver w/ 2 interior & 2 exterior speakers and remote. VHF radio. LED anchor light. Cockpit: Dodger, oversized wheel, 2 covered, removable fuel tanks.Deck: Boomkicker. All NEW Lines led to cockpit, (2) Lewmar # 6 winches. Anchor with rode & chain. Sails: Battened Mainsail with cover. 2 point reefing system. Furling Genoa with Sunbrella(new)A must see! Great condition, ready to sail & motor. $10000.00, 8588693866

MacGregor 26 Swing Keel Sailboat / Trailer in Excellent Condition ready WI Sail!

MacGregor 26 Swing Keel Sailboat / Trailer in Excellent Condition ready WI Sail!

Egg Harbor, Wisconsin

Make Macgregor 26S

Model 26 Swing Keel With Trailer

Category Sailboats

Length 26.0

The MacGregor 26S MacGregor 26 Swing Keel Sailboat 1994 with Trailer in Excellent Condition ready to Sail! This is a 1994 MacGregor 26S Sailboat with trailer and 8 hp outboard motor in excellent condition. It accepts a 2 inch ball mount trailer hitch. The total trailer weight is about 2000 lbs, so pretty much any V-6 vehicle can tow this without any extra equipment. Any Minivan for example will work fine. It includes everything needed to sail. Three sails including a main, a roller furling Genoa and a drifter / spinnaker are included . This sailboat is wheel steered with binnacle mounted motor remote controls and instruments. Everything is in excellent condition and the trailer tires are brand new Goodyear Marathon trailer tires. It also has an extra motor mount for a trolling motor or small outboard secondary engine. This boat has many upgrades including wheel steering and a Rudder Craft Mac 26S HDPE High Performance Replacement Rudder as well as the stock rudder as a spare, a MMSD pump out porta toilet, a CDI roller furling Genoa and a main sail cover as well as life lines and bow and stern pulpits, a swim ladder, a solar panel and an Autohelm ST 30 Bidata to name a few. The 8 HP Tohatsu (Nissan) outboard model M8B also has electric start and an alternator. The MacGregor 26S, 1990 to 1995, replaced the dagger board with a swing centerboard (which kicks up in an accidental grounding) and made other smaller changes. Together, the 26D and 26S are often called the "classic" MacGregor 26, and sometimes the 26C. Owners of these earlier models tend to refer to them as "the real sailboats" prior to the changes coming with the MacGregor 26X. The V-berth can handle 2 people/kids and has storage underneath, the settee can accommodate another person and plenty more storage under there, in the cabin galley /kitchen area is a sink and a mirrored bulkhead with plenty of storage under the sink. Behind the ladder going into the cockpit is a queen sized, super comfortable bed which is also located right below the cockpit. This boat has a POP-UP roof over the galley area that rotates up and out of the way while boat is at anchor / berth which gives unlimited head room in the cabin. This vessel includes all tools and supplies needed for maintenance and use like a nice Windex for mast top mounting. a manual bilge pump, an anchor with rode, a new gallon of bottom paint, a new fuel tank with hose, a remote controlled stereo, cockpit cushions, a wind scoop etc. I am the third owner of this nice Mac and all paperwork including the Wisconsin Title and the original purchase contract when new are included as well as a IL trailer title from the previous owner. (Note, a few pictures are from the previous owner in IL and we do not have trailer titles in WI.) It is located in Door County, WI in the city of Egg Harbor, WI north of Green Bay at my summer cottage while I live in Milwaukee, WI. If you have any questions please do ask as all inquiries will be responded to. Thanks for your interest. Hull Type: Centerboard (Trunk) Rig Type: Fractional Sloop LOA: 25.82' / 7.87m LWL: 23.50' / 7.16m Beam: 7.82' / 2.38m Listed SA: 235 ft2 / 21.83 m2 Draft (max.) 6.33' / 1.93m Draft (min.) 1.25' / 0.38m Disp. 2850 lbs./ 1293 kgs. Ballast: 1200 lbs. / 544 kgs. SA/Disp.: 18.75 Bal./Disp.: 42.07% Disp./Len.: 98.04 Designer: Roger Macgregor Builder: Macgregor Yacht Corp. (USA) Construct.: FG Bal. type: Water First Built: 1990 Last Built: 1995 # Built: RIG DIMENSIONS KEY I: 22.00' / 6.71m J: 9.67' / 2.95m P: 25.17' / 7.67m E: 10.25' / 3.12m PY: EY: SPL: ISP: SA(Fore.): 106.37 ft2 / 9.88 m2 SA(Main): 129.00 ft2 / 11.98 m2 Total(calc.)SA: 235.37 ft2 / 21.87 m2 DL ratio: 98.04 SA/Disp: 18.78 Est. Forestay Len.: 24.03' / 7.32m Mast Height from DWL: 32.25' / 9.83m BUILDERS (past & present) More about & boats built by: Macgregor Yacht Corp DESIGNER More about & boats designed by: Roger MacGregor NOTES Dry boat weight: 1650 lbs. Centerboard weight: 50 lbs. An earlier model, called the MACGREGOR 26 D was similar but with a (vertically) lifting keel. (also with water ballast = reduced weight for trailering. Not to be adjusted while sailing). Spinnaker area: 360 sq. ft. Click Here for the Owner's Manual Click Here for Information on a Modified Macgregor 26S Click Here for More Pictures of this Vessel Happy Owner's Review: My Experience with the MacGregor 26S ("Classic") "Having owned and sailed extensively a 26S for three years, I can report that indeed it does actually sail fairly well and lives up to its reputation of being a roomy and easily trailered pocket cruiser. At the time it was the only sailboat that met my budgetary needs, had room enough for my family of three to cruise for up to a week at a time, and trailered well to let us explore waters from Maine to Key West. Yes, it's a light boat, but I had a lot of sailing experience and was cautious and never had trouble in winds to 30 knots - and I didn't try anything foolish like taking it offshore. Yes, the fiberglass was thin, but I avoided running into rocks. I took my 3-year-old out on solo daysails and have no regrets. I sold it to a family of four, their first boat, and heard from them a few years later that they'd thoroughly enjoyed tons of sailing. Thousands of other MacGregor owners have had similar experiences."

91 MacGregor 26S 26' Sailboat With Trailer/ Sails/ Rigging, swing keel sail boat

91 MacGregor 26S 26' Sailboat With Trailer/ Sails/ Rigging, swing keel sail boat

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Category Cruiser Motorcycles

Length 25.82' / 7.87m

'91 MacGregor in good condition, comes with trailer, sails (includes roller furling), all rigging and Some extra boxes of parts. No motor included. Excellent boat to learn how to sail, will accommodate a 9.8 / 9.9 hp outboard motor, no mount needed (there is a motor well designed for it). This boat has a swing keel and water ballast system that allows for easy towing and beaching the boat in shallow water. Overall solid and good condition (no soft spots). Trailer included. Buyer is responsible for pickup or transit, the boat is at our warehouse location in NE Minneapolis. Please feel free to ask any questions.. Thanks! WE DO NOT FINANCE! MACGREGOR 26S Hull Type: Centerboard (Trunk) Rig Type: Fractional Sloop LOA: 25.82' / 7.87m LWL: 23.50' / 7.16m Beam: 7.82' / 2.38m Listed SA: 235 ft2 / 21.83 m2 Draft (max.) 6.33' / 1.93m Draft (min.) 1.25' / 0.38m Disp. 2850 lbs./ 1293 kgs. Ballast: 1200 lbs. / 544 kgs. SA/Disp.: 18.75 Bal./Disp.: 42.07% Disp./Len.: 98.04 Designer: Roger Macgregor Builder: Macgregor Yacht Corp. (USA) Construct.: FG Bal. type: Water First Built: 1990 Last Built: 1995 # Built: RIG DIMENSIONS KEY I: 22.00' / 6.71m J: 9.67' / 2.95m P: 25.17' / 7.67m E: 10.25' / 3.12m PY: EY: SPL: ISP: SA(Fore.): 106.37 ft2 / 9.88 m2 SA(Main): 129.00 ft2 / 11.98 m2 Total(calc.)SA: 235.37 ft2 / 21.87 m2 DL ratio: 98.04 SA/Disp: 18.78 Est. Forestay Len.: 24.03' / 7.32m Mast Height from DWL: 32.25' / 9.83m BUILDERS (past & present) More about & boats built by: Macgregor Yacht Corp DESIGNER More about & boats designed by: Roger MacGregor NOTES Dry boat weight: 1650 lbs. Centerboard weight: 50 lbs. An earlier model, called the MACGREGOR 26 D was similar but with a (vertically) lifting keel. (also with water ballast = reduced weight for trailering. Not to be adjusted while sailing). Spinnaker area: 360 sq. ft.

MacGregor 24 poptop Sailboat complete with trailer. sleeps 5

MacGregor 24 poptop Sailboat complete with trailer. sleeps 5

Spanaway, Washington

MacGregor 24 poptop Sailboat complete with trailer [lights work!]. Sleeps 5-6. Has potti. Kickup mahogany rudder. Swing keel for ballast. Interior lighting/wiring system. HD kicker bracket. Main sail and 2 jibs. All halyards, lines sheets [ropes] and blocks [pulleys] included.Hull Type: Swing Keel Rig Type: Fractional SloopLOA: 24.58' / 7.49m LWL: 21.33' / 6.50mBeam: 7.92' / 2.41m Listed SA: 231 ft2 / 21.46 m2Draft (max.) 5.00' / 1.52m Draft (min.) 1.50' / 0.46mDisp. 2100 lbs./ 953 kgs. Ballast: 575 lbs. / 261 kgs.SA/Disp.: 22.59 Bal./Disp.: 27.39% Disp./Len.: 96.60Designer: Roger MacgregorBuilder: Macgregor Yacht Corp. (USA)Construct.: FG Bal. type:First Built: 1971 Last Built: # Built:BUILDERS (past & present)More about & boats built by: Macgregor Yacht CorpDESIGNERMore about & boats designed by: Roger MacGregor For additional information, reply to this ad or see: http://www.vflyer.com/home/crlk?id=297493000&ps=16 vFlyer ID: 297493000

Clipper Marine 23 Poptop sailboat & trailer

Clipper Marine 23 Poptop sailboat & trailer

1977 Clipper Marine 23 Poptop sailboat & trailer Photos Has new winch and swing keel cable. 4 Teak handrails just redone. galvanized trailer. Has Main, Jib, Genoa, and staysail, and in good shape except for a few stains. Auxillary motor mount will hold 9.9 outboard Also available are Tohatsu 6hp or Mariner 15 hp motors and Northwest 21 O'Day 22 MacGregor 25 For additional information, reply to this ad or see: http://www.vflyer.com/home/crlk?id=293869026&ps=16 vFlyer ID: 293869026

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Review of Venture 21

Basic specs., sailing characteristics.

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Venture 21 is 2.57, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 5.8 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Venture 21 is about 78 kg/cm, alternatively 440 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 78 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 440 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Venture 21 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

The Venture 21 is a 21.0ft cutter designed by Roger MacGregor and built in fiberglass by Macgregor Yacht Corp between 1966 and 1979.

The Venture 21 is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat. There is a very short water supply range.

Venture 21 sailboat under sail

Venture 21 for sale elsewhere on the web:

macgregor 21 venture sailboat

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  • Sailboat Guide

1977 macgregor Venture 21

  • Description

Seller's Description

Excellent working condition, sturdy with signs of wear. Recently sailed and camped on. We have loved this boat! New lines. New cushions. Lots of new hardware. Newly refinished teak. Swing keel. Kick-up rudder. Sturdy trailer recently repainted with new lights, new wiring, new tires and waterproof bearings. 6HP Johnson outboard motor and tank, recently serviced and running great. New 12 volt battery. New wiring, interior lights, electrical panel with USB. New bow, stern, and mast light bulbs. Main & jib sails are sturdy & good condition. Anchor. Portable ladder. Two mast supports. 1 7/8 hitch. Super light for towing! 1500 lbs plus trailer and motor. More specs at https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/venture-21. Has been kept under a tarp. This ship is ready to set sail!

Equipment: 6 HP Johnson outboard motor. Trailer. Ladder. Anchor.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The VENTURE 21 was the first (mono-hull) yacht built by MacGregor Yachts. It was updated and renamed MACGREGOR 21 in 1980. Thanks to ‘sea-scooter’ for providing updated information.

This listing is presented by SailboatListings.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

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macgregor 21 venture sailboat

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macgregor 21 venture sailboat

Redline Performance begin in 1995 in Fullerton, CA doing aftermarket high performance outdrives for the boat industry. Mike Porter, owner of Redline, built a rotary sandrail as a hobby to take to Glamis. The car caught attention and people started inquiring about the motor.  Mike soon began building Mazda rotary engines for others...and from there it began.

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New Old Macgregor Venture 21 (1974) Owner with questions

  • Thread starter EV21
  • Start date May 3, 2016
  • Tags flotation foam keel
  • Macgregor Owner Forums
  • Ask A Macgregor Owner

vwjon Mac25

vwjon Mac25

100_0153.JPG

justsomeguy

vwjon Mac25 said: As far as the handle for the sheet winches, I never needed one. Click to expand

Freedom77

HI EV: As VWJON and JUSTSOMEGUY said, probably don't need a handle and you may have a hard time finding one unless someone on the site is parting out. If you are using a big genoa you might need handle. Would suggest investing in some pairs of good sailing gloves. Will save hands later. Bow pulpit, check with Blue Water Yachts in Seattle. They know a lot about Venture/Mac stuff. Also do some fishing on ebay. Fair Winds and Full Sails...Old Salt.  

Thanks All, Encouragement appreciated. Lots to learn, but the n that's what I was looking for. Another question: (Well, maybe 2) Seem to recall mention of some sort of "stop" -- maybe in the keel trunk to apparently align/catch/cushion the keel as it nests into its down/locked position. Can anybody elaborate on if/what that might be? still haven't dropped my keel yet so what's up above the iron in the trunk is still a mystery. Getting ready to set up a hom ebrew lift to get her off the trailer for keel drop. Still probably a few days off. Q#2: Understand about reasoning behind brake winch (definitely not what's installed now) and thankfully the DLB800 by Dutton-Lainson looks readily available and even very reasonable. I'm wondering, however if anybody's tried a worm-drive winch? I know they're slower than snot but my figuring is that worst case we're talking about cranking in/out less than 8' of cable. ???  

topcat0399

There are instances when the time to crank up 8 feet of cable and 600 lbs can seem very very long...  

EV21 said: maybe in the keel trunk to apparently align/catch/cushion the keel as it nests into its down/locked position. Can anybody elaborate on if/what that might be? Click to expand

Some new questions: (Pics attached) #1 -- What is the device mounted on the foredeck just aft of the cleat? (About 3" tall, 1" diameter) #2 -- In the picture of the cabin interior, Looks like the wood "counter top" that has a small, sink installed may have been an owner mod. Can anybody confirm/deny? Did these (1974 V21) boats come with sinks from the factory? #3 -- On the port side, looks like some "hacking" of the fiberglass liner has been done, but can't figure out for what reason. Anybody able to post a picture of what the original fiberglass liner would have looked like? In the "hacked" area, the cut out fiberglass was then patched with a piece of 1/2" plywood attached with some 2-1/2" drywall screws. Thought at first maybe this may have been done to improve keel pivot, lock-down bolt access but with plywood installed, (It was a bear to get those rusted drywall screws out.) access was actually worse. #4 -- On the trailer supplied, which I think is original, looks like someone added aftermarket brackets to elevate bunk boards about 2" both fore and aft -- to the extent that bunk boards are bowed so much that mid section of bunks was not in contact with hull at all and fwd end of bunks was pinching the hull and deforming it visibly. Additionally, appears that two keel rollers are missing and a fixed keel bunk was affixed as a substitute. The "aftermarket" keel bunk is mounted hard to the trailer cross member under aft keel area but it is also resting hard on the trailer axle such that any vertical motion of the axle is transmitted directly to approximately the middle portion of the keel. I'm thinking I'd like to restore the bunk / roller configuration to what I think was probably original. by removing the aftermarket elevating brackets and installing rollers under the swing keel and the crossmember that runs under and about 10" fwd of the keel trunk. Anybody see any potential for problems from "reoriginalizing" my trailer? Thanks  

Attachments

P5100149.JPG

1: That is the base for the mast travel support. I'll post a picture, I have the original parts on my boat. 2: Yes, the port side of the liner is hacked, I'll get you a picture of mine. I believe there was a sink option. I have seen pictures of one installed. I do not have one or a through hull fitting. 3: My trailer is original, I will get pictures  

Thanks, John I'd be curious as to your thoughts as to whether having a sink is worth keeping? Might be handy but I don't plan to be making meals. Most I can imagine might be a little camp stove to heat some morning coffee/tea at anchor or a beach picnic.  

For me she is a day sailor, if on the rare occasion I stay over on board, I'll use paper plates or wash when I get home. No sink also means no drain, no faucet, less hassle.  

I'm leaning the same way. Now what to do with a perfectly good thru hull? What might I want to discreetly discharge overboard?  

I put my battery up next to the keel trunk, so no room for a sink or drain in that location any longer.  

Thanks folks, I think the hull bunks were originally mounted to the welded supports that now have the add-on brackets. Two of the cross members have holes that look like they once had something like a roller--maybe just a board under the keel. In any event, at this point, only keel area support is the one hard board that's also transmitting axle motion to the keel with no discernible cushioning and a V-support near the bow winch. Another piece of this for me is that I've seen (on a MacGregor video) that, approximately, for every inch a boat sits higher on the trailer, you need to back up to a foot further down the launch ramp to get her to float off. Last weekend when I had some help, when we put my boat in a local lake for a leak/float/sink check, with my car in the water up to the rear doors, one of my helpers had to get wet to wrestle her away from the trailer on a line. I'm hoping lowering her on the trailer will help with that. Also hoping that adding some additional keel support will relieve some of the "pinching" of the fwd hull by the fwd edge of the hull bunks. Whatever I try, my plan to keep it reversible.  

Couple more questions: 1. Was noticing the plates that guide the bow, port and starboard chain plates look like they need a re seal and thought about drilling out the pop-rivets that hold them and replacing the rivets with SS screws, washers and nuts. (never been a fan of pop-rivets). Would appreciate thoughts re whether that might create any issues a newbie might not see coming. Similarly, considering replacing as many pop-rivets as able with threaded hardware. Good Idea? I'd like to make anything I do repairable/replaceable with the simplest tools I can to keep my toolkit aboard efficient. 2. Also noted almost all hardware that has a screwdiver-type head uses common slotted screws vs. Phillips or other head types. Is this more a matter of the vintage of the craft ('74) or is there a good reason that slotted screws should be used? I do like the way non-slotted heads capture drivers better and think it might be one less opportunity for a slipping blade to gash me or my boat. Wisdom solicited. 3. In the tooling-maintenance vein, Besides the obvious (duct tape, zip ties, first aid ...) any suggestions as to stuff to carry aboard that might not occur to a new sailor?  

image.jpg

Couple more questions: 1. Was noticing the plates that guide the bow, port and starboard chain plates look like they need a re seal and thought about drilling out the pop-rivets that hold them and replacing the rivets with SS screws, washers and nuts. (never been a fan of pop-rivets). Would appreciate thoughts re whether that might create any issues a newbie might not see coming. Similarly, considering replacing as many pop-rivets as able with threaded hardware. Good Idea? I'd like to make anything I do repairable/replaceable with the simplest tools I can to keep my toolkit aboard efficient. ***Drilling out the rivets and using nuts and bolts is fine - that is we did. The small slotted plates are just trim covers. They will help hold in whatever sealant you might choose to use to keep water out (good luck with that). We are currently using butyl but I'm going to try 4200 next. Nothing stopping you from using nuts and bolts in place of rivets on your boat, just make sure they are stainless.*** 2. Also noted almost all hardware that has a screwdiver-type head uses common slotted screws vs. Phillips or other head types. Is this more a matter of the vintage of the craft ('74) or is there a good reason that slotted screws should be used? I do like the way non-slotted heads capture drivers better and think it might be one less opportunity for a slipping blade to gash me or my boat. Wisdom solicited. ***I have replace almost all of the original fasteners on our boat and all of it is X-tip in place of the old slotted heads.*** 3. In the tooling-maintenance vein, Besides the obvious (duct tape, zip ties, first aid ...) any suggestions as to stuff to carry aboard that might not occur to a new sailor? ***We carry tools to turn and/or adjust any fastener that is on our boat and engine. I carry a lot of tools I guess as well as materials such as bits of plywood and 2x4s and such. Since we always anchor out for lengthy periods and never stay at a dock. Being prepared has saved our bacon a few times - such as when our rudder headstock broke on a really gnarly sailing day. Or the time our main sail ripped from luff to leech, among others. The boyscout motto "be prepared" lives in our boat. **** Some of these things you will have to discover for yourself since every ones use and abilities differ.  

John, Thanks for the photo. Now I'm curious how your mast is supported at the other end. My boat came with a home made trestle lashed to two cleats near the stern with the fwd end tied to a fender the size of a prize winning watermelon. Not too pretty but got down the road. Topcat, thanks for the tips. Wouldn't have thought of stuff like some wood pieces. Where do you keep your lumber? Do you carry spare sails or did you repair the main that ripped? Your mention of a broken rudder is the second instance of somebody telling me about rudder issues. Are rudder problems frequent?  

At the stern is post thing that uses the rudder brackets, I place a spacer under the mast on the cabin top for transport to take most of the load off the transom. I haven't had rudder issues, but I also installed bronze bushings at all the pivot points.  

EV21 said: John, Thanks for the photo. Now I'm curious how your mast is supported at the other end. My boat came with a home made trestle lashed to two cleats near the stern with the fwd end tied to a fender the size of a prize winning watermelon. Not too pretty but got down the road. Topcat, thanks for the tips. Wouldn't have thought of stuff like some wood pieces. Where do you keep your lumber? Do you carry spare sails or did you repair the main that ripped? Your mention of a broken rudder is the second instance of somebody telling me about rudder issues. Are rudder problems frequent? Click to expand

rudder cobble P1230863.JPG

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COMMENTS

  1. VENTURE 21

    MACGREGOR 21 : Download Boat Record: Notes. The VENTURE 21 was the first (mono-hull) yacht built by MacGregor Yachts. It was updated and renamed MACGREGOR 21 in 1980. Thanks to 'sea-scooter' for providing updated information. Sailboat Forum. View All Topics:

  2. Venture 21 Used-boat Review

    The concept for the Venture 21 came out of MacGregor's master's thesis in the Stanford University MBA program. The first hull was introduced in 1965, but full-fledged production didn't begin until 1967. ... The Venture 21 is not a boat we'd recommend for someone with offshore aspirations or in places like San Francisco Bay where heavy ...

  3. Venture 21

    The Venture 21 is an American trailerable sailboat that was designed by Roger MacGregor as a racer-cruiser and first built in 1966.. Boat reviewer Darrell Nicholson noted, "capitalizing on the fiberglass revolution in boatbuilding, MacGregor's business-school project sparked a pivotal marketing shift that helped bring recreational sailing to mainstream America".

  4. Venture 21

    Venture 21 is a 20′ 11″ / 6.4 m monohull sailboat designed by Roger MacGregor and built by Macgregor Yacht Corp between 1966 and 1979. Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. ... The VENTURE 21 was the first (mono-hull) yacht built by MacGregor Yachts. It was updated and renamed MACGREGOR 21 in 1980.

  5. Macgregor 21 Boats for sale

    Make Macgregor. Model Venture 21. Category Daysailer Sailboats. Length 21.0. Posted Over 1 Month. 68' Venture 21 sailboat with trailer and outboard motor. This is a swing keel trailer sail boat with a shallow draft. 18" with keel up and 5' 6" down. Hull is in good shape and was painted 2yrs. ago. All fittings, mast, boom, rigging , and sails in ...

  6. Considering buying a MacGregor 21'.

    42. Macgregor 21 Portland Oregon. Sep 5, 2005. #1. Hello All,u000bu000bRequesting any information that may be helpful in the buying of a 1972 MacGregor Venture 21. u000bu000bI looked at it today, and seems pretty sound, hasn't been in the water since 1999. Owner has main sail, jib and genoa (don't know which) all of which look to be in good ...

  7. Review of Venture 21

    The Venture 21 aka Macgregor 21 is a small sailboat designed by the maritime architect Roger MacGregor in the mid sixties. ... The DL-ratio for Venture 21 is 84 which categorizes this boat among 'ultra light racers'. Heavy Light 92% 0 50 100. 92% of all similar sailboat designs are categorized as heavier. A light displacement requires less ...

  8. Venture 21

    The Venture 21 is a 21.0ft cutter designed by Roger MacGregor and built in fiberglass by Macgregor Yacht Corp between 1966 and 1979. The Venture 21 is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat. There is a very short water supply range.

  9. 1969 MacGregor Venture 21

    The VENTURE 21 was the first (mono-hull) yacht built by MacGregor Yachts. It was updated and renamed MACGREGOR 21 in 1980. Thanks to 'sea-scooter' for providing updated information. This listing is presented by SailboatListings.com. Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

  10. MacGregor Venture 21 Sailboat Interior Rebuild

    In this episode we begin the rebuild of our 1974 venture 21 interior. all the births and their compartments are constructed and installed in the boat. In ...

  11. 1977 MacGregor Venture 21 sailboat for sale in Ohio

    1977 21' MacGregor Venture 21 sailboat for sale in Cincinnati Ohio

  12. Solo mast stepping Venture 21

    Sailboat: MacGregor 26X. Location: Rochester, NY '99X BF50 'Tomfoolery'. Re: Solo mast stepping Venture 21. by Tomfoolery » Sat Sep 18, 2021 4:04 pm. Two words: Baby Stays. My came with baby stays to hold the mast against lateral movement when stepping, and those are common on Macs. They mount about 6 ft up the mast, one on each side, with an ...

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  14. Preowned sailboats for sale under 20 feet

    Your search returned 2599 matches of 103466 sailboats posted to date. Pages: ...

  15. 1977 macgregor Venture 21

    The VENTURE 21 was the first (mono-hull) yacht built by MacGregor Yachts. It was updated and renamed MACGREGOR 21 in 1980. Thanks to 'sea-scooter' for providing updated information.

  16. Boat Owners and Vessel Information

    SEAHORSE MARINE ZHONGSHAN LIMITED. 2009. Recreational. 19. 51.7999. Newport Beach CA Boat Owners and Vessel information - owner info, hull identification number, length, year built, ship builder,...

  17. Arizona

    Feb 20, 2011. 7,986. Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX. Nov 25, 2013. #3. Flamingo1 said: New to the site and just bought a 1973 Macgregor Venture 21. Haven't had a chance to put it in the water yet (need a motor of some type). Just wondering how many of you are located in Arizona.

  18. ABOUT

    ABOUT. "From small beginnings, great things can happen." Redline Performance begin in 1995 in Fullerton, CA doing aftermarket high performance outdrives for the boat industry. Mike Porter, owner of Redline, built a rotary sandrail as a hobby to take to Glamis. The car caught attention and people started inquiring about the motor.

  19. New Old Macgregor Venture 21 (1974) Owner with questions

    Great boat. First, make sure your keel winch is the brake type, not the free spinning type trailer winch. To align the bolt holes, let the keel all the way down then have someone look through the hole as you slowly crank up. Count the number of turns till they say stop. As I recall, mine was about 7 turns. This number will be the same every time.