AMERICAN 21
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 21 ft |
| LWL | 17.67 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft/ 1.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 2,200 lb |
| Ballast | 550 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 25.1 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 23.1 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 7.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 200.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 103.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 176 sq ft |
About the AMERICAN 21
The American 21 is a compact masthead sloop designed by Ron Bertholf and built by American Fiberglass Corp. in 1973. With a displacement of 2200.0 lb and a beam of 8.0 ft, it represents a specific era of small, performance-oriented fiberglass cruising.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal day-sailing and light overnight cruising, appealing to owners who prioritize ease of handling and storage over long-range bluewater capability.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 2200.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.46, the American 21 is not recommended for serious offshore passages but is adequate for protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- It compares favorably to other late-1970s 21-footers like the O'Day 21 or Catalina 22, sharing similar dimensions and a focus on accessible, family-friendly sailing.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the AMERICAN 21 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 21ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the AMERICAN 21yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a AMERICAN 21? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your AMERICAN 21?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the AMERICAN 21
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…