AMERICAN 21 (AMI)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 20.75 ft |
| LWL | 17.67 ft |
| Beam | 7.83 ft |
| Draft | 2.17 ft |
| Displacement | 2,500 lb |
| Ballast | 900 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 25 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 23 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 7.8 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 203.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 106.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 180.6 sq ft |
About the AMERICAN 21 (AMI)
Also called AMERICAN 6.5.
Designed by Arthur S. Henry and built by American Mariner Industries (USA) in 1979, the American 21 is a compact masthead sloop with a hull count that remains unverified in available data. With a displacement of 2500.0 lb and a beam of 7.83 ft, it offers a stable yet lightweight platform for its era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend warriors seeking a manageable, trailerable package, particularly those interested in single-handing or short-distance day sailing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low D/L ratio of 202.29 and a capsize ratio of 2.31, the American 21 is not suited for serious offshore passage-making but is adequate for protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- It compares to other late-1970s 20-footers like the O'Day 20 or Catalina 22, sharing similar beam dimensions and masthead sloop rigs, though the American 21's specific production volume is unknown.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 20.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
4 reported issues across 3 systems for the AMERICAN 21 (AMI), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a AMERICAN 21 (AMI)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 4 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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