AQUARIUS 21
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 21 ft |
| LWL | 18.25 ft |
| Beam | 7.82 ft |
| Draft | 4.5 ft/ 1 ft min |
| Displacement | 1,900 lb |
| Ballast | 665 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 18.2 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 7.2 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 19.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 7.2 ft |
| Mainsail | 170.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 65.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 111.4 sq ft |
About the AQUARIUS 21
Said to be the same design as the BALBOA 21.
Designed by Peter Barrett and built by Coastal Recreation Inc. (USA) from 1969–1977, the Aquarius 21 is a compact fractional sloop with a displacement of 1900.0 lb. While the exact number of hulls built is unknown, the model is characterized by its light weight and fractional rig, offering a distinct sailing experience for its era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize ease of handling and storage over heavy offshore capability. Its light displacement and fractional rig make it particularly appealing to single-handers or couples seeking a manageable, responsive daysailer.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 1900.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.53, the Aquarius 21 is not well-suited for extended bluewater passages, as its light weight and comfort ratio of 9.94 indicate a design optimized for coastal performance rather than heavy-weather stability.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Catalina 22 and O'Day 23, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the same entry-level cruising market. These vessels are comparable due to their similar beam widths and focus on recreational coastal sailing rather than heavy displacement cruising.
Direct variant of the AQUARIUS 21
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 21ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 3 systems for the AQUARIUS 21, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a AQUARIUS 21? 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 6 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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Used sails that fit the AQUARIUS 21
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