BALBOA 21
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 21 ft |
| LWL | 18.25 ft |
| Beam | 7.92 ft |
| Draft | 4.58 ft/ 1 ft min |
| Displacement | 2,000 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 BALBOA 21
Originally called the AQUARIUS 21.
The Balboa 21 is a compact fractional sloop designed by Peter Barrett and built by Coastal Recreation Inc. in the USA during 1969. With a hull count listed as ?, this lightweight vessel displaces 2000.0 lb and features a 21.0 ft LOA, offering a nimble sailing experience for its era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable, lightweight package that is easy to trailer and dock. Its fractional sloop rig and 17.98 SA/D ratio make it particularly appealing to single-handers or couples who prioritize ease of handling over heavy offshore endurance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 2000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.52, the Balboa 21 is best suited for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater passages. Its light weight and 10.29 comfort ratio suggest it may feel tender in heavy seas, limiting its offshore suitability.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from the late 1960s include the O'Day 22 and the Catalina 22, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the entry-level cruising market. These vessels are comparable due to their similar LOA dimensions and focus on recreational coastal sailing rather than heavy displacement cruising.
Direct variant of the BALBOA 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
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the BALBOA 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
7 reported issues across 4 systems for the BALBOA 21, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BALBOA 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 7 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
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the BALBOA 21
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