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33data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this BAY HEN 21 buyer’s report
BAY HEN 21

BAY HEN 21

Sovereign 96 Inc.πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈΒ· Design: Reuben Trane
from 1984
$600 – $1.7K est. annual maintenance
Performance RacermonoGaff head CatVariable

Specifications

Hull

LOA21 ft
LWL18.25 ft
Beam6.25 ft
Draft3.5 ft/ 0.75 ft min
Displacement900 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL5.7 kn

About the BAY HEN 21

Twin, centerboards, (side by side in separate trunks).

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Bay Hen 21 is a compact, gaff-rigged catboat designed by Reuben Trane and built by Sovereign 96 Inc. in the USA, with production records indicating a single build year of 1984. With a hull count listed as unknown (?), this lightweight vessel offers a unique blend of traditional aesthetics and modern coastal cruising utility.

Best for:
This boat is ideally suited for coastal day-sailors, weekend cruisers, and single-handers who prioritize ease of handling and shallow-draft access over long-range offshore passage-making.
Bluewater capability:
With a low displacement of 900.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 6.34, the Bay Hen 21 is not designed for bluewater cruising but is well-suited for protected coastal waters and short offshore trips.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include other Reuben Trane designs like the Bay Hen 24 or the smaller Bay Hen 17, as well as other 21-foot gaff catboats such as the Pearson 21, sharing similar displacement, rigging, and coastal cruising roles.

Performance

Comfort6.3
Capsize2.59
SA/Disp30.1
Disp/Len66

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the BAY HEN 21 yet. If you own one, help other buyers β€” 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.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$600 – $1.7K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Articles & Reviews

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

8 reported issues across 7 systems for the BAY HEN 21, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

4 critical1 major3 minor
Rudder2Deck1Hull1Rigging1Keel1Electrical1Plumbing1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a BAY HEN 21? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for β€” so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • βœ“ All 8 specific issues β€” severity, symptoms & fixes
  • βœ“ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • βœ“ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor β€” yours to keep

One-time $2.99 Β· secure checkout by Stripe Β· instant access Β· 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

Similar Sailboats

Which engine powers your BAY HEN 21?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us β€” as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Atomic 4 β€” is it one of these?

Already know your engine? Search all engines β†’ to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the BAY HEN 21

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…