ISLANDER 21
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 20.82 ft |
| LWL | 18 ft |
| Beam | 7.83 ft |
| Draft | 3.33 ft |
| Displacement | 1,950 lb |
| Ballast | 1,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 26.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 7.7 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 22.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 7.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 223.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 102 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 173.4 sq ft |
About the ISLANDER 21
The Islander 21 is a compact coastal cruiser designed by J. H. McGlasson and built by McGlasson Marine/Wayfarer Yachts Corp. (USA) in 1965. With a hull count listed as ?, this vessel represents a specific era of American trailerable yacht design, characterized by its 20.82 ft LOA and 1950.0 lb displacement.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and trailerable weekend getaways, appealing to owners who prioritize ease of transport and low maintenance over long-range offshore passage making.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low 149.27 D/L ratio and a 2.51 capsize ratio, the Islander 21 is primarily a coastal cruiser with limited bluewater capability, relying on its 1000.0 lb ballast and 3.33 ft max draft for stability in protected waters rather than heavy ocean swells.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other 1960s trailerable sloops such as the O'Day 23 or Pearson 22, which share similar displacement ranges and trailer-friendly footprints, though the Islander 21 distinguishes itself with a slightly lighter 1950.0 lb displacement and a 22.09 SA/D ratio.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the ISLANDER 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 20.82ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 6 systems for the ISLANDER 21, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ISLANDER 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 10 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
Which engine powers your ISLANDER 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.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Atomic 4, Westerbeke, Perkins — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the ISLANDER 21
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…