YAMAHA 21

About the YAMAHA 21

Rig dimensions are from a third party source and not verified.

The Yamaha 21 is a compact fractional sloop designed by the Yamaha Design Group and built by Yamaha in Japan, with production records indicating a single build year of 1979. As a lightweight vessel with a displacement of 2359.0 lb and a D/L ratio of 200.25, it represents a specific era of Japanese recreational boat manufacturing that prioritized accessibility and ease of handling over heavy construction.

Best for:

This boat is best suited for coastal day-sailing and light cruising by couples or small families who prioritize easy trailering and storage, given its 21.1 ft LOA and manageable 4.27 ft max draft. It appeals to owners seeking a low-maintenance, affordable entry into sailing, particularly those willing to perform DIY maintenance on aging fiberglass structures.

Bluewater capability:

With a capsize ratio of 2.45 and a comfort ratio of 12.06, the Yamaha 21 is not designed for offshore passage-making and should be restricted to protected coastal waters due to its light displacement and lack of heavy ballast protection against heavy weather.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and the Catalina 22, as they share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the same market of casual, near-shore sailors. However, the Yamaha 21 distinguishes itself with a significantly lighter displacement and a unique Japanese manufacturing pedigree that differs from the heavier, more robust American designs of the same era.