21 or 22" Venture?

[john3357]

For the same money -- is there an advantage to a 22' or 21' ? I know the NADA value is higher on the 22', but is there a significant difference between the two boats? I know the 22' has the pop top. The only reason I am considering the 21' is because it may be easier to trailer. Any thoughts? BTW - both are 1984 models.

[johnnyonspot]

Why would the 21 be more easily trailered? I'd imagine the towing weight is very similar and the difference negligible such that both trailer pretty much the same. I say get the 22 all else held equal. A bit more room and speed doesn't hurt, also better resale value perhaps.

[heinzir]

The 21 is the boat to get if you want speed; it is much faster than the 22 or practically any other boat in its size range. The 22 is the one to get if you want to do any cruising or overnighting; the cabin space is minimal on the 21. Their board up draft is similar and their weight is not all that different so trailering problems should be similar. So choose based on their condition and what you want to use the boat for: the 22 for overnighting and short cruises, or the 21 for fast daysailing.

[MD Dunaway]

The avatar is a cartoonized (for lack of a better word) photo of my 1980 V21. Even after I got the 26 I had to keep it. The 21 is a great little boat. That said there are a couple of things I don't like about it. The main thing is the cabin height. If it were 3-4" higher I could sit straight up in it (I'm 5' 10"). The cabin is comfortable but tight. A night on the water seems to produce bruises on both elbows and both knees. I have never owned a 22 but would have to look at that option closely. The weight of the 22 is 1800lbs vs 1175 for the V21. The keel weights are 500 and 400lb respectively. If you are not at all interested in camping then maybe the lighter boat is for you? If the price and condition were similar I think I would go with the 22' it's probably better all round. Really, I don't think trailoring would be much different.









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[rgranger]

I've owned two V21s and I recently purchased a V2-22. They are very similar. The cabin in the V21 is tight for sleeping in and there is not much stowage. I agree with the advice of the previous poster. My son and I have over nighted in the V21 but it would be hard for an extended trip. The V222 has a much nicer cabin. I also like the cut out transom in the V222. It is really difficult to climb back into the V21 after a swim.

Nice thing about both is you can push them with a larger trolling motor (I have a 55lb thrust). Quite, inexpensive and for the cost of a gas outboard you can afford the troller and a small Honda generator. If you only sail on the weekends then a $25 "trickle" solar panel (try e-bay) will keep your batteries topped off.

Fair winds,

r

[markaram]

I really like both boats but
am happy with a 21 as the chance
to buy one in good shape came up.
A Cal 21 was the other choice but the owner/seller
changed his mind and decided to keep his boat,
which led me to focus more on the 1985 Mac21 that
was still available to buy.
21's and 22's are pretty rare in Ontario, but when
a 22 comes up for sale, Im ususally keeen on getting
out to see it.
I'd like to buy a Mac 22 or Venture 222 but I prefer
a eighties boat and one with a decent keel not too
badly rusted.
One 22 I inspected last summer had chunks of cast iron
that had fallen off the keel leaving gaps and holes in the
keel.
the rest of the boat was in good shape but I decided
to pass on it.
this was a 1979 venture 22.
A replacement cast iron keel would cost 4000 to 4500 dollars.
Macgregor would provide a pattern/plan for the keel.
Anyone looking to purchase one of these sailboats should carefully
inspect the swing keel. It really is the most important part
of the sailboat.