x 21 sailboat

Review of X/21

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.

The boat has more than one rig. One option is a fractional rig. A fractional rig has smaller headsails which make tacking easier, which is an advantage for cruisers and racers, of course. The downside is that having the wind from behind often requires a genaker or a spinnaker for optimal speed. Another option is a masthead rig. The advantage of a masthead rig is its simplicity and the fact that a given sail area - compared with a fractional rig - can be carried lower and thus with less heeling moment.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for X/21 is 1.94, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 5.6 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for X/21 is about 70 kg/cm, alternatively 395 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 70 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 395 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for X/21 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

X 21norton mh

The x 21norton mh is a 21.0ft masthead sloop designed by tom norton and built in fiberglass since 1972..

The X 21norton mh is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat.

X 21norton mh for sale elsewhere on the web:

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X Yachts - X 21 (Norton) FR - Sailboat Data, Parts & Rigging

Sailboat data, rig dimensions and recommended sail areas for X Yachts - X 21 (Norton) FR sailboat. Tech info about rigging, halyards, sheets, canvas and more.

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Boats Review

Why has the xpress x21 pro won the hearts of so many people.

Xpress X21 Pro Review

Reference price:  from $43,995

Type: Perch boat

Weight: 1580 lbs

Carrying capacity: 4 people

What we like about it: The new X-wing fiberglass console facilitates the captain’s driving operations.

What we didn’t like about it: The size of the ship is not small, but the number of passengers available is.

Rating (4.8/5)

The Xpress X21 Pro is undoubtedly outstanding in terms of performance as a professional version of a bass fishing boat. This is not only due to the spaciousness brought by the advantage of this boat’s size, but also due to its various facilities. Below we will give a more detailed explanation of the Xpress X21 Pro in terms of driving experience, fishing experience and specification details.

If you want to know more about the ships, please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to hear from you.

Driving Experience

Since my dad and I love to go out fishing, we were recently looking for a bass fishing boat to satisfy our growing hobby. After considering various factors, we finally decided to get an Xpress X21 Pro, and after months of waiting for a custom boat, we finally got our hands on the boat we wanted.

The weekend after the Xpress X21 Pro arrived, my father and I were eager to go fishing, so we asked my cousin, who also loves this activity, to join us. The day we went out was a beautiful sunny day with a nice breeze, perfect for going out. Our agreed fishing spot was on Lake of the Ozarks, which is often frequented by largemouth bass.

I showed great interest in the new boat and wanted to try driving it, so my dad and cousin agreed to fulfill my wish. Sitting in the driver’s seat, the first thing I felt was that the seat was very comfortable and the high-density material padding felt very soft and skin-friendly.I watched the components on the console, familiarizing myself with their respective purposes.

P riming E ffect

Then I started the engine and with the roar of the outboard engine the boat left the docked shore and headed for the other side of the lake. I turned on the electronic display on the console, which gave a very clear indication of the boat’s position, and based on the results of the fish finder I steered the boat in the direction of the fish. The steering wheel felt good in my hands, and thanks to the hydraulic tilt steering setup, I was able to turn the wheel slowly without any hindrance.

The design of the new X-wing fiberglass console was very user-friendly, while the various components were well arranged and easy to operate. The hot foot with sliders under the console allowed me to rest my feet on it, which not only stretched and relaxed my legs, but also enhanced my control of the boat. After the boat went out for a while, I took my glass of water from the drink holder at the bottom right corner of the console, which is a very thoughtful and convenient design.

Fishing Feeling

When we were about to reach the fish, my father reminded me to turn off the outboard motor in advance and prepare to use the trolling motor to slowly approach the destination. This foot-operated motor is not only easy to operate without bending down, but also has a recessed design that does not easily impede normal walking.

My cousin took out our fishing rods and various fishing gear from the storage space on the front deck and made various preparations. After hanging the bait, I threw the fishing line into the lake with force. I adjusted the fishing chair in the bow of the boat to a comfortable height and sat with the fishing rod in the chair keeping my eyes on the water. My father looked at us all eager to try and proposed a fishing contest to see who eventually caught more fish, and my cousin and I readily agreed.

The more carefully I watched the floating condition, the more I wanted to be the one who came out on top. The time passed, but the three of us were still not moving our rods. Patience! I admonished myself inwardly. The float suddenly twitched on the surface. I reacted quickly by pulling the rod and retrieving the line, and there was a fish hanging from the hook. Nice! The first fish hooked seemed to open the door to a bountiful harvest, and then we were all ready to return with a full harvest. Of course, in the end, it was the experienced father who won our little contest.

Specification

The Xpress X21 Pro has gained the favor of many anglers with its complete equipment configuration and ample space capacity.

First of all, from the design of the cockpit, the seats are not only comfortable to touch but also adjustable according to your riding habits to enhance the captain’s experience as much as possible. The boat’s hydraulic steering system ensures that it turns smoothly and smoothly. There is also the X-wing fiberglass console, which is more aesthetically pleasing and easy to customize from a material standpoint, and even more so from a functional standpoint, which is in line with everyday habits and operates very smoothly.

In addition, various instrument panels such as tachometer and fuel gauge on the console can help the captain understand the vessel’s driving condition in an all-round way and realize reasonable monitoring of the vessel, which further guarantees the safety of boating.

Of course, various professional functional equipment make this boat more conducive to out fishing. Ample storage boxes under the front and rear decks provide enough space for all kinds of fishing gear. There are also two height-adjustable and foldable fishing chairs, which anglers can adjust according to their habits.

In addition, the live well arrangement guarantees the freshness of the trophies, and the trolling motor on the bow can stop the boat at the designated place with a silent effect and accuracy.

Basic Version

In fact, when we were shopping for the Xpress X21 Pro, we also considered other boats in the same series, but ultimately chose the larger X21 Pro after taking into account our family’s overall needs and budget situation. Below I will briefly introduce the basic information of the Xpress X19 Pro in the same series, and hope it will be helpful to you.

Xpress X19 Pro

Xpress X19 Pro and Xpress X21 Pro are very similar in terms of basic structure and features, but there are slight differences in vessel size and price.

On the one hand, the X19 is smaller in length at around 19 feet, which indirectly causes the boat’s weight to be lighter and the maximum engine horsepower to be reduced to 200HP. This will also have an impact on the boat’s sailing speed to a certain extent.

On the other hand, the improved performance of the X21 also means a higher price, starting at $43,995. Whereas, the X19 will be more advantageous in terms of price, with a starting price of around $39,295.

If you feel that the X19 has enough performance to meet your needs, then this boat may be more suitable for you, after all, because it has more obvious advantages in terms of price.

What we like about it

• The 40 gallon fuel tank capacity provides sufficient range for the vessel to sail.
• The inflatable live well guarantees the freshness of the fish caught.
• The various instrument panels on the console, including tachometer, fuel gauge and voltmeter, help the captain to understand all parameters of the voyage.
• The all-welded hull structure is stronger and more durable.
• The hydraulic tilt steering device guarantees smooth steering of the vessel.
• The new X-wing fiberglass console facilitates the captain’s driving operations.

What we don’t like about it

• The larger size of the boat will make it more laborious to launch and disembark.
• Due to its superior performance, this boat will be less friendly in price for people with limited budget.

1.  What is a hot foot on a bass boat?

The hot foot design means you don’t have to worry about taking your hands off the wheel, and using both the hand throttle and hot foot in rough water can help you keep better control of the boat.

2.  How to use livewell on bass boat?

Generally, professional bass fishing boats are equipped with live well to keep the trophy active. The electrical unit of the live well system is switched on at the console and the aeration is designed to inject sufficient oxygen into the water.

3.  Should I  buy a bass boat?

If your need for fishing is more frequent and you have enough budget, you can certainly buy a bass fishing boat according to your needs. After all, it is simply cool to have a bass fishing boat of your own, which greatly enhances your autonomy to go out and have fun.

Xpress X21 Pro  SPECS

Comparison T able

G3 Sportsman 1910 VS Xpress X21 Pro

If you are not so demanding about the size and performance of your boat, then this G3 Sportsman 1910 may be more in line with your requirements.

The G3 Sportsman 1910 is slightly smaller in size than the Xpress X21 Pro, with a full-length boat of 19’10”. The maximum horsepower of the G3 engine is also reduced to 150HP, which is more than enough drive for those who don’t need too much speed in their boats.

The G3 does perhaps even better in the details, with a marine grade vinyl floor and interior that is not only beautiful and easy to clean and maintain, but also helps with corrosion and water resistance. The dual console set-up takes full account of captain fatigue over long distances, and the co-pilot’s seat is set up to facilitate rotating driving.

Of course, as far as the color scheme of the boat is concerned, I still prefer the design of the X21 Pro, which is full of vitality and dynamism with its bright colors.

Triton 18 TX vs Xpress X21 Pro

The Triton 18 TX and Xpress X21 Pro are similar in terms of functionality and spatial layout, differing only in certain details. On the one hand, the Triton 18 TX’s center console with fiberglass cover is more aesthetically pleasing and easier to clean, and the expanded legroom under the console ensures the captain’s comfort while driving. On the other hand, the Triton 18 TX has a variety of user-friendly details that are very well thought out. The Triton 18 TX also features a large number of user-friendly details, including drink holders on the deck for easy access, and a small table in front of the passenger’s side to provide a place to keep all your belongings and gadgets.

In short, both of these boats are good bass fishing boats, and you can make a reasonable choice with your actual situation.

Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass VS Xpress X21 Pro

If you prefer to go out fishing with more people, then the Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass is really a good choice. This boat, even though it doesn’t dominate in terms of boat size, will have more in terms of seating set up, increasing the maximum number of people it can carry to five. The chrome-plated instrument panel on the console is not only more beautiful and shiny, but also less likely to rust and more durable even when dealing with more humid conditions.

If you are not satisfied with several of the vessels we have described above, please feel free to contact us and we would be honored to be of service to you.

If you’re after a bass boat with outstanding performance, perhaps the Xpress X21 Pro is a good choice. However, the relatively high price tag is also a deterrent for many people.

Don’t worry, even if you’re on a budget, there’s still a chance to get a similar bass boat. The Xpress X21 Pro’s alternative, the Silver Fin , offers a great price point.

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Cal 21: Sailing traits & build quality

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In the ongoing quest for cheap old picnic cruisers under $3000.... There are many 1970s Cal 21s for sale, often for a little as $1500. At 1100 lbs, it's lighter than the SJ21, but it still has a retracting keel w/ 350# of ballast. Floats in 9" of water, which is important. How well-built were the small Cals? Were they reasonably good to sail? What problems did they have I should watch out for?  

sharkbait said: I've got an old cal 29 and there have been a "few" occasions when,due to navigational inconsistencies,I've bumped a rock or two.The only thing damaged was my pride and some bottom paint. Click to expand...

I had a Cal 21 a few years ago. Prior to that, a Grumman 16, Holder 20, Prindle 15, and a Grampian 26. Subsequently I've had an O'Day 20, and a Catalina 309. The Cal 21 was the worst boat I've ever had. By far. It was built well enough, but unlike my other boats, it used plywood bulkheads tabbed to the hull rather than a fiberglass liner. Not necessarily a bad construction technique, but you'd definitely want to look for punk in the bulkheads near the hull in case the boat ever had standing water in it. But, my objection to the Cal was not its construction. It just sailed crappy. My other boats have all had their quirks to be dealt with, but the Cal seemed to do just about everything poorly. I found the boat very tender to sail, with a lot of weather helm. The keel on the 21 is, IMHO, a real piece of crap. Lowering and raising the keel is a pain in the neck. In contrast, the O'Day 20 I had after the Cal sailed like a dream. Sailed stiffer, less weather helm, and you could tie off the tiller and go forward without all hell breaking loose (actually continued to go in the same direction, UNLIKE the Cal). My particular Cal was in good condition with good gelcoat, etc., and to my eye was a good looking boat. It is, however, the only boat I've owned that I deeply regretted owning. My guess would be that the Cal 21 could be picked up at a considerable savings, considering its shortcomings. There are a lot of great Cals out there, but the 21 marked a low point (at least I hope they don't have any others as bad as the 21).  

Additional candidate Siamese: Thanks for the opinion; I wondered about its tracking ability, given a fairly radical slipper shape. Looks like a drift boat! Even the revered SJ21 has dark hints attached about steering, and it's nowhere near as rockered as the Cal. I know the bigger Cals have good reps. The little one looks chintzy, tho. Let's throw the Balboa 21 into the hopper -- chunky hull, but I've read glowing reports on its quality and manners. Opinions? How's the keel to deal with?  

I own a 21'Cal but do not recognize the boat described above. I'd certainly concur that one should over a boat that had had standing water in her hull; any boat. The hull is solid fiberglas, the decks plywood cored. The keel is not designed for sailing partially retracted, not to say one couldn't, but I'm not sure to what effect. If the pivot is in good shape you shouldn't have much trouble with it. It does weigh 400 lbs. I do not regard the boat as excessively tender although you can certainly alter her handling with some well placed crew. The only significant drawback to the boat is that there is not much headroom. The 21' is similar is size to the 20', albeit without the fixed keel. She carries more canvas than the 20' and perhaps the previous poster was alluding to the fact that you can over power her. I normally find about five degrees weather helm. The really big upside to her is that, at 1100 lbs, and 400 of that in the keel bulb, the lightest air will get her going. Like many Lapworth's she'll surf down wind. My 1973 had the original deck hardware, and still would but for my monkeying around. I've had mine six years now and virtually all of the maintenance I've done has been preventative. The boats hold up well. I've had zero deck core issues and have neither heard of blistering nor experienced any. Stepping the mast is easier with two but can be done alone with practise. We generally, when trailering, have the mast stepped, boat launched, and keel lowered in just under forty five minutes. The boat will tow easily with just a minivan. The boat tacks well and accellerates quickly. I regularly single hand and have found little reason not to sail on and off my mooring. If she just had a touch more headroom, but then she wouldn't be a Cal. Feel free to PM me if you wish.  

sailaway21 said: I own a 21'Cal but do not recognize the boat described above. I'd certainly concur that one should over a boat that had had standing water in her hull; any boat. The hull is solid fiberglas, the decks plywood cored. The keel is not designed for sailing partially retracted, not to say one couldn't, but I'm not sure to what effect. If the pivot is in good shape you shouldn't have much trouble with it. It does weigh 400 lbs. I do not regard the boat as excessively tender although you can certainly alter her handling with some well placed crew. The only significant drawback to the boat is that there is not much headroom. The 21' is similar is size to the 20', albeit without the fixed keel. She carries more canvas than the 20' and perhaps the previous poster was alluding to the fact that you can over power her. I normally find about five degrees weather helm. The really big upside to her is that, at 1100 lbs, and 400 of that in the keel bulb, the lightest air will get her going. Like many Lapworth's she'll surf down wind. My 1973 had the original deck hardware, and still would but for my monkeying around. I've had mine six years now and virtually all of the maintenance I've done has been preventative. The boats hold up well. I've had zero deck core issues and have neither heard of blistering nor experienced any. Stepping the mast is easier with two but can be done alone with practise. We generally, when trailering, have the mast stepped, boat launched, and keel lowered in just under forty five minutes. The boat will tow easily with just a minivan. The boat tacks well and accelerates quickly. I regularly single hand and have found little reason not to sail on and off my mooring. If she just had a touch more headroom, but then she wouldn't be a Cal. Feel free to PM me if you wish. Click to expand...

Thanks, Sailaway -- I was hoping you would chime in, given your long experience with this boat. Headroom's never going to be easy on picnickers this size, but for me the cabin is mainly stowage, a place to duck in bad weather, and a sleeping option where camping isn't feasible. Can't stand up in my tent, either! Another boat that has me really intrigued -- the Tanzer 22. That's a luscious-looking ride, and people seem to think it's more seaworthy than most small cruisers. Two foot draft is pushing things. Also the S2 6.9, with a 10" draft. Wierd cabins on the S2s. May be too racy for singlehanding? ETA: Scratch the Tanzer22 -- it's a sweet boat to these eyes, but the CB/keel version is 3100 lbs! It has, basically, a San Juan 21 as ballast. Minivan would blow up.  

bobmcgov said: Thanks, Sailaway -- I was hoping you would chime in, given your long experience with this boat. Headroom's never going to be easy on picnickers this size, but for me the cabin is mainly stowage, a place to duck in bad weather, and a sleeping option where camping isn't feasible. Can't stand up in my tent, either! Click to expand...

Have you Cal21 owners experienced any leaking around the keel pivot pin? That seems like a common issue with this boat. & I wonder if Siamese's difficulties could be attributed to sail condition or mast rake -- suspect anything less than a crisp, trim sail or perfectly located center of effort would make this boat yaw radically. Did you use adjustable backstays to fool with mast rake?  

I have not had any trouble with the pivot pin. I suppose if you had the locking pin inserted and had a good hard grounding you could really stress that area. And, don't quote me on it, but I'd bet the pivot pin is above the waterline as well. I have not had the keel out of her. Leaking, in my opinion, is more likely to occur in the cockpit deck joint to keel trunk joint, and this joint is easily accessible for repair. I do not have an adjustable backstay and have felt no need for one. I would expect a baggy main or too much sail to explain excessive weather helm. I'd emphasize that this boat carries a decent amount of sail for her 1100lb displacement and she doesn't need much of either wind or sail to raise her heels. I find her quite easy to sail, single handed, and very forgiving in her handling. And I'm due for new sails so I expect to enjoy her even more when I'm poorer. "Nodrog" is for sale up in Mass I believe and she's been owned by the same family since new. I thought they'd never sell her. Her owners comments are on the Cal 21 web-site. http://www.calyachts.org/ The overall consensus on the boat seems to be that she's a blast to sail, the keel can be a bit of a pain to raise and lower until familiarity sets in, and that it's a boat that does most things quite well, none poorly, meeting a lot of diverse needs in a trailerable sailboat. Mine has a hatch added for a lazerette in the aft cockpit and it's a welcome addition. I'm going to redo the hatch cover to make it more seaworthy fashioned. The cockpit drains well although I redid and enlarged the seat drains just because. The designed nature of the boat is such that modifying the boat to suit your purposes is quite easy, the keel trunk being the only significant obstacle to work around. I suspect that most of the boats are sailing about without their keel pinned and this does provide some give in grounding with no apparent effect at large angles of heel. I've made up a pin for mine as she had none on purchase, and from the looks of things, none was used much ever. Deck delamination is most likely to be found in the cockpit seats if anywhere, as water can sit there if the drains become plugged/deterioated. You'll want to make sure that you either have or make up a keel board keeper. The plans for it are on the web-site somewhere. It helps keep the keel down, how much I do not know as I've never sailed without it, and it's essential for keeping the cockpit footings dry. It's easy to make one in about an hour and easy to install after lowering the keel. A plywood footing fits over it and the keel well for a nice finished look once the keel is lowered. I've fitted an autopilot to my tiller, although the Davis tiller-tamer and sail adjustment work adequately for day-sailing. To be honest, the first negative comments I've heard about the boat have been here. I'm surprised. They're not selling for a ton of money by any measure and are a very easy boat to own in terms of maintenance, launching, towing, and storage. One must be careful that rudder and outboard do not meet during operation, but that's a common danger in this size boat.  

I'm suprised with the negative comments, too. I owned a 1971 Cal 21 "Joy" for several years and was competely satisfied with her. Abeit, as pointed out below decks was somewhat cramped for more then 2 adults and 2 small kids for more than sitting, but we fair weather camped out and slept in the cockpit and on deck. As compared to the Cal 20, the Cal 21 is quite a bit tender but they are for two different applications... the Cal 20 with its fixed 900 lb keel would be a ***** to trailer and I wouldn't sail the Cal 21 in the SF bay. If one is planning to purchase, scrutinze the keel and its bunk. The classic problem is that the user could loose control of the extending or retracting process and the keel will swing with a good bit of momentum and crack the trunk and/or bend the keel bolt. Which accounts for some of the leaking keel bolt problems, ours weeped somewhat. Joy was modified with a cable that was fixed to the end of the keel so that it would never slip off. There is good support for the boat concerning fixes and mods. Check out ttp://www3.sympatico.ca/sailpair/21stuff/home.html . I always considered Gordon (NODROG's namesake) and Rod Johnson as the gurus of the Cal 21.  

Cal21-"Nodrog" is for sale The boat that Scott and I have mentioned is still for sale. I received an e-mail on the sailnet Cal e-mail service. I also looked up the old photos from the old Cal site. If anyone is still looking for a nice trailer-sailer this might be just the one. A brief perusal of the Cal site and you'll see that this family was pretty fanatical about their 21' Cal, I'd be much surprised if she is not in good condition. Let's see if I can make the links work here. (g) found the following link to work well Loading... -----Original Message----- From: cal [mailto:cal] Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 2:50 PM To: cal Subject: [cal] 1970 CAL 21 for sale Well, after having owned NODROG for 38 years, my Dad has reluctantly been trying to sell her for the past year. If you know of anyone looking to give a nice CAL 21 a good home, here is the link to our classified ad. http://www.bestboatbuys.com/featured_detail_id.las?id=5BXwdNNgWHH5xfuMd I can provide more details on the equipment list, or just send my Dad an e-mail using the e-mail link in the ad. We do not have a trailer since we kept her on a mooring each summer. Price is a very reasonable $2500.00, but we might consider offers. Rod Johnson, "NODROG" 1970 CAL 21, #285 This one has some good photos of the boat within: http://www.cal21.com/ I have not seen this boat, it does not come with a trailer, and while I have no interest financially in the boat, the owners of her have been very prominent in the Cal21 circle. Definitely worth a look at $2500 negotiable.  

Love the trailerability of the Cal 21. Bought the boat in Milwaukee and trailered it to Minneapolis with no problems using my Saturn (4 cyl) to pull it.  

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Xpress Boats Xclusive X21 Bass Boat Review

Terry brown.

• Oct 15, 2014

The product recommendations on our site are independently chosen by our editors. When you click through our links, we may earn a commission. 

The times sure have changed. More and more anglers are seeing aluminum as a great option and manufacturers are stepping up with better built and more fishing friendly features and options. It used to be anglers had to give up features and comfortable ride but not anymore.

The original all-welded Xpress Boats line-up is cutting new ground and bringing “high-performance” into aluminum boats that used to be owned by fiberglass only. The proven Hyper-lift hull, cool graphics and paint schemes, aluminum trailer and user friendly features like plenty of storage and fishability highlight this boat. Once on the water we were impressed with the dry ride and superb fit and finish. The X-21 is  loaded with features like XTreme Coat, custom Xpress seating and custom Xpress paint and graphics that make it functional as well as sharp. With boat lengths up to 21 feet in the Xpress Xclusive Series line-up this boat allows anglers to have everything they want in a tournament equipped bass boat with a cost effective price. This boat ballparks as it set at around 40K. By the way, Xpress Boats was the first all welded aluminum boat.

We recently got to test out the X-21 Xclusive Series from Xpress and honestly were set back by what we saw…literally. Fast, steady, dry and comfortable were words used to describe this test drive.

We took this boat out on a breezy day on Kentucky Lake out of New Johnsonville, Tennessee. Mike Eutsler, Pro Staff Manager from Lew’s jumped behind the cockpit first. Clay Connor from the Xpress Marketing Team rode around with him to get his first take on the boat. “Honestly, if I was blindfolded I would not have known it was an aluminum boat” said Eutsler. “The boat took the waves exceptionally well and it was comfortable and quiet. It surprised me a bit, I guess, with the ride and performance plus the fit and finish. I am totally impressed with the X-21.”

Xpress adds a proprietary XTreme Coat on the gunnels and surfaces that are normally slippery on aluminum boats. The cool part of XTreme coat is it can be color matched to the boat and provides grip even when wet. It quiets the boat and prevents chipping inherent in painted finishes.

The helm of the boat is spacious and includes all of the creature comforts including tilt wheel, a full gauge package, including tachometer, speedometer, trim, fuel and water pressure, and a fiberglass console with adequate space for new larger electronics with plenty of legroom. A drink holder is blended into the console.  The wiring was neatly bundled under the console.  The switch panel(photo below) is easy to get to and sits adjacent to the ignition key. The seats are comfortable and actually give you a sense of security as they wrap around the driver.

Storage in the X-21 includes a large dry center compartment, two rod boxes; one on both sides of the front deck, underseat storage and two rear storage compartments. A large foam encased livewell with split lids compliments this tournament package. Sound deadening and insulating Xtreme coating is sprayed under all storage compartment lids.

Lockable carpeted starboard rod storage with coated lids and a cable race to keep wires need and tidy back to the battery compartment.

Port Rod Storage

Carpeted center front deck storage with rubberized boot for keeping it and equipment in it dry.

Non-skid coated  and functional under-seat storage

Single Split-lid Livewell can be divided for draw tournaments or for separating fish based on size when fun fishing. It too has coated lids for insulation and aids at keeping the water cool.

Large port side rear storage area with carpeted interior

Starboard rear deck storage

The battery compartment is large and gives easy access to batteries, on-board charger, and fuel tank. It can accessed from both inside and outside the boat easily for maintenance. The X21 comes standard with a 30 gallon gas tank , has a 95 inch beam and plenty of room for 4 group 27 batteries.

The front deck is huge and provides trim, navigation lighting and trolling motor switches for easy access while fishing. It is big enough for two anglers to easily fish side by side, and a built in step allows for easy access to the deck from the console. It too is accented with XTreme coat and logo.

We also noted the neat welds, the cleanliness of the trim and and how well the carpet and lids fit. There were no ragged or sharp edges anywhere on the boat and the symmetry of cut-outs and trim were noted and appreciated. The fit and finish of the interior of the boat was superb. The dry riding Hyper-lift hull increases performance and the all alumium tandem trailer built at Xpress was flawless, good looking and simple. The trailer matched the boat perfectly. This boat was set up with a Yamaha 250 SHO engine and manual jackplate from the factory but we felt a hydraulic jackplate could be a better option for adjusting loads and types of water fished. It would however add cost. At nearly 70 mph in 1-2 foot chop this boat was both quiet and sturdy and handled exceptionally well. Tight turns were no problem and it jumped easily on plane. There was no skidding in tight turns and unless over-trimmed had no chine walking or porpoising.

Below are the specifications for the Xpress X21 Xclusive Bass Boat:

BOAT SPECIFICATIONS

The Xpress X-21 Xclusive bass boat has taken tournament size aluminum boats to the next level. Building a pad boat in aluminum is a next generation step and Xpress has it nailed with the X-21 and its Hyper-Lift Performance all-welded hull. The Hyper-lift hull is celebrating 25 years of enhanced cutting edge performance. You can learn more about Xpress Boats at their website.

With a BS in Radio/Television from Illinois State University, Terry Brown had the vision for Wired2fish. He currently serves as the President of Sales for Wired2fish. Prior to that he was director of sales at Bassfan. Brown is not only the best connector in the fishing industry, but he’s also the handiest man around a boat. He can fix just about anything on a boat from electronics to motors and everything in between, and the other team members always rely on him for answers on boat issues. He’s also an accomplished angler, radio host and writer. Another jack of all trades on this avid angling team.

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X-21(Jeppesen)

X-21(Jeppesen) is a 26 ′ 0 ″ / 7.9 m monohull sailboat designed by Niels Jeppesen and built by X-Yachts between 1979 and 1994.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

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• Sailboat Reviews

Venture 21 Used-boat Review

The vintage macgregor is a good example of a budget-friendly boat..

Maybe this has happened to you: You’re on a country road, driving to a wedding (or family vacation or business conference), and you pass a sailboat on a trailer with a “For Sale” sign. It’s not a big boat. It’s not a small boat. But it’s just about right for launching a small adventure with your young family, or maybe you’re looking to downsize. You can’t resist stopping for a closer look. Incredibly, the sign reads “$600,” including a nearly new trailer and an old 4-horsepower, two-stroke outboard that “runs like a top.” You write down the number and drive away, thinking: “Somebody is giving away a perfectly good boat.”

Chances are that “steal of a deal” is a Roger MacGregor-designed Venture 21, and if not, it’s probably one of the many copycats riding the trailer-sailer boom that MacGregor’s little boat ignited. The Catalina 22, the Santana 21, and the San Juan 21 are just some of the boats that followed closely in the wake of the Venture 21’s introduction.

The concept for the Venture 21 came out of MacGregor’s master’s thesis in the Stanford University MBA program. The first hull was introduced in 1965, but full-fledged production didn’t begin until 1967. Several thousand hulls later, the last MacGregor 21 (the boat was renamed in 1980) rolled off the line in 1986 at the MacGregor factory in Costa Mesa, Calif. Today, with some 36,000 sailboat hulls behind it, the company builds just one boat, the hybrid sailboat/powerboat MacGregor 26x.

Although MacGregor sold fewer Venture 21s than its successor—the Venture 22, which later became the pop-top Venture 22-2—the 21’s easy trailerability and affordable price helped it maintain its popularity throughout the 1970s. Capitalizing on the fiberglass revolution in boatbuilding, MacGregor’s business-school project sparked a pivotal marketing shift that helped bring recreational sailing to mainstream America.

While the trailer-sailer boom is far behind us, the Venture 21 and its many look-alikes have renewed relevance today. With their discretionary spending sharply cut, younger sailors are taking the Craigslist-route into sailing, scouring the classified ads for boats that don’t require dock space but still have room for a family sail. Meanwhile, many owners of 30-plus-footers are considering downsizing to a boat that doesn’t require mooring fees and a hefty maintenance bill each spring. For better or for worse, in the dim light of a recession, a back-to-basics giveaway boat on the roadside begins to look awfully enticing. For these and other reasons, PS decided to take a closer look at the Venture 21, which, in many ways, is the epitome of “the boat with a price I couldn’t refuse.”

The Venture 21 was designed to be affordable, easy to trailer and launch, and fun to sail, with enough room below for storing gear, napping, or even spending a night at anchor. It was principally aimed at new sailors, but it also appealed to those who wanted to step up from an open daysailer. Its size, sail area, and hull design were tailored for lakes and bays with fickle breezes of less than 15 knots.

Seaworthiness and performance were important considerations but pragmatism and aesthetic appeal were the driving force behind its design features.

Although the boat’s low headroom and Spartan interior would not qualify it as a weekender today, it was initially marketed as a “cruising” sailboat. A sleep-aboard sailboat that could be hauled around the country behind the family station wagon seemed perfectly in tune with the wanderlust of the 1960s.

While the Venture 21 is regarded as one of the first modern trailer-sailers, no single design element stands out as particularly revolutionary or unique. Instead, MacGregor incorporated proven features that would not only appeal to serious sailors, but also would remain consistent with the public perception of what a good boat should be and look like. In the yacht market, the Cruising Club of America boats were still the aesthetic model. Carl Alberg’s popular Ensign, launched by Pearson in 1962, is a good example of a small boat that clung to the CCA philosophy and aesthetic.

The Venture’s heritage is more closely aligned with two daysailers that were enjoying a surge of popularity on the East Coast in the early 1960s: the 17-foot Day Sailer, designed by George O’Day and Uffa Fox in 1958, and, to a lesser degree, the Phillip Rhodes-designed Rhodes 19, first offered by O’Day in 1959. Both were built by the nascent O’Day Group of Fall River, Mass. The similarities in the three boats are most apparent above the waterline. All have a relatively flat sheer line and spoon-like bow overhang (or spoonbow), elements that predate the modern yachting era.

While the Rhodes 19 still carries fairly deep V-sections well aft, making it a capable performer in the chop typical of its New England home waters, the Day Sailer flattens out, particularly at the stern, giving it fast, near-planing speeds off the wind. Fox and O’Day later refined this feature, earning Fox a reputation as the innovator of the planing dinghy. With a modest V-shape and a relatively fine bow, the Venture 21 lies somewhere between the two Rhodes 19 and the Day Sailer.

The Venture’s swing keel gives it 5 feet, 6 inches of draft—even more than its popular big brother, the Venture 25—and retracts to allow the boat to float in about 15 inches of water. (The brochure says 12 inches.)

Although the original design called for a fractional rig with a 22-foot mast, this was later changed to a masthead rig, giving it quite a bit of horsepower for its era. At the peak of its production in the late 1970s, the Venture 21 enjoyed popularity as a racing boat, with fleets springing up on the Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast, as well as its home waters of Southern California. Although some owners have gone to the trouble of re-routing running rigging, fairing the keel, adding travelers and vangs, and replacing the pinned turnbuckles with threaded turnbuckles, we’d encourage someone inclined toward performance to look at a more modern hull with an active racing fleet.

One of the most notable features is the boat’s 7-foot cockpit, as big as that found in the much larger and heavier Catalina 22. However, unlike the Catalina 22, the San Juan 21, and the successively longer Ventures (V-22, V-23, V-25) that widened the cabintop to provide more interior space, the Venture 21 preserves enough sidedeck for crew to move forward . . . with care. Many V-21s, like the one we sailed, never had lifelines; others have had their lifelines removed. The standard single lifelines—low and poorly supported by widely spaced stanchions—offer a modicum of safety, but these are still less than ideal. In our view, lifelines are not a deal-breaker on a 21-foot daysailer, but if you have small children, a boat that is equipped with lifelines with a supporting pushpit and pulpit would be preferable.

The cockpit has a small lazarette, presumably to store fuel for the small bracket-mounted outboard, but this leads directly to the bilge, a bad idea that presents a potential fire risk. The original boats came equipped with top-grinding winches with short T-tracks for the jib. The boat we sailed had only a single fixed-point for the jib sheet. The end-of-boom mainsheet has a 4:1 purchase that spreads the load to each corner of the stern, a basic setup that limits trim options. Some owners modified the leads and added a mainsheet traveler, although this entails either raising the traveler over the tiller, or moving the sheet forward on the boom; both are compromise solutions.

A modest 18- by 18-inch fiberglass bow hatch allows ventilation down below, as well as a place for sails to be passed down. There is no anchor locker or chain pipe. The boat we sailed had an 8-inch diameter screw-on PVC deck plate that was apparently used as a chain pipe.

Overall, the deck has a functional layout, fine for its primary mission, which is to enjoy some time on the water with very little hassle.

Accommodations

The biggest drawback to the Venture 21’s emphasis on trailerability and a 1960s aesthetic is the lack of headroom below. By keeping the cabintop and topsides profile low, MacGregor produced a boat that, in our view, is better looking than the slab-sided models that followed. However, the end result is a very cramped interior. The VW-camper-inspired pop-top on the Venture 22-2, which came shortly after the Venture 21, offered a compromise that was adopted by a number of boats in this size range. Gradually, the intrinsic appeal of a low profile gave way to market demands. (MacGregor’s current and only model, the M26x, is a classic example of the wedding cake look that eschews traditional aesthetics for the sake of comfort below.)

With two quarter berths and a V-berth, the Venture 21 technically could sleep four, but this sort of arrangement probably would be brief and acrimonious. Although you could pack a lot of gear under the cockpit, actual locker storage is limited. Some ambitious owners have added sinks, small galleys, 12-volt systems, and port-a-potties below, but the boat’s cramped headroom restricts its suitability for more than a few days of cruising. For the 20-something adventurer with aspirations of camp-cruising on one of America’s many inland lakes, it will do just fine, but more than a couple of days aboard a boat this size will be a sure test of any marriage.

Construction

During the Venture 21’s 15-year production run, from 1965-1980, the materials and construction methods used for its deck, rig, structural components, and keel went through several changes. Construction of the hull itself, however, remained virtually unchanged. The hull was hand laid up with woven roven and mat. The layup schedule was a single unit of alternating mat and woven roven. Owners do report flexing in some spots, although we noted none on the boat we tested. The early boats are fairly resin rich, so hull thickness is not necessarily a reflection of strength.

The earliest Ventures had a stick-built interior, with bulkheads and bunks made of resin-coated cuts of plywood that were laminated in place. These earlier versions make it easier for owners to modify or rebuild an interior, and this is almost an inevitable project, given plywood’s propensity to rot and delaminate.

By the mid-1970s, MacGregor switched to a molded liner, which accelerated production and eliminated issues of rot, but added about 200 pounds to the total weight. Large sections of the boat are enclosed and filled with foam—a touted safety feature—but it is nonsense to consider the boat unsinkable, as some websites and blog posts suggest.

About 50 V-21s featured lead keels. The poured lead was anchored to a steel beam, and the entire construction sheathed in fiberglass. This process was not only expensive, but it also presented significant corrosion problems, as water eventually migrated into the fiberglass-encased keel.

Most models have solid iron keels; corrosion, however, is still a problem with these keels, but they can be removed, ground-down, faired, and sealed with an epoxy barrier coat to provide many more years of service. This is the biggest “problem” with the Venture 21, and any buyer should take a close look at the keel and the related components.

The original deck was plywood core, but this was later changed to balsa. In either case, rot is a potential problem (particularly in areas of the owner-installed deck hardware), but none of the 14 owners of Venture 21s who participated in our survey reported significant problems with deck rot.

The hull-to-deck joint was initially a bolted and adhesive-bonded shoebox joint, in which the lip of the deck flange fits over the hull just like a shoebox lid. This was later modified to an outward turning flange joint, with the hull lip turning outward to present a horizontal bonding surface for the deck. In both cases, the joint was bonded with a polyurethane adhesive sealant such as 3M 5200, bolted together, and then covered with an extruded aluminum and vinyl rubrail. Neither joint is as rugged as an inward-turning flange, but this is method is typical for a boat of this size.

Early versions of the Venture 21 were fractional rigs, but the majority were masthead rigs with overlapping jibs. An off-center backstay and upper and lower shrouds add support to the 22-foot mast. Early boats, like the 1969 model that we test sailed, did not have spreaders on the upper shrouds. In windy areas, where mast pumping is a noticeable problem, retrofitting spreaders—or looking for a more suitable boat—would be a good idea. The chainplates are through-bolted to the hull, eliminating the typically rot-prone attachment to plywood bulkheads found in some larger boats of this vintage. The original turnbuckles are the fixed-adjustment type that allow 1/8-inch adjustment intervals, making it hard to tune the rig at sea, but impossible to over-tighten, a common novice error.

The two biggest problems cited in our owners’ survey were the hand-crank keel winch and the keel-retaining bolt. Although the keel winches on later MacGregor models are braked mechanisms that will not spin freely under load, the one on the Venture 21 is a common ratchet-type trailer winch. If it is let go under load, the handle can whip around dangerously. Many owners have replaced this with a braked winch—a good idea, although these winches will require more maintenance. The keel-retaining bolt is a 3/8-inch diameter bolt that is slipped through a hole in the centerboard trunk and a corresponding hole in the keel. It is used to lock the keel in place when sailing in deep water, preventing the keel from flopping back into the hull should the boat capsize or surf down the face of a wave. The retaining bolts are commonly bent during a grounding, and any boat with a bent one should be inspected closely around the hull and keel trunk for other signs of damage.

Overall, the construction is light, but adequate for the boat’s designed purposes. If the deck isn’t too rotten, and the swing keel and keel box aren’t shot, most any other potential problem on the Venture 21 is easily remedied by someone who is handy and has the time.

Performance

During its heyday, the Venture 21 was promoted for it speed. MacGregor touted its position as the first of the “hot retracting keel boats” and the “fastest of its type,” with “planing speeds at over 16 miles per hour.” In this age of ultra-light monohulls and multihulls with eye-popping sail area (see PS, September 2009 and May 2010), this sort of hype seems quaint, but if you compare the Venture 21 to other boats of its era, it is clearly no slouch (See “Venture 21 in Context,” page 11). Its sail area/displacement ratio puts it ahead of several contenders, and its hull form—as mentioned—does give it an ability to hit double-digit speeds in the right hands.

The boat we test sailed was handicapped by ancient sails and an outboard that could not be fully tilted out of the water. Although the boat had a masthead rig, the headsail was a fractional working jib. A 140-percent genoa, found on many boats, would have added about 25 percent to the total sail area. To windward, the boat tacked smartly through 90 degrees, although we’d expect a boat with good sails to point higher. The boat was initially tender on the wind, but once the full effect of the 400-pound keel exerted its influence, the boat settled into a comfortable heel. Despite the deep bellies in her sails, the boat handled gusts surprisingly well, and by adjusting the swing keel’s depth, testers could easily achieve a balanced helm. Off the wind in 12 to 15 knots of breeze, we were able to sustain speeds of 7 knots under working sails alone with the keel almost fully retracted. While not wind-in-your hair sailing by today’s standards, it meets our definition of fun.

Conclusions

After spending some time aboard the Venture 21, we were reminded how much and how little has changed since the boat was introduced more than 40 years ago. Most comparable modern “weekenders” with big cockpits and modest cabins, like the Precision 21 or Catalina Capris 22, offer much more in terms of safety, systems (limited as they are), and modern conveniences. And entry-level daysailers like the thermo-molded Hunter 216 offer more in terms of performance options, such as a sprit for the asymmetrical sail and rigging conveniences like a hydraulic lifting keel. If true small-boat performance with a potential for one-design racing is what you’re after, then a boat like the J/22 presents a more sensible choice.

While overall construction quality has improved over the past 40 years, most daysailer hulls (the Hunter 216 and the balsa-cored J/22 excepted) are still solid fiberglass and laid up by hand, an economical and forgiving method. Many daysailers with cabins are actually much heavier than the lightly built V-21, but they also have much better finish quality.

The bottom line with the Venture 21 is the bottom line. If you hunt around long enough, you are likely to pick up a sailaway boat with a trailer and outboard for less than $3,000­—about the cost of a new trailer. The boat we sailed sold for far less, including the trailer and 4-horsepower Evinrude. If you are really patient, you can probably find a fixer-upper that someone will give to if you promise to drag it off their property.

Is this 40-year-old, mass-produced boat still a viable option for the entry-level sailor, or someone looking to downsize? No question about it. The Venture 21 is not a boat we’d recommend for someone with offshore aspirations or in places like San Francisco Bay where heavy air and a stiff chop would render it wet, slow, and uncomfortable. However, if you plan some coastal or lake adventures and are limited by a 2,000-pound tow capacity and a recession-era budget, then the Venture 21 definitely deserves a look.

There is one key caveat: Because it is easy to underestimate the amount of work required to revive barn-found boat, we would strongly urge looking for a Venture 21 that is in sailaway condition, rather than a project boat. Dealing with the iron keel alone can be a time-consuming project, and despite the boat’s interesting history, this adds little or no to resale value. On the good side, however, should you decide to embark on the restoration of a Venture 21, you will not be alone. Plenty have done it before, and given the boat’s irresistibly low price tag, more will surely follow in their wake.

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What kind of Trailer did your boat have. Mine (1972) is a 4″ welded C Channel, Is this a factory style trailer or somebody’s back yard built. It has the right v notches for the C/B etc.

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Captain missing, 6 people rescued after fishing boat capsizes on river, officials say

HOOD RIVER Ore. ( KPTV /Gray News) - The captain of a fishing guide boat is the only person missing after the ship capsized Wednesday on a river in Oregon.

The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office along with other law enforcement agencies responded to a call of a capsized boat in the Columbia River near the mouth of the White Salmon River around 11:30 a.m.

Officials said six people on the boat were pulled from the water and taken to shore. Two of those rescued were taken to the hospital.

The captain of the ship was the only other person on board. He is still missing, according to Hood River Police.

Investigators said the boat was a 24-foot North River fishing boat last seen in the area of the green navigation buoy near the White Salmon inlet.

The sheriff’s office has not released the names of the people involved out of respect for the families.

The investigation and search for the captain will continue.

Copyright 2024 KPTV via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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