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Sailboat Specifications

Gulf Coast 21

Masthead Sloop · Swing Keel

Designed by Martin Bludworth · Built by Gulf Coast Sailboats · First built 1972

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LOA 20.50 ft  ·  Beam 7.33 ft  ·  Displacement 1,600.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 163.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Swing Keel
About the Gulf Coast 21 Sailboat

Designed for sailors seeking an affordable entry into coastal cruising, this compact sailboat emerged from the practical boatbuilding traditions of the American Gulf Coast region. The Gulf Coast 21 represents a straightforward approach to small boat design, prioritizing simplicity and seaworthiness over complexity. Built with a focus on durability and ease of handling, this vessel typically features a spacious cockpit relative to its size, making it comfortable for day sailing and weekend adventures. The boat's moderate proportions suggest it would be well-suited for protected waters, coastal exploration, and serving as an ideal trainer for developing sailing skills. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Gulf Coast 21 appears to embody the no-nonsense philosophy common among smaller American production boats of its era. Its design likely emphasizes practical accommodations within the constraints of a 21-foot hull, with basic creature comforts for overnight trips. For sailors considering this model, the Gulf Coast 21 would appeal most to those seeking an uncomplicated boat for learning, casual cruising in sheltered waters, or as an economical introduction to sailboat ownership. Its straightforward nature makes it particularly attractive to first-time buyers or those preferring minimal maintenance complexity.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 20.50 ft / 6.25 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.20 ft / 5.24 m
Beam 7.33 ft / 2.23 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 0.82 ft / 0.25 m
Displacement 1,600.00 lb / 726 kg
Ballast 550.00 lb / 249 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 163.00 ft² / 15.14 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Martin Bludworth
Builder Gulf Coast Sailboats
First Built 1972
Related Sailboats San Juan 21 · Cal 21 · Precision 21 · Holder 20 · Wilderness 21
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gulf Coast 21's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Gulf Coast 21 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.11. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Gulf Coast 21's comfort ratio?

The Gulf Coast 21 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 9.57. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Gulf Coast 21 safe for offshore sailing?

The Gulf Coast 21 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.51. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Gulf Coast 21?

The theoretical hull speed of the Gulf Coast 21 is 5.56 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Gulf Coast 21 weigh?

The Gulf Coast 21 has a displacement of 1,600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 20.50 ft.

Who designed the Gulf Coast 21?

The Gulf Coast 21 was designed by Martin Bludworth, first built in 1972.