Designed by the renowned L.F. Herreshoff in collaboration with Ron Johnson, this compact pocket cruiser represents thoughtful simplicity in small boat design. Built by Marine Concepts from 1982 onwards, the Sea Pearl 21 achieved respectable production numbers with 415 hulls completed, testament to its appeal among sailors seeking an uncomplicated yet capable vessel. The boat's defining characteristic is its unstayed cat ketch rig, which eliminates standing rigging complexity while providing excellent sail handling and balance. This configuration makes single-handed sailing particularly manageable, as the relatively small sail areas can be easily controlled. The centerboard trunk design allows for shoal water exploration while maintaining reasonable pointing ability when the board is deployed. At just 600 pounds displacement, this lightweight fiberglass construction prioritizes ease of launching and trailering over ultimate seaworthiness in heavy conditions. The Sea Pearl 21 excels in protected waters, day sailing, and weekend coastal cruising where its simple systems and forgiving handling characteristics shine. The comfortable interior accommodations, though compact, make short-term cruising feasible for adventurous sailors. This design appeals to those seeking traditional sailing aesthetics combined with modern convenience, particularly suited for sailors who value simplicity over performance in moderate conditions.
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What is the Sea Pearl 21's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Sea Pearl 21 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 30.63. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Sea Pearl 21's comfort ratio?
The Sea Pearl 21 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 4.88. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Sea Pearl 21 safe for offshore sailing?
The Sea Pearl 21 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.61. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Sea Pearl 21?
The theoretical hull speed of the Sea Pearl 21 is 5.84 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Sea Pearl 21 weigh?
The Sea Pearl 21 has a displacement of 600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 21.00 ft.
How much does a used Sea Pearl 21 cost?
Based on 4 recent market listings, used Sea Pearl 21 sailboats typically sell for between $9,500 and $10,000, with a median asking price of $9,750. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Sea Pearl 21?
The Sea Pearl 21 was designed by L. F. Herreshoff/Ron Johnson, first built in 1982.