The boat in question
The story of the project boat that just sits there, and I can’t bring myself to get rid of
MacGregor Venture 21 was the first mass-produced fiberglass sailboat in the United States. It has a simple beauty to it that I find pleasing. I have enjoyed puttering around in and out of this sailboat, getting to know how everything works. Often I think, maybe that was it’s sole purpose when it came to me, just a big toy for a senior citizen to dream on and learn to do things with but not to actually sail.
Small cabin is only four feet high, even as it was originally marketed as a weekender. It provides you with good exercise getting in and out of the cabin. Two people could sleep in the long low cabin, but that would be about it. Still, there is something pleasant about this simple basic cabin. Many owners have done lots of upgrades and modifications to make them more livable. Learning from photos of projects done by others is a lot of fun.
Very unrealistic, had no idea how much boatyards charge to do even minor repairs. I should have listened to the previous owner, who mentioned that the cast iron keel was rusted and cracked. After doing a lot of research online, found it ‘s a common problem and many owners repair the keel themselves. Having no resources or place to do it on my own I have to take it to a boatyard.
Cockpit on the project boat, a Venture 21 is seven feet long, enough for anyone to sleep in under the stars. Sleeping inside is possible for one in the starboard quarter-berth. On the port side, the v-berth can be extended to under the cockpit with a sheet of plywood. Cushions for cabin or cockpit could be made or ordered online.