Hello All, Requesting any information that may be helpful in the buying of a 1972 MacGregor Venture 21. I looked at it today, and seems pretty sound, hasn't been in the water since 1999. Owner has main sail, jib and genoa (don't know which) all of which look to be in good condition. Is there anything particular I should be looking out for? This boat is fresh water only, a little rust on the trailer. The owner is asking $1500. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you. Chutz.
Considering buying a MacGregor 21'.
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You might try and talk the guy down some. About three years ago I bought my 74 V222, which was in good condition, sailable right away for 1,000, with sails and trailer! This was from a dealer too! I did have to travel 600 miles to pick it up, but it was well worth it!
You might try and talk the guy down some. About three years ago I bought my 74 V222, which was in good condition, sailable right away for 1,000, with sails and trailer! This was from a dealer too! I did have to travel 600 miles to pick it up, but it was well worth it!
Be sure to check the keel
Be sure to check the keel closely. I just bought a venture 21 for $700 including new outboard. However, when I pulled the keel, the fiberglass at the top (where the bolt goes through was totally cracked and swollen. I had to winch the keel out of the boat and am looking at extensive sanding, rust proofing and refiberglassing the keel. Not fun. :{ Actually I am looking for a keel from anyone who has one to sell. Regards, Courtney
Be sure to check the keel closely. I just bought a venture 21 for $700 including new outboard. However, when I pulled the keel, the fiberglass at the top (where the bolt goes through was totally cracked and swollen. I had to winch the keel out of the boat and am looking at extensive sanding, rust proofing and refiberglassing the keel. Not fun. :{ Actually I am looking for a keel from anyone who has one to sell. Regards, Courtney
V 21 problem areas
Aside from the keel, I would look at the mast step and support inside, and the foestay. On my 21 the forestay is only attached to the deck, and not through to the hull. Some have told me this can be a problem, DJB
Aside from the keel, I would look at the mast step and support inside, and the foestay. On my 21 the forestay is only attached to the deck, and not through to the hull. Some have told me this can be a problem, DJB
Just one experience...
There are a number of Mac's out there - in all kinds of prices from $200 to $4000+ The trouble is they are Never acurately described and at $3 per gallon and heavy traffic in California === !? I bought mine on ebay $900 - it was supposed to be in LA and I traveled another 100 + miles out near Victorville to get it. The hull etc are good- not sure of the outboard and the trailer needed lights and a bearing before moving it another 10 miles. The good news -- it has sails -- lots of sails over a dozen --Whoever once had this -- I think just bought sails for it... all looked perfect - perhaps never used. The boat does worry me somewhat...the mask is only to the top of the cabin ? and the Keel definately needs work but is functional. So far - glad I got it .. mostly because of the sails. There are better boats out there for just a little more money but the distance... my advice -- have patience - see it and locally buy it.
There are a number of Mac's out there - in all kinds of prices from $200 to $4000+ The trouble is they are Never acurately described and at $3 per gallon and heavy traffic in California === !? I bought mine on ebay $900 - it was supposed to be in LA and I traveled another 100 + miles out near Victorville to get it. The hull etc are good- not sure of the outboard and the trailer needed lights and a bearing before moving it another 10 miles. The good news -- it has sails -- lots of sails over a dozen --Whoever once had this -- I think just bought sails for it... all looked perfect - perhaps never used. The boat does worry me somewhat...the mask is only to the top of the cabin ? and the Keel definately needs work but is functional. So far - glad I got it .. mostly because of the sails. There are better boats out there for just a little more money but the distance... my advice -- have patience - see it and locally buy it.
Keep looking so you'll know
Mark is on the right track for you. This boat may be worth the 1500 bucks. I would suggest as Mark did to keep looking so you'll know what you're buying. If it hasn't been in the water I'd be very suspect of the trailer bearings. This is simple but having a bearing go out on the way home will be terribly upsetting with a new to you boat. Simple and cheap, seller should replace for you now. If he won't consider it, look elsewhere. Second. Put it in the water and sail it before you buy it. Sail a few other's too. Mac's are great buys but sail other boats if you can. Stop by a marina and talk to boat owners. Be careful, many of them will have boats they want to sell to you so just live and learn. 1500 is not a bad price but this boat has some years on it and perhaps half that is more a fair price. Is there an outboard? If not, this is too much money. Good luck, keep asking. Don't be bashful about asking someone their adivice at a marina. Perhaps a salesman or repairman for sure. FWIW- I just sold an excellent one owner '94 26S for 7500. That was a great boat and a good solid deal for the buyer. I tell you this so you can know what ages and price ranges are out there. Steve
Mark is on the right track for you. This boat may be worth the 1500 bucks. I would suggest as Mark did to keep looking so you'll know what you're buying. If it hasn't been in the water I'd be very suspect of the trailer bearings. This is simple but having a bearing go out on the way home will be terribly upsetting with a new to you boat. Simple and cheap, seller should replace for you now. If he won't consider it, look elsewhere. Second. Put it in the water and sail it before you buy it. Sail a few other's too. Mac's are great buys but sail other boats if you can. Stop by a marina and talk to boat owners. Be careful, many of them will have boats they want to sell to you so just live and learn. 1500 is not a bad price but this boat has some years on it and perhaps half that is more a fair price. Is there an outboard? If not, this is too much money. Good luck, keep asking. Don't be bashful about asking someone their adivice at a marina. Perhaps a salesman or repairman for sure. FWIW- I just sold an excellent one owner '94 26S for 7500. That was a great boat and a good solid deal for the buyer. I tell you this so you can know what ages and price ranges are out there. Steve
Don't forget...
And don't forget to check the hose connection between the hull and deck where the keel lifting cable goes ... it's no big deal to replace if it's rotted out. It just wouldn't be much fun to discover while test sailing. (Will be Back Home again In Indiana in about three weeks.)
And don't forget to check the hose connection between the hull and deck where the keel lifting cable goes ... it's no big deal to replace if it's rotted out. It just wouldn't be much fun to discover while test sailing. (Will be Back Home again In Indiana in about three weeks.)
Probably pick her up tomorrow.
Thanks again guys for all the input, I'm 90% sure I'm going to buy it at this point. I'm going to make an offer tonight. Wish me luck... Here are some pictures from checking her out yesterday: http://www.gpayne.net/sailing.html The pictures are pretty large, so if you have a dialup, it will take a while. .-=gp=-.
Thanks again guys for all the input, I'm 90% sure I'm going to buy it at this point. I'm going to make an offer tonight. Wish me luck... Here are some pictures from checking her out yesterday: http://www.gpayne.net/sailing.html The pictures are pretty large, so if you have a dialup, it will take a while. .-=gp=-.
venture 21ft.
I bought a 21ft. Mac venture 3 yrs. ago and had to reglass the keel and do some otherthings to make the boat mine and ready for the water.Thats part of owning a boat.We did the same thing to our cars when we were younger.This was my first sailboat.the first year was a real learning experiance.The second yr.I had ran my halyards and boomvang to the rear of the cockpit.It made it a lot easier.I also put slugs in my main sail.Now I an drop it on the boom and tie it off.Last summer I put my boat at the marina at Prineville res.I put my older motorhome across the lake at the free campsites.Every friday after work I'd be at the lake until sunday evening.Thats what I did all summer.I got a lot better at sailing by doing that.Someone's always going to have a better,faster boat.This one was $1700 and I learned to sail and by working on it,had a better understanding of sailing and the boat.I could push the boat from shore and jump onto the front deck.This was a great boat for someone like me,to learn to sail.I could go swimming and get back into the boat.I bought a 22ft. Catalina this summer. I can't climb into the boat.nearly as easily from the water, as my Mac. I think you'll have a lot of fun and learn a few things with this boat.I've still got my Mac.I guess I'll sell it next spring.I learned a lot and had great time with that boat.I had put some 1 1/2" pipe welded to the trailer frame just in front of the fenders and about a foot above the deck.I then slipped some pvc pipe over the other pipe,that way it wouldn't scratch the boat when you were loading it.What a difference it made.It always centered itself and the keel was always in that rubber wedge.I welded the pipe so that it was about 1/2" from the side of the boat with the pvc on.On my ski boat they were at the back of the trailer,but sailboats are wider towards the middle of the boat.Enjoy sailing with your new boat. JIM from Bend,Or.
I bought a 21ft. Mac venture 3 yrs. ago and had to reglass the keel and do some otherthings to make the boat mine and ready for the water.Thats part of owning a boat.We did the same thing to our cars when we were younger.This was my first sailboat.the first year was a real learning experiance.The second yr.I had ran my halyards and boomvang to the rear of the cockpit.It made it a lot easier.I also put slugs in my main sail.Now I an drop it on the boom and tie it off.Last summer I put my boat at the marina at Prineville res.I put my older motorhome across the lake at the free campsites.Every friday after work I'd be at the lake until sunday evening.Thats what I did all summer.I got a lot better at sailing by doing that.Someone's always going to have a better,faster boat.This one was $1700 and I learned to sail and by working on it,had a better understanding of sailing and the boat.I could push the boat from shore and jump onto the front deck.This was a great boat for someone like me,to learn to sail.I could go swimming and get back into the boat.I bought a 22ft. Catalina this summer. I can't climb into the boat.nearly as easily from the water, as my Mac. I think you'll have a lot of fun and learn a few things with this boat.I've still got my Mac.I guess I'll sell it next spring.I learned a lot and had great time with that boat.I had put some 1 1/2" pipe welded to the trailer frame just in front of the fenders and about a foot above the deck.I then slipped some pvc pipe over the other pipe,that way it wouldn't scratch the boat when you were loading it.What a difference it made.It always centered itself and the keel was always in that rubber wedge.I welded the pipe so that it was about 1/2" from the side of the boat with the pvc on.On my ski boat they were at the back of the trailer,but sailboats are wider towards the middle of the boat.Enjoy sailing with your new boat. JIM from Bend,Or.
For better or worse...It's mine now!
I did it! I bought the 1972 Venture 21'. Still in somewhat of a state of shock. But looking forward to getting it into the water in the near future, or it'll be the worlds largest lawn ornament
Check URL for pics. Thanks for all of your input and patient advice. .-=gp=-.
I did it! I bought the 1972 Venture 21'. Still in somewhat of a state of shock. But looking forward to getting it into the water in the near future, or it'll be the worlds largest lawn ornament
Check URL for pics. Thanks for all of your input and patient advice. .-=gp=-.V21
Here's my two cents. I bought a V21 this spring on ebay. I'm a new sailor. I paid 1500 w/o a motor which I think was too much. I replaced the halyards at dwyer mast company, refinished the rudder, and went sailing. I bought a 6 hp evinrude which is plenty. I added a tiller tamer and a hinged mast step. I solo sail this boat in the finger lakes of NY with no problem. My 11 yo son and I sail this anytime with all the sails, but I limit myself to the 110% jib when I'm by myself. i can't think of a better boat to learn on. You can store all your sails etc in the boat, launch it by yourself, and sail till you puke. The only complaint i have is replacement cushions are so expensive. Have fun!
Here's my two cents. I bought a V21 this spring on ebay. I'm a new sailor. I paid 1500 w/o a motor which I think was too much. I replaced the halyards at dwyer mast company, refinished the rudder, and went sailing. I bought a 6 hp evinrude which is plenty. I added a tiller tamer and a hinged mast step. I solo sail this boat in the finger lakes of NY with no problem. My 11 yo son and I sail this anytime with all the sails, but I limit myself to the 110% jib when I'm by myself. i can't think of a better boat to learn on. You can store all your sails etc in the boat, launch it by yourself, and sail till you puke. The only complaint i have is replacement cushions are so expensive. Have fun!
Oy gevalt with the cushions!
I have to agree with you on the cushions, I'm trying to find a cheaper alternative. Including trying to convince my wife to teach me how to sew them. I did see a set of Mac 25 cushions going for $100, wondering if I could adapt those to fit. My interior is pretty nasty anyway, so I've got a little time before I need to worry about cushions. I offered the old owners $1300 and insisted on having the motor, so I think I did okay price wise. I have spent the last two days washing all of the lines, sheets and halyards - they were to the point of having mold and other life forms growing on them from sitting outside for so long. Some were so far gone that I had to replace them. Tonight I scrub.... Aiming for putting her into the water on Sunday, and see how it goes. Hopefully the motor will run, it's had the same gas in the tank for the last 4+ years, so I drained that out. Maybe I'll try and start it tonight. .-=gp=-.
I have to agree with you on the cushions, I'm trying to find a cheaper alternative. Including trying to convince my wife to teach me how to sew them. I did see a set of Mac 25 cushions going for $100, wondering if I could adapt those to fit. My interior is pretty nasty anyway, so I've got a little time before I need to worry about cushions. I offered the old owners $1300 and insisted on having the motor, so I think I did okay price wise. I have spent the last two days washing all of the lines, sheets and halyards - they were to the point of having mold and other life forms growing on them from sitting outside for so long. Some were so far gone that I had to replace them. Tonight I scrub.... Aiming for putting her into the water on Sunday, and see how it goes. Hopefully the motor will run, it's had the same gas in the tank for the last 4+ years, so I drained that out. Maybe I'll try and start it tonight. .-=gp=-.
Run the motor before you go
Do start and run the motor before you go. Old gas sitting in the carb will settle out and leave a jelly gunk. You may run for 5 seconds and stop while you have left the trailer. You may have to flush the carb and do replace the gas with fresh gas. steve
Do start and run the motor before you go. Old gas sitting in the carb will settle out and leave a jelly gunk. You may run for 5 seconds and stop while you have left the trailer. You may have to flush the carb and do replace the gas with fresh gas. steve
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