San Jaun 21 for kids

[Mike]

I would like some opinions about the The San Jaun 21, swing keel. My sons, 7 and 13 would be sailing her are they sea worthy and forgiving ect. for the novice sailor. My oldest boy is currently certifed as an intermediate sailor. I was also wondering about the cost of new sails and what to look out for before I buy the boat? The cost is 2000.00 with trailer and older Evinrude 4hp an early 1970s boat and motor. The cap that covers the swing keel inside the boat was not there so i could see the keel, is this a problem? I

 

[Bill Murray]

here's a link

here is a link - I bet it gives you a lot to think on - and other places to look too.Have fun -- go sailing

 

[Walt]

San Juan 21 is a good boat

Like all old boats look for water damage; i.e. rot. Look in all areas where fittings go into the deck. The coach roof is the most prone. The San Juan 21 is a very good fast seaworthy boat. I do not think it is a “kids” boat. It is not a dinghy. It has enough mass so that if you ram another boat you can do damage. Like all boating factors, sea conditions can change very quickly. It is rare that the conditions can get more than the boat can handle but it is easy for the conditions to get more that the skipper can handle. The San Juan is a great learning boat with an experienced skipper on board.

 

[Andy Howard]

SJ 21's

Owned a SJ21 several years ago, they were built on the east coast as well and are actively raced here. A new main will run from 5 to 8 hundred, but with a little patience you should be able to find good used sails from one of it's active and competitive one design racers.The cap that covers the keel well is just a piece of wood and a few screws so that shouldn't be a problem, I would inspect/replace the wire that raises the keel asap.My first reaction was that the SJ21 might be alot of boat for your sons for the first year or so, of course you can have a ball with it as well. Unless your 7 year old really knows his stuff, your oldest would basically be single handing it.

 

[Robert Hunt]

san juan 21

Putting a 13 year old in charge of a 21 foot sailboat seems a bit foolish.Give them a dinghy or better yet a sunfish they can't sink or do damage to others.Otherwise, don't miss any of your liability insurance payments.