NorseBoat 21.5 classic
Our largest model
Open or Cabin
The Norseboat 21.5 Open and Cabin models combine classic Downeast lines with the smart, versatile design that defines the Norseboat brand. True to our “Swiss Army knife of boats” reputation, the 21.5 delivers exceptional adaptability and exhilarating performance in a beautifully crafted, seaworthy package.
The standard sail plan is a simple, easy-to-handle sloop rig, featuring a fully battened mainsail with our signature curved headboard, a pivoting carbon mast, and a furling genoa set on a bowsprit. This setup provides powerful yet manageable sailing for single-handers and small crews alike.
A ballasted, foil-shaped stub keel offers excellent stability while maintaining a shallow draft – keeping the cabin free of a centerboard trunk and allowing the centerboard to remain compact and lightweight. The result is confident performance without compromising interior space.
Built strong but relatively lightweight, the 21.5 features an innovative hull with a smooth bottom and elegant lapstrake topsides. A spacious cockpit, generous storage, and trailerable design make this boat easy to transport with a mid-size vehicle and effortless to launch wherever your adventures take you.
Beautiful, capable, and thoughtfully engineered – the Norseboat 21.5 is designed for sailors who want classic charm and modern freedom in one versatile craft.
Specifications
| LOA | 21′-10′ | 6.35m |
| LWL | 19’-7” | 5.97m |
| Beam | 7’-1” | 2.16m |
| Draft (board up) | 1’-6” | 0.46m |
| Draft (board down) | 3’-10” | 1.17m |
| Mainsail Area | 152 sq.ft. | 14.12sm |
| Self-tacking jib area | 54 sq.ft. | 5.02sm |
| Optional drifter area | 120sq.ft. | 11.15sm |
| Mast height off WL | 22’-0 | 6.71m |
| Mast Weight | 19 lbs | 9kg |
| Rowing Stations (optional) | 2 | |
| Berths | 1 double V-berth | |
| Cockpit Storage Compartments | 5 | |
| Motor min/max | 4/8hp | |
| CE Design Category | C | |
| Positive Flotation | yes | |
| Max Persons | 8 | |
| Loaded Displacement | 862kg | |
| Lightship Displacement | 1180kg |
Key Features
- Classic Downeast-inspired styling with modern Norseboat performance
- Versatile “Swiss Army knife” design for sailing, motoring, and adventure cruising
- Easy-to-handle sloop rig for solo sailors or small crews
- Fully battened mainsail with signature curved headboard for optimized sail shape
- Pivoting carbon mast for lighter handling and quick rigging
- Furling genoa on a bowsprit for power and convenience
- Ballasted foil-shaped stub keel for excellent stability
- Shallow draft design for exploring coves, beaches, and inland waterways
- Cabin kept clear of centerboard trunk for better interior volume
- Compact, lightweight centerboard for simplified operation
- Strong yet lightweight hull with smooth bottom and lapstrake topsides
- Large cockpit with abundant storage for gear and cruising equipment
- Trailerable and towable with a mid-size vehicle
- Available in Cabin and Open configurations to suit different sailing styles
ideal for
- Cruising sailors downsizing from larger boats
- Sea kayakers moving into sailing
- Day sailors seeking high performance
- Micro-cruisers and minimalist adventurers
Norseboat Model Comparison
| Feature / Model | NorseBoat 12.5 | NorseBoat 17.5 Classic | NorseBoat 21.5 (Cabin & Open) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Solo sailors, tenders, daysailing, minimalists | Adventurers, couples, weekend cruising, multi-mode exploration | Coastal cruising, longer trips, small crews, added comfort |
| Sailing Rig | Gaff cat rig | Gaff sloop rig | Sloop rig |
| Mast | Pivoting carbon mast | Pivoting carbon mast | Pivoting carbon mast |
| Signature Sail Feature | Curved headboard | Curved headboard | Curved headboard |
| Headsail | Optional furling headsail | Furling headsail | Furling genoa on bowsprit |
| Rowing Ability | Two rowing stations | Two rowing stations | Rowable (Open model particularly) |
| Motoring | Compatible with small outboard | Yes | Yes |
| Draft | Shallow | Shallow, beachable | Shallow with ballasted stub keel + centerboard |
| Sleeping Capacity | Full-size double berth (camp-cruising) | Sleeps 2 with optional canvas tent | Sleeps 2–3 (Cabin model) |
| Storage | Good storage for compact size | Abundant storage | Large cockpit storage + cabin storage |
| Trailerability | Towable with small car; fits in garage | Towable with mid-size car; fits in garage | Towable with mid-size vehicle |
| Hull Style | Traditional proven hull | Innovative, seaworthy NorseBoat hull | Smooth bottom, lapstrake topsides |
| Primary Materials | Composite hull, carbon mast, Harken hardware | Composite hull, carbon mast, Harken hardware | Composite hull, carbon mast, Harken hardware |
| Use Cases | Tender/dinghy, light cruising, rowing & sailing | Day sailing, weekend trips, expedition-style exploring | Coastal cruising, multi-day adventures, family sailing |
| Overall Personality | Compact, capable, ultra-portable | Versatile “Swiss Army knife” adventure boat | Spacious, powerful, refined long-range cruiser |