The boat is normally fitted with a small 3 to 6 hp (2 to 4 kW) outboard motor for docking and maneuvering.[3][4]
The design has sleeping accommodation for four people, with a double "V"-berth in the bow cabin and two quarter berths in the main cabin, under the cockpit. The galley is located on the port side just forward of the companionway ladder. The galley is equipped with a stove and a sink. The head is located under the bow cabin "V" berth, on the port side. Cabin headroom is 54 in (140 cm), or 69 in (180 cm) with the "pop-top" open.[1][4]
The design has a PHRF racing average handicap of 273 and a hull speed of 5.7 kn (10.6 km/h).[4]
Variants
Aquarius 21
This model was introduced in 1969 and built until 1977. It has a length overall of 21.00 ft (6.4 m), a waterline length of 18.25 ft (5.6 m), displaces 1,900 lb (862 kg) and carries 665 lb (302 kg) of ballast, with the centerboard weighing 165 lb (75 kg) of that. The boat has a draft of 4.50 ft (1.37 m) with the centerboard down and 1.00 ft (0.30 m) with the centerboard up.[1][4]
Aquarius Pelican
This model was introduced in 1978 and incorporated minor changes.[4]
Balboa 21
This later model has a length overall of 21.00 ft (6.4 m), a waterline length of 18.25 ft (5.6 m), displaces 2,000 lb (907 kg) and carries 665 lb (302 kg) of ballast. The boat has a draft of 4.58 ft (1.40 m) with the centerboard down and 1.00 ft (0.30 m) with the centerboard up.[3][4]
Operational history
In a 2010 review Steve Henkel indicated that even though the boat was sold as sleeping four people, he would not recommend having more than two people on board overnight.[4]