The TS18 and TS21 are larger versions of the established TS14 and TS16. Builder Des Webb estimates home construction costs at $2,000 and $3,000 (1973 prices) respectively – figures he can vouch for personally, having built an 18-footer in six months and a 21-footer in eight.

During construction, Webb also redesigned the sailing rig, with the blessing of New Zealand designer Richard Hartley, who originated the class. The revised masthead rig incorporates a permanent backstay, and dropping or raising the mast requires only releasing the forestay, a task made manageable by using the jib halyard to bear the weight, though it remains a two-person job.

The mainsail is roller-reefed, and a typical sail wardrobe covers a storm jib, working jib, genoa, and spinnaker. Many owners also fit a staysail, which boosts upwind performance and handling. Mounted on a permanent stay, it can be furled in moments.

The masthead rig proves its worth in heavy weather: dropping the jib alone cuts sail area by more than half, and the reduced mainsail is straightforward to reef.

Where the 18 and 21 pull well ahead of the smaller boats is in accommodation. The self-draining cockpit is protected by a bridge deck that keeps the cabin dry in even the heaviest rain. Below, there is room for six or more, with enough headroom for taller crew to sit upright and stretch their legs fully. Both models sleep four and are fitted with a stove, sink, and marine head; the 21 adds more generous locker space. Fresh water tanks sit beneath the cabin sole, contributing nothing unwanted to weight or trim.

At 1,600 (726kg) and 2,300 lb (1043kg) all up, both boats are well within the towing capacity of many vehicles, and a crew of two can launch and retrieve them without difficulty. With the pivoting steel centreboard raised, each boat draws just one foot of water.

As Stan Phillips said, “To win races you have to be competitive, which means new sails every year, new gear and sometimes a new hull. That takes extra money. This is where the 18s and 21s shine” (Seacraft 1973: 36).

FACT BOX

Hartley TS18 and TS21

• 18: LOA 18 ft, (5.49m) beam 7′ 8″ ft.

• 21: LOA 21 ft, beam 7 ft 11 in.

• Sail areas:

  • TS18: Main 95 sq ft, work jib 85 sq ft, genoa 123 sq ft, storm jib 39 sq ft, staysail 36 sq ft.

  • TS21: Main 110 sq ft, work jib 95 sq ft, genoa 135 sq ft, storm jib 40 sq ft, staysail 38 sq ft.

Source: ‘Hartley’s TS Gets Bigger’ Seacraft, July 1973, pp. 34-36. Historical photograph reproduced for identification and historical research purposes. Copyright remains with the original rights holder.

Hartley 18 above.

Plans are available at hartley-boats.com where you can find more information on both designs.

Quick tip: Keep in mind that trailer sailers can vary quite a bit, even within the same class. Take the RL28, for example: they might not all have outboard wells as designed. Some originally may have had inboard engines, and when those were removed, the owners swapped them for a standard outboard mounted on the stern.