We put the 2025 Duckworth 21 Discovery to the ultimate test with our latest fishing expedition in the Puget Sound. Duckworth, has over 50 years of experience, building robust, heavy-gauge aluminum boats. This updated Duckworth 21 Discovery promises enhanced interior space, safety, and stability for families and anglers, engineered as a “sanctuary of safety and versatility”.
21-Foot Boat Specifications and Hull Features
The Duckworth 21 Discovery is 23'4″ long (with offshore bracket), 98″ wide, and weighs 2,288 lbs dry. It comes with a 65-gallon fuel tank (88-gallon option available) and can be powered by up to 250 HP (our test had a 200 HP Yamaha). Its unique extruded chine and full reverse chine bottom improve lift, planing, fuel efficiency, and speed.
Standard features include a welded walkthrough windshield, self-bailing bow, bow storage, rigging access panels, and side rod racks. Additionally, trim tabs are included, crucial for levelling the ride in varied conditions.
Discovery 21 Comfort & Cabin Amenities
The Duckworth 21 Discovery excels in comfort. It features upgraded suspension captain seats and two 37-inch rear bench seats that convert into a bed, offering versatile lounging. The composite floor effectively prevents rot. Beyond this, our model's partial hard top with sliding windows and a Wallas diesel heater work together to extend the boating season. Inside, the cabin thoughtfully includes ample storage, lighting, and grab bars. Another plus, one bench is specifically designed to accommodate a portable potty.
Helm & Electronics Hub
The Duckworth 21 Discovery's helm is a well-designed command center, offering easy bow access through an arch doorway. The dash features a large 16-inch Garmin GPS Map 8416 for navigation, sonar, and motor data. Another useful option is the Garmin autopilot for the kicker, which allows hands-free trolling. Essential electronics like a Rockford Fosgate stereo and Garmin VHF radio are included, alongside a tilting helm, trim tab controls, and USB charging ports.
Duckworth 21 Discovery Cockpit & Fishing Features
The aft cockpit is the fishing hub, with extruded gunnels for robust mounting. Another handy option was the lockable rod locker and a wash down pump.
A standout feature is the “fisherman's transom,” a workstation with a large fish box/bait tank and cutting board. This, plus the offshore bracket, keeps the main cockpit open and spacious. The wide bottom allows an optional transom door for easy boarding. Important access points for the bilge and batteries are conveniently located beneath the transom.
Performance
With a 200 HP Yamaha and five people, the Duckworth 21 Discovery reached about 43 mph, with a comfortable cruising speed of 32-34 mph at 4500 RPMs. Its aluminum hull ensures efficiency and quick planing.
Maneuverability
At 23 feet, it handles like a smaller boat. The extruded chine and advanced Garmin Kraken (bow) and autopilot (kicker) systems allow precise control from anywhere on the boat, whether fishing or cruising.
Stability of the 21 Discovery
Because the 21 Discovery has an 8-foot beam and reverse chine, it has exceptional stability, even with multiple people. Trim tabs further enhance this stability underway.
Durability of the Discovery 21
Built from heavy-gauge, welded aluminum, Duckworth boats are designed to last a lifetime and backed by a lifetime hull warranty. The composite floor eliminates rot concerns, common in wood-based construction.
Comfort of Duckworth Boats
The 21 Discovery offers roomy comfort, enhanced by options like a semi-hard top and diesel heater for extended seasons. The upgraded suspension seats absorb chop, and the deep-V hull provides a smooth ride.
Fishability of Duckworth Boats
This boat is highly fishable with an open layout, versatile transom workstation, and offshore bracket. Integrated Garmin systems and a remote kicker boost trolling efficiency. Ample storage and wide gunnels make it an angler's dream.
Rigging the 21 Discovery
The factory rigging is top-notch, with excellent fit and finish. The boat offers extensive customization, from a bare-bones setup to a fully decked-out vessel like our test model, accommodating diverse fishing styles or family cruising.
Value of the Duckworth 21 Discovery Fishing Boat
The Discovery 21 is priced around $120,000-$140,000. However, the 21 Discovery is a premium investment that is worth the price tag if you can afford this price range for a premium fishing boat you can leave to your children. Duckworth's 50 years of experience, lifetime hull warranty, and reputation for durability and ride quality justify the cost.
Ultimately, the Duckworth 21 Discovery is for those seeking a versatile, durable, high-quality 23-foot boat for fishing or family outings, especially in cooler climates where the cabin is an asset.
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