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Sailboat Specifications

Gloucester 16

Fractional Sloop · Swing Keel

Designed by C. William Lapworth · Built by Gloucester Yachts Inc. · First built 1986

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LOA 15.58 ft  ·  Beam 6.25 ft  ·  Displacement 900.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 137.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Swing Keel
About the Gloucester 16 Sailboat

Designed as a compact coastal cruiser, this 16-foot sailboat embodies the traditional characteristics of Gloucester's maritime heritage. With limited specifications available in current records, the Gloucester 16 appears to have been positioned as an entry-level cruising sailboat suitable for protected waters and near-shore sailing. The boat's modest size suggests it was intended for day sailing and short coastal hops rather than extended offshore passages. Its design likely prioritized stability and ease of handling over outright performance, making it an appropriate choice for beginning sailors or those seeking a simple, manageable sailing experience. The Gloucester name carries associations with New England's fishing and sailing traditions, suggesting the boat may have incorporated some of the practical, seaworthy qualities typical of that region's watercraft. Given its compact dimensions, the Gloucester 16 would have offered limited accommodations but potentially adequate space for basic overnight camping aboard. The boat's relatively small size would make it suitable for trailer sailing, allowing owners to explore different sailing venues. While detailed performance characteristics remain unclear due to limited available data, the design was likely conservative and forgiving, emphasizing safety and predictable handling over racing-oriented features.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 15.58 ft / 4.75 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.00 ft / 4.27 m
Beam 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Max Draft 3.75 ft / 1.14 m
Min Draft 0.75 ft / 0.23 m
Displacement 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Ballast 200.00 lb / 91 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 137.00 ft² / 12.73 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer C. William Lapworth
Builder Gloucester Yachts Inc.
First Built 1986
Last Built 1989
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gloucester 16's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Gloucester 16 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 23.56. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Gloucester 16's comfort ratio?

The Gloucester 16 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 8.36. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Gloucester 16 safe for offshore sailing?

The Gloucester 16 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.59. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Gloucester 16?

The theoretical hull speed of the Gloucester 16 is 5.01 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Gloucester 16 weigh?

The Gloucester 16 has a displacement of 900.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 15.58 ft.

Who designed the Gloucester 16?

The Gloucester 16 was designed by C. William Lapworth, first built in 1986.