Back to Search
Cherry 16
Designer: Frank Pelin (Nz)  ·  Builder: Various Home Built  ·  First built: 1975
+ Add to Compare
About the Cherry 16

Finding comprehensive information about the Cherry 16 sailboat proves challenging, as this design maintains a relatively low profile in sailing circles compared to more widely documented vessels. With limited specifications available, this 16-foot sailboat appears to cater to sailors seeking a compact yet capable daysailer or weekend cruiser. Based on its size classification, the Cherry 16 likely excels in protected waters and coastal sailing environments where maneuverability and ease of handling take precedence over offshore capabilities. Small boats in this category typically appeal to beginning sailors, sailing schools, or experienced sailors wanting a simple, no-fuss vessel for relaxed outings. The compact dimensions suggest this design prioritizes accessibility and trailerable convenience, making it attractive for sailors without permanent dock space or those who prefer exploring different sailing venues. While specific design characteristics remain unclear due to limited documentation, boats of this size generally feature simplified rigging systems and straightforward layouts that encourage hands-on sailing without overwhelming complexity. Without extensive production numbers or widespread recognition, the Cherry 16 represents one of sailing's more obscure designs, potentially offering unique character for sailors who appreciate uncommon vessels with distinctive personalities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
Beam 7.17 ft / 2.19 m
Displacement 485.00 lb / 220 kg
Ballast 90.00 lb / 41 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Plywood
Designer Frank Pelin (NZ)
Builder Various home built
First Built 1975
Number Built 700
Related Sailboats Wayfarer · Rebel 16 · Com-Pac 16 · Leeward 16 Luger · Fireball
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
18.56
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
86.07
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
3.77
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 4.94 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2.09 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 30.11
P (Mainsail Luff) 116.00 ft² / 10.78 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Outboard
How It Compares

vs. Com-Pac 16, Fireball, Leeward 16 Luger, Rebel 16, Wayfarer

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Cherry 16 ★
16.0 ft
Com-Pac 16
16.0 ft
Fireball
16.2 ft
Leeward 16 Luger
16.0 ft
Rebel 16
16.1 ft
Wayfarer
15.8 ft
LWL
Cherry 16 ★
Com-Pac 16
14.0 ft
Fireball
13.3 ft
Leeward 16 Luger
15.0 ft
Rebel 16
Wayfarer
14.8 ft
Beam
Cherry 16 ★
7.2 ft
Com-Pac 16
6.0 ft
Fireball
4.4 ft
Leeward 16 Luger
6.3 ft
Rebel 16
6.6 ft
Wayfarer
6.1 ft
Displacement
Cherry 16 ★
485 lbs
Com-Pac 16
1 lbs
Fireball
170 lbs
Leeward 16 Luger
650 lbs
Rebel 16
700 lbs
Wayfarer
372 lbs
Ballast
Cherry 16 ★
90 lbs
Com-Pac 16
450 lbs
Fireball
Leeward 16 Luger
Rebel 16
Wayfarer
Sail Area
Cherry 16 ★
Com-Pac 16
113 sq ft
Fireball
123 sq ft
Leeward 16 Luger
140 sq ft
Rebel 16
166 sq ft
Wayfarer
141 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Cherry 16 ★
Com-Pac 16
17.0
Fireball
64.2
Leeward 16 Luger
29.9
Rebel 16
Wayfarer
43.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Cherry 16 ★
18.6 %
Com-Pac 16
40.9 %
Fireball
Leeward 16 Luger
Rebel 16
Wayfarer
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Cherry 16 ★
3.8
Com-Pac 16
10.6
Fireball
2.6
Leeward 16 Luger
5.7
Rebel 16
6.0
Wayfarer
3.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Cherry 16 ★
Com-Pac 16
2.33
Fireball
3.19
Leeward 16 Luger
2.89
Rebel 16
Wayfarer
3.38
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Cherry 16 ★
86
Com-Pac 16
178
Fireball
Leeward 16 Luger
85
Rebel 16
121
Wayfarer
Hull Speed
Cherry 16 ★
4.9 kts
Com-Pac 16
5.0 kts
Fireball
4.9 kts
Leeward 16 Luger
5.2 kts
Rebel 16
5.0 kts
Wayfarer
5.2 kts
Find a Cherry 16 For Sale