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Ds 16
Designer: G. Diller & H. Schwill  ·  Builder: Schwill Yachts  ·  First built: 1970
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About the Ds 16

With limited specifications available, the Ds 16 represents one of those intriguing sailboats that requires deeper investigation for prospective buyers. Based on its numerical designation, this appears to be a 16-foot sailing vessel, placing it squarely in the small boat category ideal for day sailing, sailing instruction, or as a tender for larger vessels. Boats in this size range typically excel at providing an accessible entry point into sailing while offering nimble handling characteristics that make them enjoyable for experienced sailors seeking a pure sailing experience. The compact dimensions suggest the Ds 16 would be well-suited for protected waters, small lakes, and coastal sailing in moderate conditions. Without detailed specifications readily available, potential buyers should focus their research on build quality, sail plan efficiency, and cockpit ergonomics when evaluating this model. Small sailboats like the Ds 16 often prove their worth through simplicity and reliability rather than complex systems or luxury appointments. For sailors seeking an uncomplicated sailing experience or those looking to hone their skills on a manageable platform, the Ds 16 may warrant closer examination despite the limited published information.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.33 ft / 4.37 m
Beam 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 0.58 ft / 0.18 m
Displacement 500.00 lb / 227 kg
Ballast 135.00 lb / 61 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 155.00 ft² / 14.40 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer G. Diller & H. Schwill
Builder Schwill Yachts
First Built 1970
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
39.42
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
4.79
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
3.03
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. 5.07
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. 307.22
How It Compares

vs. Balboa 16, Com-Pac 16, Cortez 16, Leeward 16 Luger, Lone Star 16 Chrysler

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Ds 16 ★
16.0 ft
Balboa 16
16.0 ft
Com-Pac 16
16.0 ft
Cortez 16
16.0 ft
Leeward 16 Luger
16.0 ft
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
16.0 ft
LWL
Ds 16 ★
14.3 ft
Balboa 16
14.7 ft
Com-Pac 16
14.0 ft
Cortez 16
13.6 ft
Leeward 16 Luger
15.0 ft
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
14.2 ft
Beam
Ds 16 ★
6.0 ft
Balboa 16
7.5 ft
Com-Pac 16
6.0 ft
Cortez 16
6.8 ft
Leeward 16 Luger
6.3 ft
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
6.1 ft
Displacement
Ds 16 ★
500 lbs
Balboa 16
1 lbs
Com-Pac 16
1 lbs
Cortez 16
850 lbs
Leeward 16 Luger
650 lbs
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
450 lbs
Ballast
Ds 16 ★
135 lbs
Balboa 16
400 lbs
Com-Pac 16
450 lbs
Cortez 16
300 lbs
Leeward 16 Luger
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
Sail Area
Ds 16 ★
155 sq ft
Balboa 16
117 sq ft
Com-Pac 16
113 sq ft
Cortez 16
Leeward 16 Luger
140 sq ft
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
160 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Ds 16 ★
39.4
Balboa 16
18.8
Com-Pac 16
17.0
Cortez 16
Leeward 16 Luger
29.9
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
43.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Ds 16 ★
Balboa 16
40.0 %
Com-Pac 16
40.9 %
Cortez 16
35.3 %
Leeward 16 Luger
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Ds 16 ★
4.8
Balboa 16
7.0
Com-Pac 16
10.6
Cortez 16
Leeward 16 Luger
5.7
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
4.3
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Ds 16 ★
3.03
Balboa 16
3.00
Com-Pac 16
2.33
Cortez 16
Leeward 16 Luger
2.89
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
3.18
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Ds 16 ★
Balboa 16
141
Com-Pac 16
178
Cortez 16
151
Leeward 16 Luger
85
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
Hull Speed
Ds 16 ★
5.1 kts
Balboa 16
5.1 kts
Com-Pac 16
5.0 kts
Cortez 16
Leeward 16 Luger
5.2 kts
Lone Star 16 Chrysler
5.0 kts
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