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Guppy 16
Designer: Ron Holder  ·  Builder: Melon Marine (Usa)  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Guppy 16

This compact 16-foot sailboat represents an intriguing entry in the small boat market, though detailed specifications remain elusive in maritime databases. Given its diminutive size and "Guppy" nomenclature, this vessel was likely designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, making it an attractive option for beginning sailors or those seeking an uncomplicated day sailing experience. The Guppy 16's compact dimensions suggest it falls squarely into the trailerable sailboat category, ideal for protected waters, small lakes, and gentle coastal environments. Boats of this size typically prioritize ease of handling over performance, making them excellent teaching platforms for sailing fundamentals. The design likely emphasizes stability and forgiving handling characteristics rather than speed or sophisticated sailing dynamics. While comprehensive details about the Guppy 16's construction, rigging, and performance characteristics are limited, its size class suggests suitability for recreational day sailing, sailing instruction, and casual coastal exploration. Potential buyers should expect a straightforward sailing experience focused on enjoyment rather than competitive performance, with the added convenience of easy transport and launching that makes spontaneous sailing adventures readily accessible.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.33 ft / 4.98 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.50 ft / 4.42 m
Beam 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Max Draft 1.83 ft / 0.56 m
Displacement 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin (shoal draft)
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ron Holder
Builder Melon Marine (USA)
First Built 1976
Last Built 1977
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
131.79
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. 2.02 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 131.79
P (Mainsail Luff) 336.77 pounds/inch
E (Mainsail Foot) Ron Holder
How It Compares

vs. Grumman Flyer, Precision 165, Sparrow 16

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Guppy 16 ★
16.3 ft
Grumman Flyer
16.2 ft
Precision 165
16.4 ft
Sparrow 16
16.3 ft
LWL
Guppy 16 ★
14.5 ft
Grumman Flyer
14.5 ft
Precision 165
15.3 ft
Sparrow 16
14.5 ft
Beam
Guppy 16 ★
6.5 ft
Grumman Flyer
6.7 ft
Precision 165
7.2 ft
Sparrow 16
6.5 ft
Displacement
Guppy 16 ★
900 lbs
Grumman Flyer
320 lbs
Precision 165
750 lbs
Sparrow 16
900 lbs
Ballast
Guppy 16 ★
Grumman Flyer
Precision 165
250 lbs
Sparrow 16
350 lbs
Sail Area
Guppy 16 ★
Grumman Flyer
149 sq ft
Precision 165
159 sq ft
Sparrow 16
127 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Guppy 16 ★
Grumman Flyer
51.0
Precision 165
30.9
Sparrow 16
21.8
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Guppy 16 ★
Grumman Flyer
2.6
Precision 165
5.4
Sparrow 16
7.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Guppy 16 ★
Grumman Flyer
3.90
Precision 165
3.15
Sparrow 16
2.70
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Guppy 16 ★
131
Grumman Flyer
46
Precision 165
94
Sparrow 16
Hull Speed
Guppy 16 ★
Grumman Flyer
5.1 kts
Precision 165
5.2 kts
Sparrow 16
5.1 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Guppy 16 ★
Grumman Flyer
Precision 165
5.6
Sparrow 16
3.9
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