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Luders 16
Designer: A. E. Luders  ·  Builder: Luders Marine Construction  ·  First built: 1933
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About the Luders 16

Designed by the renowned naval architect A.E. Luders Jr., this 16-foot sailboat represents classic American small boat design from the mid-20th century. The Luders name carries significant weight in sailing circles, with the designer creating everything from Olympic-class racers to elegant cruising yachts throughout his distinguished career. While detailed specifications remain scarce, the Luders 16 likely embodies the designer's characteristic attention to proportion and seaworthiness that made his larger designs so respected. Small boats bearing the Luders pedigree typically feature clean lines, balanced helm characteristics, and construction quality that exceeds their modest size class. This compact sailboat would be well-suited for protected waters, sailing instruction, and recreational day sailing. The 16-foot length makes it manageable for single-handed sailing while still providing enough cockpit space for a small crew. Given Luders' reputation for creating boats with excellent sailing qualities, owners can expect responsive handling and predictable behavior in various wind conditions. For sailors seeking a small boat with proven lineage and classic styling, the Luders 16 offers an opportunity to experience the design philosophy that influenced generations of American sailboat development.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.33 ft / 8.03 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.33 ft / 4.98 m
Beam 5.75 ft / 1.75 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 2,950.00 lb / 1,338 kg
Ballast 1,600.00 lb / 726 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 224.00 ft² / 20.81 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction molded plywood or FG
Designer A. E. Luders
Builder Luders Marine Construction
First Built 1933
Last Built 1979
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
256
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
17.47
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
22.93
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
1.61
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. 5.41
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.77
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. 335.51
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 22.25
J (Foretriangle Base) 5.83
P (Mainsail Luff) 29.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.0
SA Fore 64.86
SA Main 159.5
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