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Neptune 16
Designer: C. William Lapworth/Capital Yachts Inc.  ·  Builder: Capital Yachts Inc.  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Neptune 16

A compact and accessible daysailer, the Neptune 16 is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it a natural fit for beginner sailors and those seeking relaxed coastal sailing experiences. Built to handle sheltered waters, lakes, and calm coastal environments, this small keelboat offers a stable and forgiving platform for learning the fundamentals of sailing or enjoying leisurely outings without the complexity of a larger vessel. While detailed specifications for the Neptune 16 are limited, its modest size suggests a boat that prioritizes approachability over performance ambition. Boats in this class typically reward sailors who value ease of trailering, low maintenance, and straightforward rigging — qualities that make weekend sailing genuinely enjoyable rather than a logistical challenge. The Neptune 16 may appeal particularly to families, newcomers to the sport, or experienced sailors looking for a simple, low-cost second boat. Though it lacks the offshore capability or racing pedigree of larger designs, its charm lies in its unpretentious character and the accessible entry point it offers into keelboat sailing.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$2,700 – $2,700
typical asking price
Median $2,700  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$2,700 – $2,700 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 15.75 ft / 4.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 13.50 ft / 4.11 m
Beam 6.17 ft / 1.88 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 0.83 ft / 0.25 m
Displacement 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Ballast 200.00 lb / 91 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 115.00 ft² / 10.68 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer C. William Lapworth/Capital Yachts Inc.
Builder Capital Yachts Inc.
First Built 1981
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
336
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
19.77
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
8.68
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
2.56
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. 4.92
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
3.54
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. 297.62
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 16.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 5.33
P (Mainsail Luff) 18.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.0
SA Fore 42.64
SA Main 72.0
How It Compares

vs. Balboa 16, Leeward 16 Luger, Nordica 16, Sweet Sixteen, Wayfarer

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Neptune 16 ★
15.8 ft
Balboa 16
16.0 ft
Leeward 16 Luger
16.0 ft
Nordica 16
15.5 ft
Sweet Sixteen
16.0 ft
Wayfarer
15.8 ft
LWL
Neptune 16 ★
13.5 ft
Balboa 16
14.7 ft
Leeward 16 Luger
15.0 ft
Nordica 16
13.1 ft
Sweet Sixteen
12.3 ft
Wayfarer
14.8 ft
Beam
Neptune 16 ★
6.2 ft
Balboa 16
7.5 ft
Leeward 16 Luger
6.3 ft
Nordica 16
6.2 ft
Sweet Sixteen
6.0 ft
Wayfarer
6.1 ft
Displacement
Neptune 16 ★
900 lbs
Balboa 16
1 lbs
Leeward 16 Luger
650 lbs
Nordica 16
925 lbs
Sweet Sixteen
450 lbs
Wayfarer
372 lbs
Ballast
Neptune 16 ★
200 lbs
Balboa 16
400 lbs
Leeward 16 Luger
Nordica 16
400 lbs
Sweet Sixteen
Wayfarer
Sail Area
Neptune 16 ★
115 sq ft
Balboa 16
117 sq ft
Leeward 16 Luger
140 sq ft
Nordica 16
130 sq ft
Sweet Sixteen
128 sq ft
Wayfarer
141 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Neptune 16 ★
336 s/nm
Balboa 16
Leeward 16 Luger
Nordica 16
390 s/nm
Sweet Sixteen
Wayfarer
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Neptune 16 ★
19.8
Balboa 16
18.8
Leeward 16 Luger
29.9
Nordica 16
22.0
Sweet Sixteen
34.9
Wayfarer
43.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Neptune 16 ★
Balboa 16
40.0 %
Leeward 16 Luger
Nordica 16
43.2 %
Sweet Sixteen
Wayfarer
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Neptune 16 ★
8.7
Balboa 16
7.0
Leeward 16 Luger
5.7
Nordica 16
9.2
Sweet Sixteen
4.8
Wayfarer
3.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Neptune 16 ★
2.56
Balboa 16
3.00
Leeward 16 Luger
2.89
Nordica 16
2.54
Sweet Sixteen
3.13
Wayfarer
3.38
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Neptune 16 ★
Balboa 16
141
Leeward 16 Luger
85
Nordica 16
184
Sweet Sixteen
109
Wayfarer
Hull Speed
Neptune 16 ★
4.9 kts
Balboa 16
5.1 kts
Leeward 16 Luger
5.2 kts
Nordica 16
4.9 kts
Sweet Sixteen
4.7 kts
Wayfarer
5.2 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Neptune 16 ★
3.5
Balboa 16
3.8
Leeward 16 Luger
Nordica 16
3.2
Sweet Sixteen
6.2
Wayfarer
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