Back to Search
Nordica 16
Designer: Ole Jensen  ·  Builder: Exe Fibercraft (Can)  ·  First built: 1975
+ Add to Compare
About the Nordica 16

Designed by Ole Jensen and built by Exe Fibercraft in Canada starting in 1975, this compact cruiser represents classic small boat design philosophy with its double-ended hull and long keel configuration. With 400 boats produced, the Nordica 16 gained a solid reputation among sailors seeking a traditional, seaworthy pocket cruiser. The boat's fractional sloop rig and 130 square feet of sail area provide adequate power for coastal cruising and daysailing, while the substantial 400-pound ballast creates impressive stability for a boat of this size. The long keel design offers excellent tracking and directional stability, making it forgiving for newer sailors and comfortable in varied conditions. However, this traditional underbody configuration means slower tacking and reduced maneuverability in tight quarters. At 925 pounds displacement, the Nordica 16 strikes a balance between portability and seaworthiness. The comfort ratio of 9.16 suggests a relatively stiff, quick motion that's typical of smaller boats, while the capsize screening formula of 2.54 indicates reasonable stability for protected waters. With a hull speed of 4.85 knots, performance focuses on comfort and safety rather than speed. This boat suits sailors seeking traditional character for coastal exploration, weekend cruising, and learning seamanship fundamentals in a manageable package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 15.50 ft / 4.72 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 13.08 ft / 3.99 m
Beam 6.17 ft / 1.88 m
Max Draft 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
Displacement 925.00 lb / 420 kg
Ballast 400.00 lb / 181 kg
Ballast Type Concrete
Sail Area (Reported) 130.00 ft² / 12.08 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Double-ended with long keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ole Jensen
Builder Exe Fibercraft (CAN)
First Built 1975
Number Built 400
Associations Nordica Boats (originally built by Exe Fibercraft)
Owner Reviews

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

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
 390
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
 21.95
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
 43.24
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
 184.53
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
 9.16
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
 2.54
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. 4.85 kn
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
 3.24
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. 288.36 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 19.86
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 15.50 ft / 4.72 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.33 ft / 2.54 m
SA Fore 42.63 ft² / 3.96 m²
SA Main 74.97 ft² / 6.96 m²
SA Total (100%) 117.60 ft² / 10.93 m²
Est. Forestay Length 16.45 ft / 5.01 m
Mast Height (DWL) 20.17 ft / 6.15 m
Find a Nordica 16 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace