Back to Search
Overnighter 16
Designer: Johann Tanzer  ·  Builder: Tanzer Industries (Can)  ·  First built: 1964
+ Add to Compare
About the Overnighter 16

Designed by Johann Tanzer and built by Tanzer Industries in Canada starting in 1964, this compact centerboard dinghy represents classic small boat design from the golden era of fiberglass construction. With 550 units produced, the Overnighter 16 earned a solid reputation among sailors seeking an affordable entry into sailing or a nimble day sailor. The boat's fractional sloop rig and 135 square feet of sail area provide spirited performance for coastal cruising and day sailing, while the centerboard configuration allows for easy launching and shallow water exploration. At just 500 pounds displacement, this lightweight design offers excellent responsiveness and can be easily trailered to new sailing grounds. The generous beam of 6.17 feet provides surprising stability and interior space for overnight camping adventures, living up to its name. While the low comfort ratio of 4.33 and capsize screening formula of 3.11 indicate this boat is best suited for protected waters rather than offshore passages, it excels as a coastal cruiser and weekend explorer. With a theoretical hull speed of 5.29 knots and favorable sail area to displacement ratio of 34.33, the Overnighter 16 offers an engaging sailing experience that balances performance with the forgiving characteristics ideal for developing sailing skills.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.33 ft / 4.98 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.58 ft / 4.75 m
Beam 6.17 ft / 1.88 m
Max Draft 2.75 ft / 0.84 m
Min Draft 0.58 ft / 0.18 m
Displacement 500.00 lb / 227 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 135.00 ft² / 12.54 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Johann Tanzer
Builder Tanzer Industries (CAN)
First Built 1964
Number Built 550
Owner Reviews

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

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
34.33
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
59.02
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
4.33
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
3.11
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. 5.29 kn
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. 343.48 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
Mast Height (DWL) 25.00 ft / 7.62 m
How It Compares

vs. Constellation 16, Grumman Flyer, Hawk 16 Pearson

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Overnighter 16 ★
16.3 ft
Constellation 16
16.3 ft
Grumman Flyer
16.2 ft
Hawk 16 Pearson
16.3 ft
LWL
Overnighter 16 ★
15.6 ft
Constellation 16
15.6 ft
Grumman Flyer
14.5 ft
Hawk 16 Pearson
13.0 ft
Beam
Overnighter 16 ★
6.2 ft
Constellation 16
6.2 ft
Grumman Flyer
6.7 ft
Hawk 16 Pearson
6.0 ft
Displacement
Overnighter 16 ★
500 lbs
Constellation 16
450 lbs
Grumman Flyer
320 lbs
Hawk 16 Pearson
575 lbs
Sail Area
Overnighter 16 ★
135 sq ft
Constellation 16
135 sq ft
Grumman Flyer
149 sq ft
Hawk 16 Pearson
123 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Overnighter 16 ★
34.3
Constellation 16
36.8
Grumman Flyer
51.0
Hawk 16 Pearson
28.5
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Overnighter 16 ★
4.3
Constellation 16
3.9
Grumman Flyer
2.6
Hawk 16 Pearson
5.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Overnighter 16 ★
3.11
Constellation 16
3.22
Grumman Flyer
3.90
Hawk 16 Pearson
2.89
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Overnighter 16 ★
59
Constellation 16
53
Grumman Flyer
46
Hawk 16 Pearson
Hull Speed
Overnighter 16 ★
5.3 kts
Constellation 16
5.3 kts
Grumman Flyer
5.1 kts
Hawk 16 Pearson
4.8 kts
Find a Overnighter 16 For Sale