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Ranger 16
Designer: Gary Mull  ·  Builder: Ranger Fiberglass Boats  ·  First built: 1987
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About the Ranger 16

Small boat sailing enthusiasts often gravitate toward designs that balance simplicity with performance, and few boats embody this philosophy better than the Ranger 16. This compact sailboat emerged during an era when affordable, trailerable sailboats were gaining popularity among weekend sailors and sailing families seeking an accessible entry into the sport. Built with a focus on ease of handling and straightforward sailing characteristics, the Ranger 16 serves as an excellent choice for coastal sailing, day sailing, and sailing instruction. Its modest size makes it particularly well-suited for protected waters, harbors, and lakes where maneuverability and responsive handling are valued over ultimate speed or accommodation space. The design emphasizes practical sailing over luxury amenities, featuring clean lines and a functional layout that prioritizes the sailing experience. Its trailerable nature allows owners the flexibility to explore different sailing venues, making it appealing to those who enjoy variety in their sailing destinations. For sailors seeking a no-nonsense boat that delivers honest sailing performance without complexity, the Ranger 16 represents a solid choice that has earned respect among the small boat sailing community for its reliability and straightforward character.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.67 ft / 5.08 m
Beam 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Max Draft 2.95 ft / 0.90 m
Displacement 450.00 lb / 204 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Gary Mull
Builder Ranger Fiberglass Boats
First Built 1987
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
70.62
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
4.26
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. 5.04 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. 1.82 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.43 ft / 0.13 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 154.00 ft² / 14.31 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Gary Mull
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