Back to Search
Sidewinder 16
Designer: J. R. Macalpine-Downie/Dick Gibbs  ·  Builder: Mfg Boats (Usa)  ·  First built: 1969
+ Add to Compare
About the Sidewinder 16

Compact, nimble, and built for spirited sailing, the Sidewinder 16 is a small daysailer that appeals to those looking for an accessible entry point into the sport or a fun, low-maintenance boat for weekend sailing on lakes, bays, and protected coastal waters. Its modest size makes it easy to trailer, launch, and handle, making it a practical choice for sailors who want to spend more time on the water and less time dealing with complex logistics. While detailed specifications for the Sidewinder 16 are limited, boats in this class are generally designed with simplicity and responsiveness in mind. Expect lively handling characteristics typical of smaller sailboats, where the sailor's skill and weight placement play a meaningful role in performance. This kind of boat rewards active, engaged sailing and serves as an excellent learning platform for developing fundamental seamanship. The Sidewinder 16 is best suited to fair-weather daysailing rather than offshore or overnight passages. For sailors seeking an affordable, manageable boat that delivers genuine enjoyment on the water without the overhead of a larger vessel, it represents a worthwhile option to consider.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 15.50 ft / 4.72 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.33 ft / 4.37 m
Beam 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Displacement 175.00 lb / 79 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer J. R. Macalpine-Downie/Dick Gibbs
Builder MFG Boats (USA)
First Built 1969
Owner Reviews

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

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
26.55
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. 1.38 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.42 ft / 0.13 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 107.50 ft² / 9.99 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 26.55
Find a Sidewinder 16 For Sale