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Sparrow 16
Designer: Ron Holder  ·  Builder: Northshore Marine  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Sparrow 16

A compact and nimble daysailer, the Sparrow 16 is designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, making it an appealing option for beginners and experienced sailors alike who are looking for an uncomplicated time on the water. Best suited to sheltered bays, lakes, and calm coastal waters, this small sailboat prioritizes ease of handling over long-distance capability, offering a rewarding sailing experience without the complexity of larger vessels. With limited published specifications available, much of the Sparrow 16's appeal appears to rest on its approachable size and manageable rig, qualities that make it well-suited to solo sailing or outings with a small crew. Boats of this class typically reward sailors who enjoy developing their fundamental skills, from sail trim to tacking and jibing in close quarters. While the Sparrow 16 may not carry the widespread recognition of more established production designs, its modest footprint makes it practical to trailer, store, and maintain. For those seeking an entry point into sailing or a low-maintenance weekend boat, the Sparrow 16 is worth a closer look.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.33 ft / 4.98 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.50 ft / 4.42 m
Beam 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Max Draft 1.83 ft / 0.56 m
Displacement 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Ballast 350.00 lb / 159 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 127.00 ft² / 11.80 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ron Holder
Builder Northshore Marine
First Built 1978
Owner Reviews

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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
 21.84
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
 7.63
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
 2.7
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. 5.1
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
 3.92
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. 336.77
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 15.92
J (Foretriangle Base) 5.25
P (Mainsail Luff) 17.42
E (Mainsail Foot) 7.75
SA Fore 41.79
SA Main 67.5
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