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Tahiti 16
Designer: Roberto Barras  ·  Builder: Multiglass  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Tahiti 16

Designed as a compact and accessible sailboat, the Tahiti 16 offers an approachable entry point for sailors looking to develop their skills on coastal and inland waters. Its modest size makes it well-suited for day sailing and light recreational use, providing an enjoyable experience without the complexity or cost of larger vessels. While detailed specifications for the Tahiti 16 are limited, boats of this class typically emphasize simplicity and ease of handling, making them a practical choice for beginners and casual sailors alike. The name evokes a sense of adventure and escapism, and the design likely reflects the relaxed, exploratory spirit associated with small cruising sailboats of its era. For anyone researching a first sailboat or a lightweight weekend companion, the Tahiti 16 deserves consideration as a manageable, budget-conscious option. Prospective buyers would be well advised to inspect available examples carefully and consult with owners or sailing communities who may have firsthand experience with the boat's handling characteristics and long-term durability. Its small footprint also means easier trailering and storage compared to larger cruising alternatives.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 15.91 ft / 4.85 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 12.80 ft / 3.90 m
Beam 5.91 ft / 1.80 m
Max Draft 2.46 ft / 0.75 m
Displacement 1,190.00 lb / 540 kg
Ballast 276.00 lb / 125 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 156.00 ft² / 14.49 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Roberto Barras
Builder Multiglass
First Built 1975
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
22.27
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
12.55
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
2.23
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. 4.79
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. 270.3
How It Compares

vs. Apollo 16, Balboa 16, Neptune 16

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Tahiti 16 ★
15.9 ft
Apollo 16
15.8 ft
Balboa 16
16.0 ft
Neptune 16
15.8 ft
LWL
Tahiti 16 ★
12.8 ft
Apollo 16
Balboa 16
14.7 ft
Neptune 16
13.5 ft
Beam
Tahiti 16 ★
5.9 ft
Apollo 16
5.9 ft
Balboa 16
7.5 ft
Neptune 16
6.2 ft
Displacement
Tahiti 16 ★
1 lbs
Apollo 16
300 lbs
Balboa 16
1 lbs
Neptune 16
900 lbs
Ballast
Tahiti 16 ★
276 lbs
Apollo 16
Balboa 16
400 lbs
Neptune 16
200 lbs
Sail Area
Tahiti 16 ★
156 sq ft
Apollo 16
Balboa 16
117 sq ft
Neptune 16
115 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Tahiti 16 ★
22.3
Apollo 16
Balboa 16
18.8
Neptune 16
19.8
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Tahiti 16 ★
12.6
Apollo 16
3.1
Balboa 16
7.0
Neptune 16
8.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Tahiti 16 ★
2.23
Apollo 16
Balboa 16
3.00
Neptune 16
2.56
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Tahiti 16 ★
Apollo 16
55
Balboa 16
141
Neptune 16
Hull Speed
Tahiti 16 ★
4.8 kts
Apollo 16
4.9 kts
Balboa 16
5.1 kts
Neptune 16
4.9 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Tahiti 16 ★
Apollo 16
Balboa 16
3.8
Neptune 16
3.5
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