The Trac 16 is with a quick, snappy motion best suited to day sailing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.4 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 15.9′, the Trac 16 tops out around 5.4 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √15.9′ LWL = 5.3 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Comfort Ratio
2.2
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Capsize Screening
4.51
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Hull Speed
5.4kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
2.2
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
4.51
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Trac 16.
| Trac 16 | G Cat 50 | Hobie 16 | Nacra 500 | Tornado Texas | Windrider 16 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 16.4 | 16.7 | 16.6 | 16.4 | 16.4 | 16.6 |
| LWL | 15.9 | 15.5 | — | — | 15.6 | — |
| Beam | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 5.6 | 12.0 |
| Displacement | 359 | 340 | 320 | 297 | 425 | 250 |
| Sail Area | 194 | 210 | 218 | 190 | 160 | 82 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 69.1 | 74.6 | 68.4 | 45.3 | — |
| Comfort | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.1 | — | 4.2 | 0.9 |
| Capsize | 4.51 | 4.59 | 4.63 | — | 2.97 | 7.62 |
| Hull Speed | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.0 | — | 5.3 | 5.0 |