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Windrider 16
Designer: Jim Brown/Windrider  ·  Builder: Windrider (Usa)  ·  First built: 1995
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About the Windrider 16

Originally designed by renowned multihull pioneer Jim Brown in 1995, this compact trimaran represents an accessible entry point into high-performance sailing. The rotomolded polyethylene construction makes it virtually indestructible while keeping costs reasonable, perfect for beach sailing and recreational use where durability matters more than ultimate lightness. With its exceptionally shallow 1.33-foot draft and lightweight 250-pound displacement, the Windrider 16 excels in protected waters, shallow bays, and coastal sailing where traditional boats fear to venture. The 12-foot beam provides remarkable stability for such a compact craft, while the unstayed cat rig keeps things simple for single-handed sailing or teaching newcomers the basics. The impressive sail area-to-displacement ratio of 33.09 reveals this trimaran's performance potential, offering exciting sailing in light to moderate conditions. Its fixed unballasted keel configuration means it relies purely on beam and hull form for stability, making it ideal for day sailing, sailing instruction, and beach launching adventures. This design suits sailors seeking an affordable, low-maintenance boat for coastal exploration and recreational sailing, though its construction and size make it unsuitable for serious offshore work or heavy weather sailing.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$1,300 – $2,000
typical asking price
Median $1,300  ·  4 listings used
All listings
$1,300 – $2,000 4
Rate a listing price
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About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.58 ft / 5.05 m
Beam 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Max Draft 1.33 ft / 0.41 m
Displacement 250.00 lb / 113 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 82.00 ft² / 7.62 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Trimaran with fixed unballasted keel
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction Roto molded Poly.
Designer Jim Brown/Windrider
Builder Windrider (USA)
First Built 1995
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
 39.87
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
 0.94
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
 7.62
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. 5.03 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. 3.62 pounds/inch
Find a Windrider 16 For Sale
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