Venus 16 Information, Review, Specs

The Dromor Venus 16 commenced production in 1989, emerging from Dromor Yachts' shipyard in Kalivia-Thoricou-Attiki, near Athens, Greece. Dromor, established in 1977, built its reputation on vessels designed for the burgeoning charter industry, a focus that heavily influenced the Venus 16's construction and layout. The collaboration with Judel/Vrolijk & Co. ensured a design pedigree known for both racing and cruising yachts, translating into a boat that, while robust, also possessed sound naval architecture. The long production run of the Venus 16, with models appearing as late as 2000 and 2001 in charter fleets, underscores its enduring appeal and the durable construction methods employed by Dromor. Dromor Yachts primarily utilized Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), or fiberglass, for their boat construction, a material chosen for its strength, versatility, and ease of maintenance. The Venus 16 specifically featured a foam sandwich construction in the hull above the waterline and on the deck, a conventional approach for the era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dromor Venus 16's design ratios paint a picture of a capable and stable cruising yacht. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 196, the Venus 16 falls into the moderate-weight category, suggesting a balance between light-air performance and a comfortable motion in a seaway. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 16.2 indicates that while she is not a pure light-air performer, she possesses sufficient sail area to move effectively in a range of conditions, particularly when the wind builds.

Perhaps most indicative of her robust cruising nature is her high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of nearly 41%. This substantial ballast ratio contributes significantly to the yacht's stiffness, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and providing a high degree of stability, which translates into a more comfortable and secure ride, especially in challenging offshore conditions. The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder further enhance her directional stability and control, qualities highly valued in a vessel intended for long-distance cruising or extended charter operations.

Accommodations and Layout

Measuring 53 feet overall with a substantial beam of nearly 15 feet, the Dromor Venus 16 offers impressive interior volume, a hallmark of Dromor's design philosophy aimed at the charter market. While specific interior dimensions such as maximum headroom are not detailed, the sheer size of the vessel, combined with its stated capacity for multiple cabins and bathrooms (some configurations feature four cabins and four bathrooms), suggests a layout focused on maximizing living space and privacy for multiple occupants.

Owners and charterers can expect a practical and well-appointed interior, typical of Dromor's emphasis on functionality and durability. The layout likely includes a spacious salon, a well-equipped galley designed for efficient meal preparation at sea, and ample private sleeping quarters, catering to the needs of larger groups or families. While details on specific materials are limited, Dromor's general reputation for solid construction implies a finish that, while perhaps not luxurious, is robust and easy to maintain, a crucial aspect for a vessel built for demanding use. Storage solutions would have been integrated throughout to accommodate provisions and gear for extended cruises, ensuring comfort and convenience for those aboard.