Laguna 16 Information, Review, Specs

The Laguna 16 was built by Laguna Yachts, a company founded by Bill Downing in 1973 in Stanton, California. Production of the Laguna 16 commenced in 1984 and continued until 1987. This period saw Laguna Yachts, which had previously been known for its Windrose line, rebranding many of its popular models under the "Laguna" name.

The design of the Laguna 16 is credited to W. Shad Turner, a prolific naval architect known for his work on many of Laguna Yachts' smaller cruisers and day sailers. Turner's philosophy, consistent across the Laguna and Windrose lines, emphasized practicality, accessibility, and solid, simple construction over high-performance racing or luxury. These boats were generally characterized by their stability and ease of handling, qualities well-suited for a vessel like the Laguna 16, which was aimed at a broad range of sailors, including those new to the sport. The hull and deck were constructed from solid fiberglass, indicative of the robust, no-frills approach Laguna Yachts took to boat building.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 16-foot masthead sloop with a fin keel and transom-hung rudder, the Laguna 16 is designed for straightforward sailing. Its hull type is a monohull, and with a reported sail area of 117 square feet, it is intended for enjoyable day sailing. The boat carries 400 pounds of ballast within its 1000-pound displacement, contributing to its stability. While specific performance anecdotes for the Laguna 16 are not extensively documented, the general design principles of W. Shad Turner's small sailboats suggest a focus on stable and manageable handling. One analysis of its ballast ratio indicates a good righting moment compared to similar sailboat designs, suggesting it can stand up well to wind. The Laguna 16's modest length waterline of 14.67 feet translates to a theoretical hull speed of approximately 5.13 knots, which is typical for a boat of its size, making it a capable performer for its intended purpose as a recreational day sailer.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 16-foot length, the Laguna 16 offers very limited interior accommodations, aligning with its role as a day sailer rather than a cruiser designed for extensive overnight stays. The interior typically features a small cuddy cabin, providing basic shelter or storage for gear, but it is not designed for standing headroom or elaborate living spaces. Information regarding specific interior layouts, finish quality, or materials is scarce, which is common for smaller, simpler boats of this type where the emphasis is on open-air sailing and minimal below-deck amenities.