Paceship 2-16 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Paceship 2-16 is rooted in Paceship Yachts' emergence as an early and significant fiberglass boat manufacturer. The company, which evolved from the Industrial Shipping Company Limited, rebuilt its plant in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, after a devastating fire in 1956, and quickly embraced fiberglass construction for its expanding line of sailboats. Paceship Yachts Limited was officially founded in 1962, distinguishing itself with its modern approach to boat building.

The Paceship 2-16, introduced in 1970, benefited from Paceship's collaboration with respected naval architects. While Paceship also worked with designers like John Deknatel of C. Raymond Hunt Associates and Cuthbertson & Cassian for larger models, the 2-16 is specifically credited to C&C Design. This design firm is known for crafting well-engineered vessels, and for a boat of this size, their philosophy would have centered on creating a lightweight, easily manageable boat. The choice of a centerboard dinghy hull type for the 2-16 underscores a design goal of versatility, allowing for sailing in shallow waters and straightforward trailering. No significant variations of the 2-16 during its production run are widely documented.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 15.42 feet and a waterline length of 13.79 feet, the Paceship 2-16 is characterized by its compact dimensions. Its design as a fractional sloop with a reported sail area of 112 square feet suggests a rig optimized for efficiency and ease of control, making it well-suited for a variety of conditions. The boat's hull speed is approximately 4.98 knots, indicative of its design as a nimble and responsive vessel.

The Paceship 2-16 is consistently described as offering responsive sailing and easy handling, making it an enjoyable choice for day sailing. As a relatively light "Centerboard Dinghy," it is expected to be quick to accelerate and maneuverable, providing an engaging experience for its crew. Its shallow minimum draft of 0.58 feet with the centerboard retracted further enhances its versatility for exploring creeks and beaches, while the maximum draft of 2.8 feet provides sufficient lateral resistance for upwind performance when the board is deployed. Owners are likely to find the 2-16 to be a fun and accessible boat for sheltered waters, as demonstrated by instances of it being sailed on lakes.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its modest length of just over 15 feet and its classification as a centerboard dinghy and "open boat" by some sources, the Paceship 2-16 features a minimalist layout primarily focused on open-air sailing. While some descriptions may refer to it as a "day cruiser (Cabin boat)," it is important to understand that any "cabin" space would be a very basic cuddy, offering only extremely limited shelter or storage rather than true living accommodations.

The design prioritizes a spacious cockpit for comfortable seating during sailing, consistent with its role as a sport and pleasure craft. Storage would typically be limited to small lockers for safety equipment and personal gear. The absence of a reported maximum headroom further confirms its open or very small cuddy configuration, making it perfectly suited for those who appreciate the simplicity and direct connection to the water that a well-designed daysailer offers.