Precision 16 Information, Review, Specs

The Precision 16 began its production run in 1982. It was built by Precision Boat Works, Inc., a company founded by brothers Bill and Richard Porter in 1978, known for their focus on creating robust, well-mannered, and practical trailerable sailboats. The company's operational philosophy emphasized "quality built in" and aimed to provide families with enjoyable sailing experiences, a characteristic evident in the Precision 16. The design of the Precision 16, attributed to Stephen Seaton, was intended to deliver a sailboat that was fun to sail without requiring an "olympic caliber sailor" to achieve optimal performance, making it approachable for a wide range of skill levels. While Precision Boat Works collaborated with Jim Taylor for many of their designs, the Precision 16 is specifically noted as a Stephen Seaton design. Precision Boat Works continued to produce sailboats until 2018, so the Precision 16 likely remained a part of their line for a significant period.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 16.25 feet and a waterline length of 14.0 feet, the Precision 16 is a nimble and responsive vessel. Her theoretical hull speed is approximately 5.01 knots. The boat is known for its stability, a characteristic often traded for sheer speed but highly valued in a recreational day-sailor, making it a "fun play boat" suitable for lakes and coastal cruising.

The Precision 16 features a fractional sloop rig and a centerboard keel. The centerboard design allows for a minimum draft of just 0.67 feet, ideal for exploring shallow waters and facilitating easy beaching or launching, while a maximum draft of 3.67 feet provides adequate lateral resistance for sailing. Owners generally find the boat stable and forgiving, not demanding expert sailing skills to perform well.

Accommodations and Layout

As a sailing dinghy, the Precision 16 prioritizes cockpit space and open-air enjoyment over extensive interior accommodations. Given its compact size, it does not feature standing headroom, nor does it typically offer enclosed sleeping berths or a dedicated galley. The design focuses on providing a functional and comfortable cockpit area for day sailing, accommodating a small crew or family. Any interior space would likely be limited to a very small cuddy cabin, primarily serving as storage for gear or offering minimal shelter from the elements.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Precision 16 consistently praise its stability and the enjoyable, straightforward sailing experience it offers. It's often described as a great boat for casual outings and learning to sail, appreciated for its robust construction. The boat's trailerability is also a significant advantage, allowing owners to easily transport it to various sailing locations.

However, one frequently mentioned challenge by owners is the difficulty in rigging the mast. This is often attributed to the mast being long and heavy, combined with the absence of a hinged plate at the bottom, which can make stepping and unstepping the mast a more arduous task. Despite this, the overall consensus among owners points to the Precision 16 as a reliable and enjoyable small sailboat that delivers on its promise of fun and accessible sailing.