RS Cat 16 Information, Review, Specs

As part of the RS Sailing fleet, the RS Cat 16 benefits from the builder's extensive experience as the world's largest manufacturer of small sailboats, known for their dynamic design and robust construction. The company, which originated from a passion for advancing dinghy design, focuses on leveraging modern technology to create inspiring boats that "move the game forward" and ignite passion in more sailors.

History and Design

The RS Cat 16 emerged in 2014, a testament to RS Sailing's continuous innovation in the small boat sector. Its development aligns with the builder's philosophy, which, since its inception in 1994 (with roots back to 1970), has focused on creating boats that speak for themselves through inherent quality and performance. RS Sailing is particularly known for utilizing durable rotomoulded polyethylene, a construction technique that contributes to the Cat 16's virtually indestructible hulls and low maintenance requirements. This choice of material underscores the company's commitment to resilience and longevity, a hallmark of their evolution.

The design features, such as the "dreadnaught bow" and an ingeniously strong hull-to-beam attachment system, showcase a focus on robust engineering and performance. The RS Cat 16 is available in several trims—'Club', S, XL, and Race—offering versatility to suit different sailing preferences and skill levels. The XL version includes a single trapeze, while the Race version boasts a double trapeze and Mylar sails for enhanced performance, compared to the Dacron sails standard on other versions. This range of options allows sailors to customize their Cat 16 experience from a straightforward, easy-to-handle boat to a more high-performance machine.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the RS Cat 16 delivers "sparkling performance," giving it the feel of a higher-performance boat while remaining remarkably easy to handle. Its modern design and high-performance capabilities make it exciting for both adults and children, offering the thrill associated with catamaran sailing. The boat's rotomoulded, trilaminate polyethylene hulls not only contribute to its durability but also allow it to achieve impressive speeds.

The RS Cat 16 is designed for exhilarating sailing, with many sailors finding it highly rewarding. It is praised for its balance of lively performance and user-friendliness, making it suitable for both training and recreational use. The high buoyancy of its hulls provides reserve stability, a key feature that makes catamaran sailing fun and easy. Its handling is generally described as straightforward, allowing sailors to quickly become comfortable with the basic techniques of sailing small catamarans.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 15.49-foot beach catamaran, the RS Cat 16 is designed primarily for on-the-water performance and ease of use, rather than extensive onboard accommodations. The design prioritizes open deck space and minimal complexity, typical for its class. There is no enclosed cabin or significant headroom. The layout is focused on providing a comfortable and efficient platform for sailing, whether single-handed or with crew. The durable rotomoulded construction means there are no traditional interior finishes like wood trim; instead, the focus is on robust, low-maintenance materials suited for a beach environment. Storage is limited to small, integrated compartments necessary for rigging and safety equipment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the RS Cat 16 for its combination of durability, ease of handling, and exhilarating performance. Its rotomoulded polyethylene construction is frequently highlighted as a major strength, contributing to its low maintenance and ability to withstand significant wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for clubs and families. Sailors appreciate its "sparkling performance" which provides a high-performance feel without being overly demanding to sail, making it accessible to a wide range of skill levels. The boat's ability to be sailed single-handed or with crew, along with the optional trapeze and gennaker configurations, adds to its versatility and appeal. While specific common problems are not widely reported in general reviews, the design emphasizes robustness to minimize typical wear issues associated with beach catamarans. Owners enjoy the "fun and easy" aspect of the boat, which makes catamaran sailing approachable for many.