American 16 Sailboats for Sale

Hull Type

Monohull · centerboard

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

15.83' · 4.82 m

Disp.

500 lbs · 227 kg

First year

1971

The American 16, introduced in 1971 by the American Fiberglass Corporation, was designed to democratize recreational sailing by bridging the gap between small, wetsailing dinghies and larger, more expensive pocket cruisers. Originally manufactured during the peak of the 1970s fiberglass boatbuilding boom under the General Recreation Corporation, and later managed by American Sail, this trailerable daysailor was engineered with a clear emphasis on stability, simplicity, and interior volume for its length 2. Unlike opencockpit racing dinghies of the era, the American 16 features a generous hull shape with a wide beam and high freeboard, aimed squarely at families, sailing schools, and pocketcruising enthusiasts who want to stay dry while exploring inland lakes and protected coastal bays.