Apollo 16 Information, Review, Specs

While the 16-foot hull is the most recognized, it is part of a broader lineage of Kirby-designed AMF vessels. Its closest sibling is the AMF Apollo (often referred to as the Apollo 14), which utilized similar design language on a smaller scale. These boats shared the AMF/Alcort catalog with other contemporary models like the Force 5, a single-handed racer, and the Puffer, a 12-foot trainer. Unlike many cruiser manufacturers that repurpose a single hull for various interior layouts, AMF followed a "one hull, one purpose" philosophy, making the Apollo 16 a dedicated open-cockpit platform without cabin-trunk variations.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Apollo 16 are defined by its exceptionally high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, which sits at approximately 46.1. For context, this ratio places the Apollo 16 firmly in the "planing dinghy" category, as it possesses significant power relative to its 300-pound displacement. The boat features a fractional sloop rig with a 129-square-foot sail plan, allowing it to accelerate quickly in light air. Because it was designed by Bruce Kirby, the boat inherits a responsive, "fingertip" feel at the tiller, similar to the Laser, though the added beam (5.92 ft) and the presence of a jib make it considerably more stable and manageable for a crew of two or three.

Technical manuals and historical design overviews highlight several advanced features for its era, including a full-beam mainsheet traveler and a "kick-up" centerboard and rudder. These allow the boat to be easily beach-launched or sailed in shallow waters, with a minimum draft of just 6 inches. A notable quirk of the rigging is that the jib is tensioned via its halyard rather than being fixed to a traditional forestay, a detail that requires specific attention during tuning. On the water, the boat is known for its ability to plane on a reach in moderate breezes, though its open design requires an active crew to manage heel and prevent swamping in heavy gusts.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should evaluate the Apollo 16 with the specific vulnerabilities of 1970s fiberglass construction in mind.

• Deck and Cockpit Delamination: Like many boats from the AMF era, the Apollo 16 utilized a cored deck construction that is susceptible to moisture intrusion. Check for "spongy" spots on the foredeck or along the cockpit benches, which often indicate delaminated or rotted core material.
• Centerboard Trunk Stress: The area where the centerboard trunk meets the hull is a common point for stress cracking. Gel coat "spiderwebbing" is typical, but deep linear cracks may suggest structural fatigue from high-speed grounding or heavy racing loads.
• Mast Step Integrity: The Apollo 16 features a hinged mast step to facilitate trailer-side rigging. Inspect the fiberglass base of the mast step for compression cracks or signs of "sinking," which can occur if the boat was frequently sailed with excessive shroud tension.
• Hull Distortions: Because the boat is lightweight (300 lbs), it is easily damaged by improper trailering. Ensure the hull is not "hogged" or indented at the bunk locations, as 1970s hulls left on poorly fitted trailers for decades often take on a permanent set.

Community & Resources

The primary repository for technical data and historical documentation for this model is the Apollo Owner's Manual archive, which preserves the original AMF Alcort rigging guides and parts lists. While no longer in active commercial production, the boat maintains a niche following among Bruce Kirby enthusiasts and vintage dinghy racers. Technical support is frequently sought through the broader Sunfish and Alcort owner communities, which often share hardware and rigging solutions compatible with the Apollo line.

The Verdict

The Apollo 16 is a classic example of late-20th-century performance daysailing, offering a Bruce Kirby-designed hull that remains fast and rewarding to sail today.

Pros:

• Performance: High power-to-weight ratio allows for easy planing and light-air responsiveness.
• Versatility: Large open cockpit accommodates families, while the fractional rig provides enough technicality for racing.
• Portability: At 300 lbs, it is easily towed by small vehicles and can be launched in very shallow water.

Cons:

• Age-Related Wear: Most surviving examples require attention to deck core and gel coat maintenance.
• Stability Limits: As an open dinghy, it lacks the ultimate stability of a ballasted keelboat and can be swamped if handled poorly in heavy weather.
• Parts Availability: While generic rigging is easy to replace, specific AMF-branded hardware may require sourcing from the used market or custom fabrication.