Prindle 16 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Prindle 16 is its asymmetrical hull design. By utilizing hulls that are flat on the outside and curved on the inside, the design generates hydrodynamic lift, which provides the necessary lateral resistance to sail upwind without the need for heavy, retractable daggerboards. This design choice makes the Prindle 16 an ideal vessel for beaching and shallow-water navigation, as there are no underwater appendages to damage during a landing.

In terms of handling, the Prindle 16 is frequently cited for its superior "tacking" ability compared to other beach cats of its era. Because the hulls have a more sophisticated entry and better buoyancy distribution than the Hobie 16, the boat carries its momentum through the wind more effectively. The sail-area-to-weight ratio is impressively high; with a total sail area of approximately 189 square feet on a platform weighing roughly 315 pounds, the boat is exceptionally responsive in light air. In heavy air, the wider beam of 7' 11" provides a stable platform for the crew to trapeze, though the boat remains a high-performance machine that requires active weight management. According to historical reviews in Small Boat Advisor, the Prindle 16 feels more like a "driver's boat," offering a more balanced helm and a reduced risk of the bows "digging in" during high-speed reaches.

The boat was part of a modular design philosophy at Performance Catamarans. Its smaller sibling, the Prindle 15, was optimized for single-handed sailing, while the larger Prindle 18 offered more volume for heavier crews. The design eventually culminated in the Prindle 18-2 and Prindle 19, which moved away from the asymmetrical hull shape in favor of symmetrical hulls and daggerboards to compete at the highest levels of windward-leeward racing.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Prindle 16 enjoyed a robust competitive lifespan, particularly in the 1970s and 80s when "one-design" catamaran racing was at its cultural peak. It was a frequent participant in coastal "raid" style races and long-distance events like the Worrell 1000. While it lacked the Hollywood presence of some of its contemporaries, the Prindle 16 earned its reputation in the technical sailing press, often featured in Sailing World and the archives of Sail Magazine as the benchmark for how an asymmetrical beach cat should behave. The boat's cultural footprint is most visible today in the vintage catamaran community, where it is celebrated for its longevity and the purity of its design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Prindle 16 should focus on the structural integrity of the hulls, as many of these vessels have spent decades exposed to UV rays and saltwater.

• Hull Delamination: The most critical area for inspection is the deck and the sides of the hulls. Sailors often stand on the hulls while trapezing or moving about the boat; over time, the fiberglass skin can separate from the foam core. A "tap test" using a plastic hammer or coin should produce a sharp "click"; a dull "thud" indicates delamination that may require an epoxy injection repair.
• Rudder Castings and Kick-up Mechanism: The Prindle uses a specific rudder casting that allows the blades to "kick up" upon hitting an object or the beach. These castings can become brittle or corroded. Ensure the springs and locking pins are functional, as replacements for these proprietary parts can be difficult to source.
• Mast Base and Step: Inspect the aluminum mast base and the step on the main beam for signs of "galling" or significant wear. Because the mast rotates under load, the interface between these two components is a high-friction area that requires regular lubrication and eventual part replacement.
• Rigging Wire and Tangs: Check all stainless steel standing rigging for "meat hooks" (broken strands) and corrosion. Particular attention should be paid to the forestay and shroud chainplates where they attach to the hulls, as these are high-stress points that can develop stress cracks in the gelcoat.

Community & Resources

The Prindle 16 is supported by a dedicated, though decentralized, community of multihull enthusiasts. While the official Prindle Class Association is no longer the powerhouse it was in the 1980s, technical knowledge is preserved through various multihull technical wikis and regional catamaran clubs. Owners often look to the legacy documentation provided by Performance Catamarans for rigging specifications and tuning guides. Technical support is also frequently found through the broader Nacra Sailing network, as they are the historical successors to the Prindle brand.

The Verdict

The Prindle 16 remains a premier choice for sailors who want a fast, responsive beach catamaran without the mechanical complexity of daggerboards.

Pros:

• Asymmetrical Hulls: Excellent upwind performance and easy beaching without daggerboards.
• Refined Handling: Less prone to pitchpoling and easier to tack than many of its contemporaries.
• Simplicity: A clean, efficient rig that is relatively easy for two people to step and launch.
• Durability: Solid construction that, if well-maintained, can last for decades.

Cons:

• Parts Availability: As the boat is out of production, finding original hardware and rudder components can be a challenge.
• Age: Most available hulls are 30+ years old and require careful inspection for delamination.
• Crew Demand: While stable, it is a high-performance boat that can be a handful for novices in high winds.