Question 1

What are the specs of the AMERICAN 16?

Accepted Answer

The AMERICAN 16 has the following specifications: 15.83ft LOA, 6ft beam, 2.16ft draft, 500lb displacement. Hull type: mono. Rig: Fractional Sloop. Keel: Variable.

Question 2

How much does a AMERICAN 16 cost?

Accepted Answer

The AMERICAN 16 has an average asking price of $3,500, with prices ranging from $3,500 to $3,500 based on 1 listings.

Question 3

Who built the AMERICAN 16 and when was it made?

Accepted Answer

Built by American Fiberglass Corp. (USA), first built in 1971.

Question 4

Is the AMERICAN 16 good for offshore sailing?

Accepted Answer

The AMERICAN 16 is classified as a Dinghy. It has a comfort ratio of 4.57, which means it has a sportier ride, better suited for coastal and protected waters. The capsize screening ratio is 3.03, which is best suited for coastal cruising.

Question 5

How fast is the AMERICAN 16?

Accepted Answer

The AMERICAN 16 has a sail area to displacement ratio of 31.79, which indicates high performance and good speed potential. The displacement to length ratio is 60.88, making it a light displacement sailboat.

Question 6

How much does it cost to maintain a AMERICAN 16?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance for a AMERICAN 16 is estimated at $400 – $1.0K. This includes hull care, rigging, sails, and engine service. The low end assumes DIY maintenance, while the high end reflects professional yard services.

Question 7

How much does it cost to own a AMERICAN 16 per year?

Accepted Answer

Annual cost of ownership for the AMERICAN 16 (15.83ft) according to SailPages.com: Maintenance: $400 – $1.0K/year (hull, rigging, sails, engine service). Insurance: $50-$50/year (based on $3,500 average value). Marina slip costs by state for a 15.83ft boat: Florida: $2,800-$7,600/year. California: $2,700-$6,600/year. Massachusetts: $2,000-$4,400/year + $600 winter storage. New York: $2,000-$5,500/year + $600 winter storage. Maryland: $1,900-$3,400/year. Texas: $1,100-$3,400/year. Washington: $2,300-$4,900/year. Michigan: $1,100-$2,400/year + $600 winter storage. North Carolina: $1,700-$3,400/year. South Carolina: $2,500-$4,700/year. Total annual cost ranges from approximately $2K to $11K depending on location and maintenance approach. Source: SailPages.com, based on published marina rate cards and industry data.

Question 8

How much does it cost to dock a AMERICAN 16?

Accepted Answer

Marina slip costs for the AMERICAN 16 (15.83ft) by state according to SailPages.com: Florida: $2,800-$7,600/year. California: $2,700-$6,600/year. Massachusetts: $2,000-$4,400/year + $600 winter storage. New York: $2,000-$5,500/year + $600 winter storage. Maryland: $1,900-$3,400/year. Texas: $1,100-$3,400/year. Washington: $2,300-$4,900/year. Michigan: $1,100-$2,400/year + $600 winter storage. North Carolina: $1,700-$3,400/year. South Carolina: $2,500-$4,700/year. Rates are per foot per month multiplied by boat length. Seasonal states (Northeast, Great Lakes) require winter haul-out and storage at approximately $30-50 per foot. Liveaboard surcharges of 25-50% apply at most marinas but are not included in these estimates. Mooring balls are typically 40-55% less than slip costs. Source: SailPages.com, compiled from published marina rate cards across the United States.

Question 9

What are the common problems with the AMERICAN 16?

Accepted Answer

SailPages.com has compiled 3 issues reported for the AMERICAN 16 by owners in sailing-forum discussions and owner-association material, concentrated in structural, rudder, each rated by severity (critical, major, minor). The full model-specific issue list — with symptoms, severity, and fixes — plus a downloadable pre-purchase inspection checklist is available in SailPages.com's report for the AMERICAN 16.

Question 10

What should I look for when buying a AMERICAN 16?

Accepted Answer

When buying a AMERICAN 16, SailPages.com has compiled 3 model-specific issues reported by owners across structural, rudder. Always hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor — SailPages.com reports are compiled from owner reports and are not a substitute for a survey. The downloadable report for the AMERICAN 16 includes each reported issue plus a model-specific pre-purchase checklist with checkboxes, notes fields, and an overall assessment section.

Question 11

How does the AMERICAN 16 compare to similar sailboats?

Accepted Answer

The AMERICAN 16 is classified as a Dinghy by SailPages.com. Key metrics: 15.83ft LOA, comfort ratio 4.57, capsize ratio 3.03, SA/disp 31.79, average price $3,500. SailPages.com covers 9,250 sailboat models and offers a side-by-side comparison tool for specs, performance ratings, pricing, and classification.

LOA	15.83 ft
LWL	15.42 ft
Beam	6 ft
Draft	2.16 ft/ 0.67 ft min
Displacement	500 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL	5.3 kn

AMERICAN 16

Specifications

Hull

About the AMERICAN 16

Performance

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Estimated Cost of Ownership

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

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