CORTEZ 16
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 16 ft |
| LWL | 13.58 ft |
| Beam | 6.75 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft/ 0.75 ft min |
| Displacement | 850 lb |
| Ballast | 300 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 4.9 kn |
About the CORTEZ 16
Tooling (for the hull) adapted from an earlier boat called SUN DOWNER 16. A later boat, the DRIFTER 17 shares these same origins. Thanks to Tony Davis, former partner at Sun Downer Yachts, for providing additional information.
The Cortez 16 is a compact fractional sloop designed by W.I.B. Crealock and built by Recreational Products (USA) in 1973. With a displacement of 850.0 lb and a beam of 6.75 ft, it represents a lightweight, trailerable option from the early 1970s, though the exact number of hulls built is unknown.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising, daysailing, and trailerable weekend getaways rather than extended offshore passages. Its lightweight nature and small footprint make it ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a manageable, easy-to-store vessel.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 850.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.85, the Cortez 16 is not designed for bluewater cruising and is best restricted to protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 16 and the Pearson 16, which share similar dimensions and trailerable roles from the same era. These vessels are comparable due to their fractional sloop rigs and focus on ease of handling for novice sailors.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CORTEZ 16 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 16ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the CORTEZ 16yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a CORTEZ 16? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CORTEZ 16?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the CORTEZ 16
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…