DS-16
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 16 ft |
| LWL | 14.33 ft |
| Beam | 6 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft/ 0.58 ft min |
| Displacement | 500 lb |
| Ballast | 135 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.1 kn |
About the DS-16
Available with a keel/cb or shallow draft fixed keel. Also called DILLER SCHWILL 16.
The DS-16 is a compact 16.0 ft fractional sloop designed by G. Diller & H. Schwill and built by Schwill Yachts (CAN) in 1970. With a displacement of 500.0 lb and a build count of ?, this vessel represents a specific era of small boat construction.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for novice sailors or those with limited storage space who prioritize ease of trailering and dockage over long-range cruising capabilities.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 500.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 4.79, the DS-16 is not designed for offshore bluewater cruising and is strictly limited to protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other 16-foot trailerable sloops from the 1970s, such as the O'Day 16 or Pearson 16, which share similar fractional rig configurations and lightweight hulls designed for coastal day sailing.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DS-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 DS-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 DS-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 DS-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 DS-16
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…