MARTIN 16
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 16 ft |
| LWL | 16 ft |
| Beam | 4.33 ft |
| Draft | 3.33 ft/ 1.33 ft min |
| Displacement | 730 lb |
| Ballast | 330 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| SA total | 194 sq ft |
About the MARTIN 16
Designed specifically for sailors with disabilities. Asymmetric spinnaker sail area: 194 sq ft. First 58 boats built by Marin Yachts Ltd.. 55 more from Abbott Boats Ltd. Original molds destroyed by fire in 2006 but a new set were created in 2009. Last known builder/seller: KAPE Boatworks Inc. Mississauga, Ontario, (CAN) Photo courtesy Adam Hunt.
Designed by Don Martin and built by Martin, the Martin 16 is a compact fractional sloop with a production run of 110 hulls in 1995. Its lightweight displacement of 730.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 19.77 indicate a design optimized for performance and ease of handling rather than heavy-weather stability.
- Best for:
- This boat suits solo sailors, couples, or small families seeking a trailerable day sailor or coastal cruiser that is easy to launch and maintain. Its fractional sloop rig and light displacement make it particularly well-suited for single-handers who prioritize agility and storage convenience.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.93 and a comfort ratio of 9.99, the Martin 16 is not designed for offshore bluewater cruising. Its light displacement and short waterline limit its seakeeping ability, making it best suited for protected coastal waters and day sailing.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 16 and Catalina 16.5, as they share similar LOA dimensions and target the trailerable day-sailing market. The Martin 16 distinguishes itself with a slightly higher sail area-to-displacement ratio, offering potentially better upwind performance than heavier-displacement contemporaries.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 16ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 3 systems for the MARTIN 16, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MARTIN 16? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 5 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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