470 vs Newport 16
How do the 470 and Newport 16 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
470 
Newport 16 | 470 | Newport 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 15.4 ft4.70 m | 15.6 ft4.75 m |
| Waterline length | 14.4 ft4.40 m | 13.7 ft4.17 m |
| Beam | 4.2 ft1.27 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Draft | 0.5 ft0.15 m | 3.8 ft1.14 m |
| Displacement | 265 lb120 kg | 750 lb340 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 250 lb113 kg |
| Sail area | 137 ft²12.7 m² | 143 ft²13.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 53.13 | 27.72 |
| Displacement / Length | 39 | 131 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 7.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.60 | 2.75 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 5.0 |
470 vs Newport 16: the short version
- The 470 and Newport 16 are close in length (15.4 ft4.70 m vs 15.6 ft4.75 m ).
- The Newport 16 is heavier, displacing about 183% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the 470 carries the more powerful rig (53.1 vs 27.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Newport 16 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the 470 rates better for offshore work (2.60 vs 2.75).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.