49er vs DS-16
How do the 49er and DS-16 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
49er 
DS-16 | 49er | DS-16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.0 ft4.88 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 14.3 ft4.37 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.45 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 207 lb94 kg | 500 lb227 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 135 lb61 kg |
| Sail area | —— | 155 ft²14.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | — | 39.37 |
| Displacement / Length | — | 76 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 4.8 |
| Capsize screening | 6.09 | 3.02 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 5.1 |
49er vs DS-16: the short version
- The 49er and DS-16 are close in length (16.0 ft4.88 m vs 16.0 ft4.88 m ).
- The DS-16 is heavier, displacing about 142% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- By the capsize screening formula the DS-16 rates better for offshore work (3.02 vs 6.09).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.