49er vs Leeward 16
How do the 49er and Leeward 16 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
49er 
Leeward 16 | 49er | Leeward 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.0 ft4.88 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 15.0 ft4.57 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.45 m | 2.9 ft0.89 m |
| Displacement | 207 lb94 kg | 650 lb295 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | —— | 168 ft²15.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | — | 35.82 |
| Displacement / Length | — | 86 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 5.7 |
| Capsize screening | 6.09 | 2.89 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 5.2 |
49er vs Leeward 16: the short version
- The 49er and Leeward 16 are close in length (16.0 ft4.88 m vs 16.0 ft4.88 m ).
- The Leeward 16 is heavier, displacing about 214% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- By the capsize screening formula the Leeward 16 rates better for offshore work (2.89 vs 6.09).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.