Catalina 16.5 vs Fireball
How do the Catalina 16.5 and Fireball compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 16.5 
Fireball | Catalina 16.5 | Fireball | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 16.2 ft4.93 m |
| Waterline length | 15.7 ft4.78 m | 13.3 ft4.04 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 4.6 ft1.40 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 430 lb195 kg | 170 lb77 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 124 ft²11.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 42.13 | 64.65 |
| Displacement / Length | 50 | 33 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.1 | 2.4 |
| Capsize screening | 3.71 | 3.31 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 4.9 |
Catalina 16.5 vs Fireball: the short version
- The Catalina 16.5 and Fireball are close in length (16.3 ft4.98 m vs 16.2 ft4.93 m ).
- The Catalina 16.5 is heavier, displacing about 153% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Fireball carries the more powerful rig (64.7 vs 42.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 16.5 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Fireball rates better for offshore work (3.31 vs 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.