Catalina 16.5 vs Precision 16
How do the Catalina 16.5 and Precision 16 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 16.5 
Precision 16 | Catalina 16.5 | Precision 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 16.3 ft4.95 m |
| Waterline length | 15.7 ft4.78 m | 14.0 ft4.27 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 6.7 ft2.03 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 3.7 ft1.12 m |
| Displacement | 430 lb195 kg | 390 lb177 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 155 ft²14.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 42.13 | 46.46 |
| Displacement / Length | 50 | 63 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.1 | 3.3 |
| Capsize screening | 3.71 | 3.65 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Catalina 16.5 vs Precision 16: the short version
- The Catalina 16.5 and Precision 16 are close in length (16.3 ft4.98 m vs 16.3 ft4.95 m ).
- The Catalina 16.5 is heavier, displacing about 10% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Precision 16 carries the more powerful rig (46.5 vs 42.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Precision 16 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Precision 16 rates better for offshore work (3.65 vs 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.