Fireball vs Precision 16
How do the Fireball and Precision 16 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Fireball 
Precision 16 | Fireball | Precision 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.2 ft4.93 m | 16.3 ft4.95 m |
| Waterline length | 13.3 ft4.04 m | 14.0 ft4.27 m |
| Beam | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 6.7 ft2.03 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 3.7 ft1.12 m |
| Displacement | 170 lb77 kg | 390 lb177 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 124 ft²11.5 m² | 155 ft²14.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 64.65 | 46.46 |
| Displacement / Length | 33 | 63 |
| Comfort ratio | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| Capsize screening | 3.31 | 3.65 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.9 | 5.0 |
Fireball vs Precision 16: the short version
- The Fireball and Precision 16 are close in length (16.2 ft4.93 m vs 16.3 ft4.95 m ).
- The Precision 16 is heavier, displacing about 129% 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 46.5), 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 Fireball rates better for offshore work (3.31 vs 3.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.