Fireball vs Rebel 16
How do the Fireball and Rebel 16 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Fireball 
Rebel 16 | Fireball | Rebel 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.2 ft4.93 m | 16.1 ft4.91 m |
| Waterline length | 13.3 ft4.04 m | —— |
| Beam | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 6.6 ft2.02 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 3.5 ft1.07 m |
| Displacement | 170 lb77 kg | 700 lb318 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 110 lb50 kg |
| Sail area | 124 ft²11.5 m² | 164 ft²15.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 64.65 | 33.28 |
| Displacement / Length | 33 | — |
| Comfort ratio | 2.4 | — |
| Capsize screening | 3.31 | 2.98 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.9 | — |
Fireball vs Rebel 16: the short version
- The Fireball and Rebel 16 are close in length (16.2 ft4.93 m vs 16.1 ft4.91 m ).
- The Rebel 16 is heavier, displacing about 312% 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 33.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Rebel 16 rates better for offshore work (2.98 vs 3.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.