Thinking of Buying 16.5

[Bill and Nancy Berg]

I've read the Owner's reviews and the archives. Any NEW comments on a 16.5.We will be using it for bay sailing in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of CA). Any excitement? We are stepping down from Hobie 16.

 

[Dave M]

Boat reviews

The December 2002 SAIL mag has a good review of the C-16.5 (and a bunch of other daysailers)

 

[Endre Gastony]

Catalina 16.5

She is a wide, stable boat. The cockpit space is very large. She is heavy enough to cut through waves, yet sails well in a breeze. Because of the large sail area, it may not be best for singlehanding -- you may need 2 or 3 persons, based on my experience. Because it's so wide, the hiking straps are not easy to reach. All told, it is a modern, up-to-date, well-designed, and classy looking boat -- for daysailing. There is a recent review of in the the Dec. 2002 issue of SAIL magazine. Good luck.

 

[Bill and Nancy Berg]

Anchor/Mooring?

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I had read the Sail article and that also helped narrow down or choices.Anybody out there moor or anchor a 16.5? Will it stay up with the board up?

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Anchor Bill & Nancy

I've no experience with the 16.5 at anchor, but I do anchor my C22 quite often. Have found it best to set the anchor well tied onto a cleat, then connect a ca. 10 ft snubber line from a shackle attached to the bow ring and by a rolling hitch to the anchor line. That makes the pull more direct which helps it track wind better. Sometimes I also set a small riding sail on the aft stay, though maybe you don't have that option on the 16.5. Unsure whether its best to have keel down or up. Down is more stable, but keel could snag the anchor line if winds are very light and changeable, perhaps. Dick

 

[tomD]

similar boat at anchor

I had a Wayfarer, which was 16 x 6 feet with centreboard, and it sat quite handily at anchor with the board down but the rudder stowed under the bows. Would also take off the main and jib instead of bagging them, alot less wind resistance and punishment from sun and rain. the anchor I used was a baby Guardian, 2.5 lb, on a 1/4" plastic line (it floats) with lots of scope and a good tug on the line when setting it. Never had a problem.