If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to enjoy the water, the RS CAT 16 might be the perfect boat for you. Whether you’re new to sailing or already have experience, this catamaran has something for everyone. It’s strong, easy to use, quick on the water, and built to last. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why the RS CAT 16 is a great choice for both beginner and experienced sailors.
What Is the RS CAT 16?
The RS CAT 16 is a small catamaran — a type of sailboat with two hulls. It's made by RS Sailing, a trusted boat builder from the UK. RS is known for making boats that are fun, easy to sail, and durable. The CAT 16 is one of their most popular models because it’s safe, simple to use, and still offers great performance.
This boat is designed for people who want to enjoy sailing without needing to be an expert. It can be sailed alone, with a partner, or even with your family. It’s also great for sailing clubs, schools, or just having fun at the beach.
Key Features That Make It Special
The RS CAT 16 is full of smart features that make sailing fun and easy. Here are some highlights:
- Easy to Sail: You can sail it alone or with others. It’s stable and forgiving, which means it won’t tip over easily. Even if it does, it’s easy to bring back upright.
- Great for Families: There's plenty of space for more than one person, making it perfect for a day out with family or friends.
- Strong and Durable: The boat is made from rotomolded polyethylene, a super tough plastic that can handle bumps, scrapes, and even being dragged on the beach.
- Comfortable Design: The top of the hulls is slightly curved (called concave decks), which gives you a comfy place to sit while sailing.
- Easy to Transport: The boat can be taken apart using just a wrench. This means you can put it on top of a car or store it in a small space when you're not using it.
- Quick Setup: You won’t need a lot of time or tools to put it together. Just eight bolts secure the main parts of the boat.
Versions for Every Sailor
The RS CAT 16 comes in three different versions, so you can choose the one that suits your needs:
- Club Version – This is the simplest setup. It only has a mainsail, which makes it perfect for beginners or sailing schools.
- S Version – This version adds a jib (a second, smaller sail) and a single trapeze, which lets one person hang off the side of the boat for balance. It’s a great option for families or those who want to learn more about sailing.
- XL Version – This is the full-performance setup. It includes a gennaker (a large, colorful sail for downwind sailing) and two trapezes for more advanced sailors. It’s fast, exciting, and full of power.
Even if you start with the S version, you can add the gennaker later, so you don’t have to buy a new boat to upgrade.
Built to Last
The RS CAT 16 is made with RS Comptec PE3 technology. This means it has three layers:
- A tough outer layer
- A middle foam layer for extra strength and flotation
- An inner layer to protect from damage
This makes the boat very strong but not too heavy. It also floats well and is easy to handle, even for smaller sailors.
All the fittings are stainless steel, and the rudder system (the part that steers the boat) is through-bolted for extra strength. The boat doesn’t need any sealants, which makes maintenance simple.
Easy to Sail and Control
One of the best things about the RS CAT 16 is how it feels on the water. During a test sail, even in light wind, the boat moved quickly and felt smooth. The wave-piercing bows (the front parts of the hull) help it glide through choppy water, keeping the ride steady and fun.
The rudders have a “lift and lock” system, which means they can be easily raised or lowered when launching or landing the boat. There’s also a long carbon-fibre tiller extension, so you can steer comfortably even while sitting out or hanging off the trapeze.
Whether you’re sailing upwind, downwind, or across the wind, the RS CAT 16 handles well and responds quickly. When it’s time to turn, it can pivot in a small space with ease.
Sailing Specs
Here are some important details about the RS CAT 16:
- Length: 15 ft 6 in (4.7 meters)
- Width: 7 ft 9 in (2.35 meters)
- Weight: 308 lbs (140 kg)
- Main Sail Area: 107.5 ft²
- Jib Sail Area: 25.3 ft²
- Gennaker Sail Area: 138 ft²
- Draft: 1 ft 5 in
Even with all that sail area, it’s still easy to handle. The light weight makes it easy to move around on the beach, launch, or pull out of the water.
Who Should Buy the RS CAT 16?
This boat is ideal for:
- Beginners who want a boat that’s safe and easy to learn on
- Families looking for a fun activity together
- Sailing schools and clubs that need a reliable, low-maintenance boat
- Experienced sailors who want speed and excitement without the stress
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