The boat has a draft of 2.92 ft (0.89 m) with the centerboard extended and 1.50 ft (0.46 m) with it retracted. With the non-folding rudder removed it has a draft of 4 in (10 cm), allowing beaching. Ground transportation on a trailer is facilitated by a hinged tabernacle that permits easy lowering of the mast by easing the forestay.[1]
A motor mount was a factory option, allowing fitting a small outboard motor of 2 to 7 hp (1 to 5 kW) for docking and maneuvering. Other factory options included sails, trim molding and
running lights for night operation. Foam for hull buoyancy was recommended to make the boat unsinkable.[2]
For sailing the design is equipped with mainsailroller reefing around the boom. The jibsheets, mainsheet and the centerboard raising and lowering lines are all controlled from the cockpit. The supplied assembly kit included stainless steel and anodized aluminum fittings.[2]
The design has a Portsmouth Yardstick racing average handicap of 112.3 and is normally raced with a crew of two sailors.[2]
Operational history
In a 1994 review Richard Sherwood wrote, "Luger Industries buil[t] kit boats [that] rang[e] in length from 8 feet
to 30 feet. The Leeward 16 is typical."[2]
Sailrite describes the design, "the Luger Leeward 16 has plenty of cockpit space for the family and enough room in the small cuddy cabin for a picnic basket and cooler. With a modest sail plan the Luger Leeward 16 is an excellent boat for those learning to sail."[4]
