RS Sailing RS 300 1998 boat specs
RS Sailing
RS Sailing RS 300 1998
1998
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VS
RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 boat specs
RS Sailing
RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013
2013
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RS Sailing RS 300 1998 vs RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 vs RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — RS Sailing RS 300 1998 at 13,9 ft versus RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 at 15,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 tips the scales at 309 lbs — 181 lbs less than the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 at 128 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 128 lbs for the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and 309 lbs for the RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 uses a 1 tiller versus a 2 tillers on the RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones.

Both the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 are listed as trailerable, which opens up the freedom to explore different sailing grounds without paying for a permanent berth.

Bottom line: The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail13.90 ft
Length overall - Detail15.60 ft
Length - Feet13.9
Length - Feet15.6
Length overall - Meters4.24
Length overall - Meters4.75
Length overall - Inches167
Length overall - Inches187
Beam6.50 ft
Beam7.80 ft
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Meters2.38
Beam - Inches78
Beam - Inches94
Displacement127.80 lbs
Displacement309.00 lbs
Body / Hull
Rudder1 transom hung rudder
Rudder2 transom hung rudders
Helm1 tiller
Helm2 tillers
Operational Info
TrailerableYes
TrailerableYes
Riggingfractional_rig_sloop
Riggingfractional_rig_sloop
Mast ConfigurationDeck stepped mast
Mast ConfigurationFore beam stepped mast
Boat typeSail
Boat typeSail

RS Sailing RS 300 1998 vs RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 or the RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013?
The RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 is the longer of the two at 15,6 feet overall. The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 comes in at 13,9 feet, making it roughly 1,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 or the RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013?
For trailering, the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 has the edge at 128 lbs dry weight versus 309 lbs for the RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Is the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 or the RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 at 309 lbs displacement is the heavier, more load-carrying design — generally better suited to extended passages where seakeeping and provisioning capacity matter most. The RS Sailing RS 300 1998 at 128 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Can the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 be trailered?
Yes — both the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 are listed as trailerable, which means you can store either at home, launch at different ramps, and avoid marina fees entirely. Confirm rig height against your route's bridge clearances before the first trip.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 measures 94" wide, compared to 78" for the RS Sailing RS 300 1998. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the RS Sailing RS 300 1998 and the RS Sailing RS Cat 16 Club 2013 are built by RS Sailing. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.