Pasted from a review on this forum ...
I have owned my McVay Falcon 16’ for five years and have found it to be very stable, easy to rig and handle, and a perfect family daysailor for lakes and other protected bodies of water.
I bought it as an abuse/neglect case from a woman who let it sit in her driveway for over 17 years. The hull was filled with green water, the varnish was falling off in sheets, and the shine had dulled – but I could see it held water and the price was right! After a few weeks of scrubbing and varnishing I have a terrific boat! She was built in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada and mine is a 1966, Hull #20.
My Falcon has teak coaming around the cockpit, wooden seats that open to shallow storage lockers, a wooden cap on the centerboard trunk, and a three-section plank floorboard to keep me out of the bilge. Sloop-rigged with a hank-on headsail, it’s a classy looking boat on the trailer and in the water. The mast is stepped on top of the cuddy and can be done singlehanded by using the topping lift to steady the mast as you clip on the forestay. The storage under the cuddy is very roomy and can easily stow picnic supplies and gear or a snoozing child. With a boom tent you could probably overnight aboard, but I haven’t tried it.
Most Falcon models I’ve seen have a lever to raise/lower the centerboard, but mine is lifted with the use of a lanyard through the top of the centerboard trunk. The board kicks up when you hit shallows, and with it pulled fully up into the trunk you can beach her. I have two rudders; a large mahogany kick-up rudder, and a smaller laminated one that I’m sure was original to the boat. There are no winches, and the jib sheets are run through fairleads and held by camcleats. The hull is very thick and more than able to take the kind of abuse I dish out; smashing into docks, running too shallow up a concrete boat launch, etc. I’ve never noted more than surface scratches.
Unlike many smaller sailboats, she is not the least bit “tippy”. I have had her out in some very stiff breezes and, with a steady hand on the rudder and mainsheet, have been able to get her easily up past 6.5 knots. I haven’t measured, but a 1966 Yachting Magazine listed the following specs: LOA: 15' 9" LWL: 14' 3" Draft: 2' 10" Sail Area: 137 sqft. Photos are available at
voodooacrobat's Yahoo! profile There is an active McVay Delphi Forum with many members who are eager to share their knowledge.
I used to use an ancient 3hp British Seagull for power, but replaced it with a 28lb thrust electric trolling motor which takes here easily to and from the dock, up canals, etc. It’s a great fit. All in all the Falcon 16’ is a great first boat for anyone, and a perfect family picnic daysailor.
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