American 16 trailer-sailer

[kwaltersmi]

Anybody familiar with the American 16?

I know someone who is giving one away that's in decent condition and has been garage-kept for the last 15+ years. She comes with a main/jib, all rigging, trailer, and 2hp Evinrude outboard.

I'm thinking about taking it as an early Christmas present for my two young daughters. Thought they might enjoy helping clean her up and learning more about small boat sailing. However, I haven't seen the boat in person yet and definately don't want a junk heap sitting around that will never sail. Truth be told, we'll likely only use it once or twice per year, but it might be a fun little "teaching" boat.

Any thoughts?

[drynoc]

I sailed on rented American boats at my marina before I bought my first one, and while there is nothing really wrong with them, they are a little flimsy and a little boring. If you really use it that seldom and it is in decent shape to begin with, it will probably work out well for that intended purpose. But I guess I'm not clear on why your other boat can't be the teaching model.