16 ft boats vary greatly. What width, sidewall and transom height is it? A smaller 16ft boat could easily get into trouble in if the wind and waves build up on big rivers and open lakes.
I have a Lund 1625 Fury XL. It is a "big" 16 ft boat with a deep v hull. I've never felt unsafe in it, but have taken some beatings when waves build up.
On the other hand, I've fished in 16ft flat hull jons with 15" transoms. I felt unsafe in them with small following waves, and was nearly swamped in stuff that would be nothing for my Lund.