I think I just jumped into the deep end. Picked up a 1980 Com-Pac 16 yesterday for $200. It was listed as a 14ft 1980 "Unknown" on Facebook. When I was 30 I bought a Catalina 27 to live on but knew nothing about boats and let it go on maintenance. 15 years later I have the sailing bug again and bought a Sunfish. As fun as it is, it just isn't satisfying my sailing urge.
i did my research before looking at the boat. Called Hutchins, printed out the parts list and prices, looked up local title transfer law and wrote down the sail specs. Since it was listed as having new sails I figured I can always recoup my money on the trailer and sails. The sails are too small but probably fit the wooden mast and boom a few owners ago try to refit it with. Missing the tiller, bow rail, and anything made of wood on the inside. It did still have the original boom and mast (I hope they are the original) and rudder but looks like they changed or altered the mast step.
I chose this project because of the availability of the parts and all the help here and online that I saw was available. I hope to be here a lot for advise and support. I'm going to need it. I live in Athens Tennessee half way between Knoxville and Chattanooga. If there is any local 16 owners close that wouldn't mind me coming over and looking at their set up or details I need to know about, I would love to hear from you.
Good luck. Great project boat. It will be fun to sail when finished.
Welcome aboard! I'm semi-local...Charlotte, NC. If you're ever headed through, give me a shout and I'll pull my 16 out and rig her up for you.
No matter what condition a boat is in, we always find something we can improve. With this boat you're starting with a clean slate and very little money invested.
Welcome Mike...you came to the right place. We're all in way too deep and loving it! Wonder why the previous owners went to a wooden mast although I must admit, the look of a wooden mast could be a nice touch, and easy to remove and revarnish too when it needs it. Carl specializes in this kind of work. He's humble, doesn't like to brag much!
Best to you...we look forward to hearing more about your adventures. They truly start well before we ever hit the water! Any name yet?
Bob23
I am leaning towards Little Feat as a name. Because of the size and the feat of accomplishment it will take. I'm not even sure how they had attached the wooden mast. There may have been a sleeve that wasn't present. It also looks like they had changed the mast step. I ordered a new one already and have a parts list assembled. I'm anxious to get working on it but I know everyone knows how it is. Out of town for work, weather sucks, Scouting camp this weekend........The great thing is, that here in the planning stage, there is plenty to do without having "hands on".
Ah...Little Feat! What a band!!
I had that thought also. Besides as I build my fleet I can have Big Feat and Great Feat.