Hello all, I have been lurking around some and finally decided to ask if you CP 16 owners feel that you can regularly take four on board the boat. That would be my regular mission profile as I have the "Admiral" and my two children. Any and all input is greatly appreciated. thank you.
I take my family of four out regularly. Plenty of room for two adults and two kids. I've been out with a friend and three kids, and even four adults and one child.
Hardest part is weight distribution away from the stern to prevent squatting with four adults. The kids like to go forward or play in the cabin, so they aren't in the cockpit too much. The below pictures are from last winter.
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/com-pac%2016%20pics/BaBaLeLe/Post%20Christmas%202013/IMG_4234.jpg)
(http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/com-pac%2016%20pics/BaBaLeLe/Post%20Christmas%202013/IMG_4261.jpg)
Ensure you have the requisite number of PFDs and you should be fine.
-Justin
Justin, thanks for the information and the pictures. I am sure you know how difficult of a decision it is to look at all the pros and cons of a boat. I also noticed that your in the FT. Stewart area, I am at Hunter AAF, where do you sail, I was wondering how the shoal draft keel does in the shallow waters around here. thanks again.
Two adults and two small kids, no problem, but it is pretty tight with 4 adults. 1 or 2 will be sitting on the leeward side, which can make non-sailors uncomfortable. You won't be able to move around very well to handle sails/docking. Plus the weight distribution issues that were already mentioned. 3 adults in the cockpit is OK, but I think 4 starts to get pretty crowded, although if you're all friendly with each other, still a little flexible in the joints, and are comfortable around boats/water, then 4 is doable.