Tell me about the CP16

[rbh1515]

A friend of mine is thinking about a used CP16.  Its a older one from the 70's.  How do these boats sail?  He would be sailing out of Milwaukee on Lake Michigan.
Tell me about these boats.  Tender, stiff, point well, etc?  Do they just have a short stubby keel with no centerboard?
Thanks!
Rob

[Gerry]

I sail on Green Bay, out of Fish Creek.  I love my CP16.  I have no experience on greater Lake Michigan.  I would suspect you would feel more comfortable on a larger boat if you go out onto the big lake.  I found it is important to have good sails and an Ida rudder.  The 450 pound keel is plenty for this boat.  Mine sails okay up wind but it doesn't point as high as some of my previous boats.  No center board and none needed.  I specifically looked for nothing but a CP 16 after doing a lot of research on similar boats.  This forum was part of the reason.  A 70s model will probably need rehabbing.  Another reason to purchase a 16...easy to work on yourself.  I store my boat in a garage all winter, keep it in the water all summer and just cover it with a tarp on it's trailer in early spring and fall.  Your friend will not be disappointed.

[tmw]

Here is a good article comparing the Com-pac 16 to the Montgomery 15.
http://msog.org/models/m15/sbj1.cfm

[carry-on]

The 16 is perfect for a day sailor. Good sails make the day and the foiled rudder provides power steering.I Think it is worthwhile to look for a mid 80's model that increased the head sail by going to a bow sprit and 7/8 rig.
Take a look at http://www.sailboatrichlands.com/. A ton of good info about the 16 and sailing characteristics.

[DaleM]

1. Easy to launch and load solo.
2. Stable in the water.
3.  Sails with little wind.
4.  Easy to maintain.
5.  Looks great in the water.
6.  Ample space to sit dry if needed.


Last but not least; plenty of support from this group of Compac sailors!

Good luck and fair winds!
Point it to the horizon!