Compac 16 Questions

[TexasSailor]

I am considering purchasing a used Compac 16. I am unsure of what year. I found this abandoned 16 at  a local boat yard, the owner said I could take it off his hands for about $500. I don't think there is a mast. I have not looked inside to see if there are any sails or a boom. Trailer looks good and outside of hull and deck look good, just needs a cleaning.

What parts of the boat would be recomended for checking for damage or weakness? Any area of concern? Also how do you determine the age of the boat?

Any help would be great!

[dusty]

Hey! Where is it? (hee hee) just kidding, man!

I'm rather new, but from what I hear there's not much to go soft - please wait for someone else to comment, though, and don't rely on my thoughts on this.

All the pre '85 CP16s I've been seeing in Texas are between $2500 & $4000. Might just be a very good investment for you!

[Gil Weiss]

Wow . . .your question is a good one with a long answer. I will just provide a few comments and insight from many years of sailing and life in general.

1- "You get what you pay for". Yes, you may be getting a bargain, but I have found that fixer uppers can cost more in the end than buying something in good shape. It all goes back to "pay now or pay later"!

2- You might remove the grime and get pleasantly surprised or you may find real problems.

3- Consider the value of your time and how much you want to dedicate to fixing up the boat. Even a boat in good shape requires constant TLC and effort.

4- A mast, boom, sails and tiller cost bucks.

5- The trailer is the boat's home out of water and needs close scrutiny - rust, bearings, tires, etc.

6- Look carefully inside the hull for any signs of leaks, etc.

7- Surveying the boat is difficult if you don't know what to look for.

8- If you are on a budget and have lots of time and experience this could be a good deal. If the trailer and hull seem to be OK, inventory and check out what the missing items will cost before proceding.

9- Consider the work and expense required compared to how soon you want to go sailing!

My two cents . . . .

[TexasSailor]

got to check it out after work today.

Needs:
Mast, Boom, Tiller handle, Rudder, Rigging, mast step and sails. If all parts purchased new it would set me back around an extra $1600. Add that to the price of the boat (hull and trailer seemed good) it would be around $2200 to 2500 not counting my time. Inside of boat seemed dry. But was tilted back and when I opened the rear cockpet hatch it was flooded with water. Nice surprise of mesqits! I think I will pass on this one considering I can pick up a similar year one at a local dealer in good condition for $2800 & that includes an outboard & has been inspected. Oh well.....I'll keep looking!!

[Mercrewser]

Ask to take it away for free.  Mine was free.  No one will pay for a boat in that condition.

[B.Hart]

Hi texas,    I picked up my 16 for a 1000.oo dollars complete with boat ,motor, and trailer and it needed very little in repairs,about 500.00 worth. The deals are out there you just have to keep looking. Good luck!

[Gil Weiss]

Another place to keep an eye on is eBay. Every so often CP16's pop up there and you may snag a good deal.

I bought my CP16 through a dealer in New Jersey -  The Sailboat Shop in Glen Gardner, NJ. I felt the price was fair and their service and support was excellent. Great folks to deal with! I would not hesitate to buy either another used or a new boat from them. Check out the dealers in your local. Also check out local marinas where there are lots of sailboats. I have seen some great deals on nice boats where I keep my boat all season.

[Beaker326]

I can vouch for the Sailboat Shop as well.  That's where I picked up my 16.  The service was first rate even for the 3 hour drive it took me to get there.  If they're close enough by you, I would definately suggest checking out what they have.

- Sean
Wild Oats Hull #1540

[Gil Weiss]

Hi Sean,

Yes, the few trips I took to the SB Shop (50 miles each way) were definately worth it too.  Mike is the "best".

Anyway, we were out sailing this past weekend on Lake Nockamixon and saw a CP16 named "Mixed Nuts". Made me think of your boat "Wild Oats".

Where do you sail Wild Oats?

[Beaker326]

Hey Gil,

I sail basically where I can.  My big problem is I'm a shore bird, so going to an inland lake is like beating my head sometimes.  All last summer and so far this summer, I've been taking it down to the Delaware Beaches, sailing mostly in the Delaware Bay and the Rehoboth Bay.  This is only my second season with her though, so suggestions are welcome, especially since the wind gets out of hand sometimes and quickly.  I'm still fairly low on the learning curve, but I'm getting there. 

[TexasSailor]

I keep finding myself looking at the C-16 in the boat yard. I ran some hard numbers on "new" equipment needed.  So far all new from Com-Pac: Mast, Boom, Mast Step, Rudder Blade, Standing Rigging, Main Sail, Jib Sail totals to $1900 with out shipping. I guestimated that shipping would be around an additoinal 150 to 200 for all. Now the major cost of the "New" Items is the sails totaling at $975, so if I could find a used set of sails, this boat could be had for the lower $2000+ which includes the actual 1984 boat and new hardware. I think this might be a good deal. This also depends on damage to the inside from water. What I gathered on a second look, it seemed not so bad.

If I could procure a used hardware setup the cost should drop down more. Does anyone have any idea where I might find a compac salvage yard or any used parts laying around up for sale?

the sailing bug has bit me again!

[TroyVB]

I might be persuaded to sell Sanctuary's used sail inventory.  I believe they are the original Johnson sails.  they are a little soft and the mainsail has some tears that have been repaired.  If you are interested let me know.

I purchased a new main and the boat came with a newer North Jib along with the North spinnaker I should be able to get by without the others especially to get one of these great little ships sailing again.