Buying A Used Compac 16

[jse1x]

Hello,

I'm thinking of purchasing a used (late 80s) Compac 16.  Do you recommend this boat?  What are the best things about this boat?  What are the worst things about this boat?  What are things I should make sure to take a close look at / evaluate before purchasing a Compac 16?

Appreciate any insight and advice you have to offer!

Thanks in advance!
Jen

[Tadpole]

Jen,

You don't mention if you are new to sailing or just new to Compacs.  Either way, you are showing very good judgement in considering a Compac 16.  As a long time sailor and owner of many sailboats, I can assure you that the C-16s are great little boats.  I'm sure you'll hear this from many here on the forum, that with all the different styles and makes of boats available, choosing the right boat for you entails a lot of "it depends"...where you want to sail...how you want to sail...daysailing...cruising...size of crew...etc., etc. 

As a disclaimer, I'll tell you up front that I have a 1990 CP-6/III that I'm forced to sell for health reasons.  However, if you want to call me, I'll be happy to honestly and objectively discuss the many pros and a few cons (depending on what you want to do) of the CP-16.  And, if you're new to the forum, I can tell you there are a great bunch of very knowledgeable and very friendly people here.  In any event, good luck with your search, and feel free to contact me if you so desire.

Tadpole,

(918) 807-6152 or
eddoran77@gmx.com

[Gerry]

As an owner of a 1981 CP16, I an happy to recommend this boat.  Why?:  Inexpensive enough to rehab, experiment with, or update to you liking;  easy to trailer, launch and set up, full keel, sails easy, fun, compares as well if not better than the competition, great re-sale value, good support from Hutchins and finally...great owners website with lots of help, pics, advice, etc.

Gerry
"WyattC"

[Mas]

Hello Jen and welcome.

The questions tenured already are useful to consider as there is no boat that will suit every possible need. With that said, we acquired a 16 over 35 years ago when we decided we wanted to learn how to sail. We loved her and she not only taught us sailing but took us to many new vistas over several years. Life soon meant that sailing was to take a back seat for 25 years. Last year we returned to sailing and the pot of boat ownership was stirred more than once. We now have another 16 and feel we have come home.

Keith Scott (who will forget more about Compacs and sailing in general than I will ever learn) has a great website.

http://www.sailboatrichlands.com

Spend some time reviewing his articles specific to the 16. They will shed much light on these craft.

regards,
Mas

[davidsilb]

Good luck with your search.  I looked for a year for a boat I could manage myself as my crew often mutinies.   it is a fun boat, Never worry about capsizing,  a little small but that is what makes it easier to manage.  This boat came up on a Long Island NY craigslist just the other day.  Good luck.

http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/5959417968.html

[mikew]

Jen, hello I have owned a 81 and 83 cp-16 and highly recommend the boat. The best things about it-
first is it's salty looks, it has a heavy fiberglass build up compared to other boats its size, also 400 lbs of concrete in the keel making it very safe. The shoal draft keel draws about 18" and has a small cabin capable of sleeping overnights.
Some of the drawbacks are because of the keel the boat needs a launch ramp of decent angle , enough to float the boat off the trailer. Also the shoal keel will not let the boat point as well as some
Higher performance boats, but this is only about 5 degrees or so difference.
Some things to look for when buying, if the boat was stored with rain water in the cabin- the plywood bunks and bulkheads can rot. Also the same water can work its way into the keel and could freeze in the winter causing cracking of the fiberglass around the keel.
So they are great boats, well made and safe and easy to trailer, rig and sail.
Mike

[DaleM]

I purchased my Compac 16 a year ago and have sailed it comfortably in the lakes here in Middle Georgia.  I took it to St. Joe, Fla. and sailed it safely inside the barrier island and had a blast.  It was easy to launch and load solo.  It was responsive in light winds and comfortable with a 2-3 foot chop.  I was so pleased with the performance.  It's easy to sail and looks very nice wet.  Check the bunks as mentioned for water damage and the mast step for any old injuries.  I can only agree with the comments posted above.  Also, it's very stable when stepping into the cockpit.  You don't get the  feeling you are in a canoe sailing  vessel.  Lastly, I recommend the ASA courses as a basic skills and safety course or as a refresher.   That's just my opinion for what it's worth.
This forum has been a great help all year.  The folks that hang out are helpful and have loads of experience.   Have fun with your C16! Post pics when you set sail!

[kickingbug1]

   and if you are driving distance from southern illinois, come to the CLR in june

[Bob23]

Dale I appreciate your comments and your opinion is worth quite a lot. In fact, my records show you have not paid the $5000.00 membership fee. Normally, as the forum treasurer this is paid directly to me in small unmarked bills left in a common brown paper bag at my local marina. However, if you show up at CLR, I will for a limited time only, waive such fee for one year. And if you bring beer, I'll waive it forever!!! See you there!!
Bob23

[DaleM]

Checking my records I see clearly I have no argument about late payment!  Once again, I am grateful for the opportunity to square up and get the records straight with a beer!  No sailor could ask for more.  I sincerely hope I can deliver in the near future!
Fair winds and smooth sailing!
Dale

[philb Junkie19]

Jen, 
Without knowing your sailing wants and needs I can only echo the comments on the qualities of the Cp16 and add that one doesn't just find 16 footers that are so solidly built, stable and able to handle rough conditions.  In my previous CP16 I've been out in some pretty wild conditions with reefed main and storm jib making good progress upwind and feeling quite safe and secure.  When I first saw a 16 I was impressed with the room in the cockpit which can help make up for the size of the cabin, especially with the help of tarp or cockpit tent.  My only wish on long sails was that the cockpit seats were a bit higher for my no longer young bones. Seat cushions or life cushions can  help make up for that. There is an awesome lot of boat built into those 16 feet.

[Citroen/Dave]

Jen,

I recommend a type ll or later with the bowsprit.  The center of effort moves forward, slightly, making the helm a little lighter, appreciated on long sailing days.  Failing that, or in addition to that comment, an Ida or hydrofoil type rudder to replace the stand flat plate rudder, and a 130 or 150 overlapping jib makes a C16 purchase, sweeter. A hydrofoil rudder makes steering, especially tacking, a little easier as it will not stall a soon as a flat plated rudder. An overlapping jib will also lighten up the helm and make the boat faster in light air.  My C16 will last me the rest of my days; I'm very well satisfied.   

For single handling, make a jib down haul, (very easy to do), and practice with the slab reefing or the roller reefing that comes with the boat.  A tiller lock or clutch is invaluable, easily made from a bungee cord.  Avoid boats that have had deck leakage that caused water to accumulate and damage the bunks and concrete ballast (easily spotted), unless you are handy with repair work.    Leakage will eventually occur through the mounting holes of the wood strips above the cabin, easily spotted and fixed.

Where are you located?  Your, or anyone else in the chat room, are welcome to take the helm of my sweet 16 on Smith Mountain Lake, near central Virginia.

Citroen/Dave

[Bilgemaster]

[...snip!]

Keith Scott (who will forget more about Compacs and sailing in general than I will ever learn) has a great website.

http://www.sailboatrichlands.com

Spend some time reviewing his articles specific to the 16. They will shed much light on these craft.

regards,
Mas

Yes, and see especially his piece, Best Boat To Learn How To Sail, at http://www.sailboatrichlands.com/bestboat.html.

I already adore my "Foundling", a 1993 CP-16 III, and haven't yet even had it in the water.  Come Spring though... She's such a pretty little sailboat, with more room in the cockpit than any boat her size has any right to have, and just enough cabin for a couple to comfortably overnight in.  In fact, if you do find yourself one, or even some other like-sized compact "trailer-sailor", I would highly recommend your grabbing a copy of Bob Burgess' Handbook of Trailer Sailing, for all sorts of great ideas on what to do once you're "out there."

Happy Hunting!