another CP16 new owner...

[TeamSlacker]

...seems to be the popular subject title on these forums. Now I can proudly say I am one too.
Couple years back I found an old Sears Jetwind and proceded to teach myself to sail (or at least move in the water). We've been looking on/off for something a little bigger and dryer since then. Last week I found a 1977 CP16 for sale locally and bought it. It has the same issues they all seem to have like leaking hull/deck joint and some delamination on the cabin top, but nothing keeping me from sailing right now. I thought mine was rough shape until I've seen some of the boats on here that have been restored. I don't have rotten wood below, just basically cosmetic and some 30 year maintenance that needs to be done Of course since I've picked it up, the weather hasn't cooperated yet so I'm still waiting to get the boat out on a shake down run. But hopefully tonight we can get out for a little bit, and if all goes well, spend the day on the lake tomorrow.
I've done lots of reading and looking at pictures around here, but I'm still a little scared about my first outing with a 'real' sailboat, altho it sounds like for many, the CP16 was a first sailboat and sounds like it's pretty easy to sail and forgiving so I guess I shouldn't be too intimidated by the extra sheets and sail.

[Paul]

Teamslacker:

First, congratulations and welcome to the forum!!!

Next, a couple of things to look for.  Check the bow eye.  Make sure it's bonded well and not leaking.  Check the compression post for integrity as well as it's bulkhead.  If you can, check for water under the compression post.  (It's bolted to the bulkhead, instead of resting on the keel.)  Check the running rigging and the standing rigging.  Then the usual stuff you've probably already read online.

Of course, enjoy your first sail with her.  CP's are fine little vessels.  If you need any primers on sailing instructions, I'd recommend "The Complete Sailor."  Really good book on instruction for trailer sailors.  You can look in the reading section of this site for more reading recommendations.

Good luck and have fun!!

Paul

[arw-16]

Welcome,

I purchased my first boat, a CP-16, a few weeks ago.  I still have a lot to learn, but I really love the challenge.  On my first trip, I found an experienced sailor to go with me and I would do the same again.  My biggest concern was the possibility of leaks, but fortunately there were none.  I did take along a small bucket and sponge just in case.  The only real problem I had was the motor that always started on the first pull on land would not work under load in the water.  We found this out once the wind stopped and we started back (point being, a tow rope might be a good idea).  We later discovered that the previous owner had put the carburetor float valve in upside down.  Works like a charm now.  Best of luck to you.  You'll love it.

[B.Hart]

Welcome to the COM-PAC family. It's great to see another boat come back to life. It had been many years when I got the urge to start sailing again, and I found my boat in the paper waiting for me. I feel the 16 is a great daysailor, and very forgiving.The boat has a much larger feel when your sailing.