new kid here!

[Mike H.]

Hello Mike...

I just wanted to say hello and welcome...  I too am new to sailing and picked up a CP16/2 last year.  I can't say enough good about my boat and I'm sure that applies to the entire line of CP boats.  It doesn't sound as though a CP16 is what you're looking for but I thought I'd chime in to say depending on the size of the dogs (you mention they're small) you'll be bringing aboard I think a 16 would handle the "crew".  I personally think a 16 is really meant for two people and that's about it but if the dog's you mention are "lap" dogs I'd say they'd be fine.   As for sleeping in the boat, again, I think it might be "cozy" with the extra crew but if they're "lap" dogs it could be easily done in a 16. I should qualify this comment to say I do a great deal of long distance "sea kayaking" and pretty heavy duty backpacking so I'm used to small "accommodations", the CP16 interior is lavish compared to my usual "digs".

As for towing the boat & launching I use a Dodge Dakota 2WD truck and it's well more than enough for the job and once at the boat launch I can have my boat rigged and in the water in less than 1/2 hour (20 minutes maybe, never timed myself???).   I plan to trailer my boat to many distant waters once I get my trailer registration issues resolved... (separate post on the forum) and I think that's where the 16 will shine even more than she already does. 

Okay, so I'm obviously biased towards the 16...;-)  but I'm sure you can't go wrong with a CP boat.   At some point down the road I think I could be seriously tempted on a CP23 for bigger water sailing (Lake Ontario & St Lawrence River & beyond). I've never seen one in the flesh but hope to someday to compare (same designer as the 16 I believe?).

Good luck in your search...
Mike

[elibobeli]

Smiley,

I am a new Eclipse owner and sail with my wife and two small kids.  Great boat, easy to set up, but pulling it with a two wheel drive ranger could pose a problem.   I pull and stop mine with a 1/2 ton pickup.  It is a lot of weight behind you, plus pulling it out of the soup up a slippery ramp.  Lot of discussion on this forum about tow vehicles.   Many pull 19s and Eclipses with less than what I have.   I would love to trade my truck for something with better fuel economy, but when you are coming down a hill and brake lights are ahead, I wouldn't want a lighter tow vehicle.  I suppose you could fit the trailer with trailer brakes and make it work.  Point is, be mindful of tow vehicle and towing situations.   Given that, the Eclipse is a delight for my family.

Allan

[ka8uet]

Mike, I also singlehand my 23/3.  I've made some modifications, like lacing between the forward lifelines to keep the jib abaord when I drop it.  I strongly recommend the CP 23.  It's not fast, but it is responsive and stable.  It's easy to handle, comfy to live aboard for a short time, and easy to trailer.  I also put mine in once a year and haul her at the end of the season.  that way, she's ready to go at short notice!  She also has room for guests, either for a day sail or a longer trip.  I've taken trips with my brother and sister-in-law, and we have plenty of room.  Can you tell I love my 23/3?!!!

[Smiley]

Thanks folks for your responses.
I think the Admiral is finished buying furniture - the house is full. I couldn't say no when she wanted the stuff we just bought. (call it a weakness of mine. I love her!)
I find things in all the boats you've talked about: The CP 16 for its weight and towability with our Ranger pickup, the balance between weight and space with the Eclipse, and the size of the 23. I like them all.
There's a lake 50 minutes from my front door (Lake Ouchita). There's another at Little Rock (Maumelle) but no swimming is allowed because it's the city water supply. We have family connections to Greers Ferry but it's nearly 100 miles away.
The classes we took, through the Grand Maumelle Sailing Club (they're bigtime into racing), were great. We learned a lot (and we know we're still beginners) and look forward to more experiences. They trained us on J/24s and a J/80. The boats were quick to show when you did the correct thing and when you were wrong. Good teaching and guidance kept all the students (20 of us) out of trouble.
Somethings will need to shake out. We'll probably day sail the most but strongly want the option of spending nights on the boat we end up with. Right now, having got the new furniture, we are working to build up the kitty. So, I'm just going to have to be patient. But I have faith it will.
BTW, I'll be here. Thanks again.

Mike