Compac 16 Performance and Stability

[Tadpole]

I agree, I don't normally go around jumping on the gunnels, but for demonstration purposes, other than pulling horizontally on the top of the mast, the gunnels provide the greatest tipping moment.  

It will be interesting to see how the video project evolves...I'm starting to get excited just thinking about it.  But then, it don't take much to get us old guys excited!

I doubt if I'll make it to Lake Carlyle this summer....but, don't be surprised if I make it next year.  It's only a 7.5 hour drive from here...piece 'a cake for a serious, trailer sailor.  I'm sure you'll keep us informed here on the forum.

Tadpole

[Greene]

Tadpole - you don't need a sailboat to come enjoy the CLR.  There are lots of boats to jump on each day. You'd have the perfect opportunity to sail some Com-Pac's and decide which you liked.  You can jump aboard our 23 any time if you come down.  There are some single-handlers who love to have another hand in the cockpit.  I keep trying to convince John J that he should park his 16 and come with us so we can get some free lessons. 

Come join the fun.

Mike and B

[Tadpole]

Greene,

OK, you have piqued my interest.  I guess I didn't realize landlubbers were allowed.
If there are going to be any 16's there, maybe it would give me a chance to finally sail the elusive beast. 

Can you send me a PM with more information....dates, exact location and/or GPS coordinates, and maybe a cell number for last minute, on-the-road questions.

Thanks,

Tadpole

[carry-on]

Tadpole,
I think you will enjoy the 16. I have a '97 with the mast tender system. Rigging is simple and easy for a solo sailor. I think the little cruiser sails better than its skipper.
My boat has a centerboard, but it is not necessary to use. I think it helps pointing a little, but fall off a little and enjoy the sailing. Like others, I stay in the cockpit as much as possible; rig a jib down haul and sometimes rig the anchor to drop from the cockpit.
The 16 seems stable to me. I am a few stones over your weight and don't find the 16 "tippy". My size 13 shoe has no business on the gunnel or combing. I am normally boarding from the port side, same side as the motor, so that is another 57 pounds adding to the tipping moment. As mentioned above, better to step over the gunnel to the seat and get your weight down low.
I sure like the CP-19, but it would be a chore for me to rig. I would probably need a slip. The 19 is only 3 feet longer but much more boat to rig and maintain.
If you want something between the 16 and 19, their is an interesting Sovereign 18 on sailingtexas.com. It is 1350 pounds displacement and has a 540 lb. keel which maintains the 40% keel to total ratio that make the ComPacs so strong.
I suppose you saw the 16 in Batavia,Illinois motioned today's posting. Don't know how far you are from Batavia. Seems like a nice unit and price.

[Tadpole]

Thanks Cary-on.  Theoretically speaking, I had already put the C-16 at the top of my wish list.  That said, you can't beat hands-on experience...which is why I requested input from actual owners.  The way it looks now, I'll be attending CLR at Lake Carlyle next month and will finally get the chance to evaluate some Compacs first hand.

One more thing I'd like to address, since it seems to have been misunderstood.  When I was speculating about filming someone standing on the gunwales to show the angle of heel, I was only speaking from a quasi-scientific testing standpoint.  I was thinking about loading the gunwales since that position represents the greatest tipping moment, other than pulling horizontally from the top of the mast.  Tests that measure engine life while running without oil are just tests...they are not recommendations on how to treat your engine.  Nor was my comment meant as an endorsement for stepping on the gunwales while boarding a boat.  I guess I should have been more clear!

Tadpole