Looking for information

[Rick Ramos]

I'm considering buying a Compac 16 in the next couple of weeks.  I've been browsing for a sailboat for about one year now and have settled on a Compac.  Originally, I was in the market for a 23, but a combination of finances and looking for a truly trailerable boat that we can pull by truck to interesting cruising destinations away from the "deep sea" has led me to the 16.  

What I'm wondering: what is her seaworthiness in say bays, lakes and sounds; what sea and wind states have the experienced owners had her out in and how has she performed; how is she for a weekend trip, or as a base for a week long beach camping trip?  

Also, I would appreciate any other comments regarding this boat and her suitability as a "pocket cruiser."  Finally, a note about "taking the dogs along," I would appreciate any comments from dog owners who take them for a sail aboard the 16.  

Thanks for any information and advice anyone would care to provide.

Rick

[Mercrewser]

We have never taken our CP16 out without our 80lb Standard Poodle.  Its a little tight, but he's worth it.  We once had two couples out and two Standard Poodles.  That wasnt much of a problem either.  You want a breezy day with a CP16.  I stay home if the wind is under 10 kts.  But then again, I like to sail fast.  I can relax on the sofa. :wink:

[Ralph Erickson]

Hello, Rick, and welcome.  Probably needless to say, I think your choice of a CP 16 is an excellent choice!  I can address a couple of your questions, as I own a CP 16.  

First, dogs on board.  My dog Charlie, a terrier/poodle mix, loves to sail with me! I know several sailors who bring their dogs along, and can think of no great problems you may encounter.

Second, seaworthiness on bays, lakes, & sounds. I sail on Lake Nockamixon in Eastern Pennsylvania. This summer, an experience really boosted my faith in this boat's seaworthiness! To make a long story short, the wind picked up to about 25 knots one day before I had a chance to get back to the marina, and a sudden and heavy gust pushed her over so that her starboard rail was in the water.  The cockpit filled with water, but she righted herself immediately, and the cockpit emptied quickly  through the self bailing scuppers. And, she didn't sink!!!!  I don't recommed venturing out in those conditions, but if caught in them, this boat will not let you down.

I've anchored and spent the night on mine, so her suitability as a pocket cruiser is great in my opinion.

Hope this helps!

[sawyer]

I have a little extra weight, 260# and found that when I tried to nap below the bow of the boat was lower than the stern and I was sleeping in a downhill position (head lower than feet).  I only carry light stuff forward, pfd's, towels and swim stuff. Two 100# batteries in the space just under the companionway where the head would go. (for the electric motor) and the rest of the heavy in the stern locker.  I have slept on the cockpit bench with feet astern and that was great.  Morgan, my 85# black retreiver goes with me a lot, but is more comfortable in the "doghouse" than in the cockpit, he slips too much.  I have sailed in big waves and hard winds and only got a teaspoon of water over the rail. The boat always wants to round up before it washes the deck much.  I have only had my 16-2 one year and love it, easy to trailer and set up and sail alone............                 Go for it...............    

Doug             87 CP-16  "Yet UnNamed"

[Nate]

I agree!  While I dont have much experience with other boats, my 16-2 was trailered easily with my civic!!  (now I use an element) I can store it in my garage (which seems unbelievable but there it is!) and I spent many nights on it this last summer.  OF course it is a small boat and it will rock and roll quite a bit during the night while you try to sleep.  My girlfriend and I tried to take a nap in a busy anchorage and were getting rocked into eachothers faces but for the night we tied up to a dock and that was nice and peacefull.  One thing that is very nice is the solid keel doesnt bang around and make noise.  The only thing Ive got to silence is the wire that runs inside the mast and I suspect if I shove a piece of foam up there I've got that nipped.  I've had four adults several times for a few hours and it's been great.  Very easy to handle by myself.  Boat slides sideways if too much gust comes a long.  I love this sucker.