Best Upgrades

[jkmoore]

I just purchased a 1982 CP16 (#1677) that appears to have been a base model. All of the basic equipment is intact and she is in fabulous shape (came with only the main and jib sails) .  The berth is wide open to the bow and all of the railings have been removed.   The boat will remain landlocked for awhile on area lakes as a family cruiser (a 9 and 5 year old).

After reading the archives and other sites, I have a few ideas about upgrades but would like to open a thread... 

What are the best upgrades for family lake sailing?

[Gil Weiss]

The Ida Sailor Foiled Rudder!

[mgoller]

A downhaul at least for the jib or better a furler.  It is sometimes a chore to go up on deck in heavy wind and get that jib down in a hurry.  I have two young kids and they don't need to experience any fluury of activity that they might interpret as panic.
Other than that, I'd say a asymetric spinnker for fun.

[alexkniffin]

Did your boat come with a working jib or a Genoa?  Don't know about the lakes near you, but around us they don't boast a ton of wind.

Also a swim ladder.  With a CP16, you can sail right up to a beach, tie the boat down, and climb off into waist high water.  The boat remains accessible for porta-potty use (if you have one) but the kids can run around the beach for a while.

[multimedia_smith]

I agree, the foiled rudder is a really noticeable improvement.
The first mod I did was a trailer extension...
You can check out my mods on the owner's page link at:
http://www.com-pacowners.com/4images/categories.php?cat_id=32
You may eventually want a bowsprit...
The main thing is to get out and enjoy sailing the thing... It's also a lot of fun learning what does what and what can do what better... if you know what I mean.
Regards
Dale

[jkmoore]

Thanks to all for the responses.   I just received the order from Hutchins to change to a rail/lifeline system and add electrical.

The remaining upgrades will take place over the winter and they include the Ida Sailor foiled rudder, a bowsprit and adding the capability for genoa and spinnaker.

Fortunately, the jib works and the swim ladder was included (but not attached... yet).

Additionally - I greatly appreciate the images on the site.  They are a wealth of knowledge for customizing.  Marcus - you had several images of an interior loaded with teak, beadboard ceiling, etc.  Was this stock or did you add it?

[mgoller]

Hey,
Your upgrade ideas sound perfect.  The pictures of my 1987 CP16 II show some wood trim, hull liner and the cieling in the cuddy cabin is simulated bead board I guess.
I guess I can't remember what a 1982 might look like.  Is it just bare white fiberglass?
Don't worry about it, you'll spend most of your time on your boat not in it.  You could go to a lot of work modifying it to a CP16 II, but you'd need to love the work.
Also what are you referring to when you say all the railings were removed?  The teak on the cabin or the bow pulpit?  Or did your boat come with lifelines?
If you get crazy, check out the upgrades thread in the CP19 forum for converting an older ComPac to a later model.  The fabrics, paint codes, pinstriping and all that are there.  Adding teak and mahogany trim to the cabin would take some real craftmanship, but wouldn't be that hard.
Best!

[jkmoore]

The ceiling of the cabin is bare white fiberglass, with the new addition of a cabin light and hole for the mast light...

The railings the previous owner removed were the stock aluiminum railings from the bow and included the motor mount and swim ladder.  I had replaced the bow rail with the original when the wife decided she wanted rails and lifelines. The new stainless steel bow rail will be installed tonight, followed immediately by the stern rails and lifelines.  (My hope is to get back in the water next weekend).

Electrical question...  I received two lights from Hutchins. One has a black plastic housing that looks similar to the bow navigation light only clear.  The second is a clear half globe that was identified on the box as an "all round light".  Looking at the images on the site, it appears the black plastic one is the stern light and the other would have to be for the mast.  Is this correct?  Additionally, where on the mast should the light be installed?

THANKS!

[mgoller]

The one light is as you thought the stern light.  It mounts to the stern near the ladder and toward center a little.  The other light I believe is a motoring light.  This is used on sailboats while under power at night.  It probably isn't required on a sailboat your size, but is a good idea.  It usually mounts somewhere up the mast 2/3 the way up or in a convenient mounting area possibly above the jib.  Or depending on what it looks like it could be intended for an anchor light.  Anchor lights are usually shaped like upside water cups on a mount intended for a vertical positioning.  Use nice wire color coded and run with straps.  Think about a nice place for the switches.  I always thought the stock switch plate was in a awkward place way up in the forepeak.

[jkmoore]

Marcus - Thanks for the fast reply.  The lights are going to be finished later this evening...   

Funny you mentioned the switch plate.  I built a small box and mounted it on the starboard side in the cabin. It is bolted to the cabin wall through the fiberglass and into the rail for the companionway - solid, and no additional holes in the hull.  Switches are conveniently accessible from the cockpit and the plate includes a DC adaptor to power a small fan or stereo.

I'll post pictures one of these days...