Com-Pac 16 Manual - worth buying?

[rustyw007]

Hi,

I'm new to sailing, and new to the com-pac 16. My question is, should I purchase the Owners Manual from Gerry and team (it's on their site for $16).

I really don't mind paying for it if there's useful info in it, but with so much info already here and other places, I'm wondering if anyone that's purchased it, or has one has an opinion on how useful it is?

[mr.jadkowski]

One came with my boat... I successfully rigged it by myself before I read the manual, and I didn't feel like I learned much by reading the manual afterwards.

[Reighnman]

The 16 seems to be pretty straight forward so I'm doubtful much info will be learned and if the boats undergone changes by previous owners, that info in the book is useless unless you're trying to revert back to original. I didn't have one for the 19 and just googled imagines to understand the rigging. My 25 came with a manual and it's helpful for the electrical but not for rigging questions. It's actually pretty sparse.

[mr.jadkowski]

What is mote useful is the Handbook of Ttailer Sailing. It's out of print, but I have VipersDad's copy and I can send it along to you once I finish it (with his permission). It seems to float around between new Compac owners.

[kahpho]

I haven't seen the manual for the 16 so I can't really comment on it's usefulness. But I bought the one for the Legacy and thought it was a total waste of money. It might have some useful information for an absolute beginner but nothing technical. I'm slowly adding to it myself for my own needs.

Others mileage may very.

[carry-on]

The manual seems to be based on the early CP 16. The one I have includes info on the 19 and 23.
All quite general as I look back, but as a new owner I gave it a hard read.
I did find the wiring diagram useful when I did some rework.

The Burgess book is a fun read, also based on the early 16, a 3/4 fractional rig. Most of the info on rigging is a duplication of the 16 manual. Or perhaps the manual was written by Burgess in conjunction with his book.

The Burgess book , second edition , is available on ebay and amazon. The range of prices is incredible...looks like you could find one for less than $10.


Over the years, I've found the CP 16 parts list/pricing very helpful. I think it is on line or available in print from Hutchins. 

[rustyw007]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm going to hold on the manual. I did buy Burgess' book at the recommendation of several others.

It seems most of the images and diagrams are of a CP16 that appears to be exactly like mine. I have an '83 - not sure what the book is based on. So I'll put that in the win column.

Clearly some of the info is dated - but I guess I still see a few boats in actual printed classified ads!

But there are some great illustrations and descriptions on topics still (and always) relevant.

I got a "Good" copy from Amazon that with the exception of 1 dog-eared page looks brand new ($6.35 including shipping).

Thanks again everyone.

[tmw]

i bought the manual, and was disappointed.  bought the handbook of trailer sailing and was happy. 

Much of the disappointment was that half (or more) of the cost was producing and shipping the manual (not sure why they sent it express), where I would have been more than happy with a pdf sent via email.

[carry-on]

Rusty,

You may already know www.sailboatrichlands.com, if not you may want to look. Lots of info about sailing  the 16.