Proud new CP16 Owner w/ a few questions

[Wally]

Hi all

I've just gotten a great deal on a 1975 Com Pac 16. Purchased from a sweet older gentleman who I think was glad to see it go to someone looking to teach their 8 y/o daughter about the joys of emission-free traveling across the water. I grew up with sunfish and hobies so this is a reintroduction/ graduation for me as well.

The boat is really in great shape overall, but I'm looking to do a few things to get her ready to sail.
So, I have a few (maybe silly) questions specific to the 16 I believe:

1. My manual is that of the 16CB, my boat does not appear to have any mechanism for a Centerboard. As I still have it firmly on the trailer (with a padded board supporting the bottom of the keel) I am not entirely sure if I have a CB or not. Did the 1975 boat have an option of CB? If I do not have one, is installing one possible/ difficult/ worthwhile?

Note: I live on the east coast of south florida, and while we have plenty of hospitable inshore waterways, I may like to take her out on the Atlantic on a calm day at some point. Maybe this isn't rational, but a CB makes me feel more comfortable about this.

2. My trailer, while in great condition, does not provide tremendous "reach" to help me get my water vessel wet while keeping my land vehicle dry. I have read about telescoping tongue's and tongue extensions. Can anyone provide any guidance on what might be my most affordable option for an upgrade here? Is there any alternate advice? I have considered a drop down hitch, but wonder if flattening the angle of my launch will not have that great an effect. Obviously picking my launches smartly will factor highly, but I do favor some versatility.

I drive an older model Toyota truck with a small lift.

One other note: My trailer has smaller utility tires. Helps a bit getting us lower, but still by eyeballing the waterline on the boat I've got water in my cab on any fairly gradual boat ramp.

3. My CP 16 is not currently rigged with a topping lift. How many go without? Can anyone run me down some pro's and con's that might not be obvious to me? If I were looking to equip one, what line and hardware is recommended?

4. I do not have an electric bilge pump. Down the road I am looking to do some electrical work on the boat (lights, aux power, etc.) and have Bilge penciled in on that list. How many go without? How necessary is it really on the 16?

Note: I do have a hand bilge and a ferocious survival instinct.

5. My Mast step has a bit of ...shall we say... "english" to it. I plan to straighten this out, and am not terribly concerned about the structural soundness of the step as a whole, but I do scratch my head a bit when I see the various holes in it and the only hardware I have is a single hex bolt ~5/8 with a couple washers and a wingnut. I grasp the concept of the stability coming from the stays/shrouds, but do wonder if there shouldn't be more to it down at the foot there. Please, let me know if I'm missing something?

Any help is appreciated! Looking forward to getting going. Will post pics to follow up!

[ameysails]

Welcome to the 16's...nice choice for you and the 8 y.o., and whoever
1. if you have a CB it will have a pull-up infant of the cabin entrance
2. strongly urge the extension...find yourself a good welder. Cut off the hitch joint, but do not throw away. insert about 6 feet of STRONG rectangular tubing into the open section. Establish your desired new length, and secure this with two (2) pins horizontally through the original tongue and the new insert (about 5/8 " OD with cotter pins).Weld the hitch joint to the new tongue extension. If you need pics I think we still have them. Advise
3) you can rig a temp topping lift to hold the boom while yo are setting up, then disconnect once the main is set.Small braided line will do?
4) is there a bilge on your boat   probably not since ballast was suppose to be poured concrete.
5) let's see pic of that mast , its holes and stuff

have fun
be safe
breath healthily

[Wally]

She floats!

Thanks for the answers.
I've sorted out all my questionable rigging and yesterday took her out on a lake nearby. Perfect day, steady winds around 12-15. Solid first sail cleared up pretty much all of my uncertainties.

The boat ramp was pretty steep so I actually did not need any extension to get the boat to float. I may just by a hitch with a little bit of reach/ step-down to it for shallower ramps.

Posting a couple shots here: one to show the mast step to see what you guys think. It held fine today- I think i can just straighten it up.