Feels like something's missing

[Freedumb]

My cp-16 doesn't have spreaders or a line from the top of the mast to the back of the boom. Is my cp retarded? I've been looking at pics and I think I'm seeing them on other boats. can anybody tell me what's up?
Thanks,
Aaron

[idouglas]

Aaron:

Most CP16s do have spreaders, while I have heard that some older models (CP16/I??) might not.  I think there is a discussion of this on this forum.  Try the search function.

As to a line from the top of the mast to the end of the boom (a topping lift) this is an easy fix.  BTW, there is no aft stay on a CP16. 

To make a topping lift, tie a 1/4 in. line into the hole on the mast head (use a stainless eye and bolt if necessary to accommodate a 1/4 in line).  Run the line the full length of the mast and tie a snap ring.  The snap ring can then be attached to the outhaul on the boom to support the boom when the sail is down.  Tighten down the mainsheet and it makes a nice little package.  When you are under sail you can attach the snap ring to one of the holes in the tabernacle and then the topping lift will be out of the way.   

idouglas

[Paul]

Maybe she's simply a little developmentally delayed. 

As you look at the mast, are there fittings where spreaders ought to be?  The spreaders are nothing fancy, simply aluminum tubing measuring a little over a foot long.  Dwyers has them HERE.

Can't tell you why yours are missing.  When all else fails, blame it on the PO. 

As for the topping lift, here's what I did.  There should be a small hole at the top of the mast.  Likewise, there will be one on the top of the end of the boom.  I use some light braided line (cord), just small enough to thread through the smallest of the holes.  1/4" sounds about right.  At the top of the mast, push the end through the hole and tie a figure eight knot (stopper knot).  Run the other end through the boom end with about 2' left over when the boom is as low as you'd like to tolerate it (sans sail).  I like a tautline hitch at this end.  That way, I can adjust the length of the line (read, height of the boom end) when the sail is down.  When sail is up, just back the knot down the line, letting the sail hold the boom.

Actually, I do have a brass snap hook that snaps onto the boom end.  The line is sent through the D-ring of the hook.  Makes set-up and take-down a snap. 

Check out the "Articles" section of this forum if you'd like more info on knots.  (Animated knots by Grog is great!!)

Hope this helps,

Paul

[Freedumb]

Once again, everyone has come through for me. I haven't seen any place for a pair of spreaders so perhaps I have none. As for the topping lift I'll make one soon. Thank you guys for the advice again.

Aaron aboard Ophelia

[mgoller]

There aren't any spreaders on the 16 and shouldn't be.  The only thing holding the mast up under a lot of lateral pressures are the three stays.  That's the way it was designed and it has served well for 30 years.
The two side stays also keep the mast from moving forward due to their angle back.  Put spreaders on those and you'll lose the taughtness that you need for lateral and forward rigidity.
I keep my topping lift on.  I just loosen it when sailing and tighten it when dropping sail.  I use it to shape the sail in light winds by adjusting tighter.
The reason the 19 and larger boats have spreaders is to carry the load from the half way up point to top of the longer mast.  The lower stays are much like the 16 and carry from half mast down. 
All that said, it is fun to tinker and modify.  Multimediasmith has mastered this art and has posted many pics and explanations throughout the site detailing modifications that work.
Myself, I like stock boats and keeping it simple.

[idouglas]

While I would never pretend to contradict Captain mgoller, I do beg to differ a bit.  My 1994 CP16/III/XL does have stock spreaders.  Perhaps when Hutch moved the rig from 3/4rs to 7/8ths rig adding the bowsprit (from CPI to CPII?) he added spreaders?  Can others ring in here?

Aaron, if my above supposition is true, then your CP16I is a 3/4rs rig without a bowsprit and thus without spreaders.  If so, I would leave it alone, unless of course you want to add a sprit and move to 7/8th rig.

Just a thought.

idouglas

[Gil Weiss]

FYI - my 1990 CP 16/3 has spreaders. Earlier models like the 16/1 did not.

[mgoller]

Boy what an idiot I am!  Here's a picture of my boat!
Learn something every day!  My humble apologies.  I must be tired or something.

[Gil Weiss]

If they are about half way up the mast, stick out, hold the stays and look like spreaders . . . then they must be spreaders!
Since you don't have the bow spirit you must have a 16/2 so only the 16/1's had no spreaders.

Gil

[idouglas]

The mystery is solved. 

idouglas

[Freedumb]

Ha, I've got a '77 cp 16. I think it's hull 341. Nothing that doesn't make it float. My title is in peril. I found that the fellow that gave it to me didn't really have the right to give it away. Well I submitted a form to the TX parks and wildlife to see who's name it's in. So I guess I'll call them and see what they want to do about it. Or if they remember having a boat. I did go down to the police office and have the fuzz look up the registration numbers. They came back clean. So I guess she wasn't stolen. This is becoming rather complicated. Best case scenario I call the PO and they happily mail the title to me and I'll get her registered and the trailer tagged and it'll happen on the no-line and free hamburger day at the tax office. Then I'll go home and drag her to the lake. Probably won't work out that way but I can hope! In any case I'm not giving up. I'm going sailing no matter.  Anyhow, thanks again you guys are always helpful.

Aaron, aboard his "free" boat

[Cricket Crew]

Aaron ... how's the title coming? ... Don't give up too quickly ~
Here's my story with Cricket ...

She was abandoned, hatches open, keel rollers on trailer had dry rotted and she was resting on the bare roller rods ... not a pretty sight (except to me) to say the least!

She had been 'traded' down a long list of many 'owners' ~ finally drug to her resting place by the rough hands of mechanics with a roll-back ...

Getting a title and registration was not an easy task ... about 8 months of work on my part ~ can you say 'long line' at the Wildlife DMV ....

My research on the Internet revealed that her past REGISTERED owner was deceased...so, with copies of the obituary and death notice in hand, on my umptenth trip to Wildlife I was told, straight faced, that I would have to send a certified letter to the owner's last known address -- i.e. the grave site ... if the letter was not 'received' within 6 weeks, I could then proceed with the Title Paper Work ..... WTF! ... I asked to speak with the supervisor ... by this time I was not amused!

I now have a proper title and registration and Cricket is recuperating just fine.....as I work to bring her back to being a great little boat!

Keep us posted,
AJ

[Rick Klages]

So it's true. Perseverance pays off!  Excellent. 

ick