delaminated sole question

[hart]

New owner (sort of).  I've taken possession of my Mom's 16.  If I'm reading the hull id right it's a 1978.  We sailed it quite a bit until  I moved to North Carolina then boat sat on the hard for about 3 years. 

Water sat in the boat for at least several months (maybe even up to a year) and the cabin sole has delaminated, the bunks are rotten, and the fore area is soft as well. 

Now here's the question:  Is it usable like this?  There don't appear to be any cracks or holes in the keel so I'm thinking it's okay.  The compression post seems to be good but I want to inspect it's footing a bit closer after searching through topics on the board.   

Anyway, I've put a bit of TLC into the boat and the rest is now in fine shape (rigging etc.) and I'd like to go do some daysailing but not if it means putting my family or the boat at risk.

So, can I put this big repair off until next fall or is it something that needs to be addressed before the next launch?  Thanks in advance. 

[hart]

Nevermind.  Digging around today, the compression post is rotten rotten rotten at the bottom.  So, that will have to be replaced and the bulkhead repaired/replaced. 

[arw-16]

Sorry to hear the bad news.  I sail the CP 16 in eastern NC.  Are you still in NC?

[hart]

No, we moved to Alabama.  A little area called Josephine on the coast and almost to the Florida line.

It looks like it's going to be a major repair job, basically redoing the inside like others have posted about doing on here before.

[Paul]

Hart:

Sorry to hear of your news.  It is a major undertaking.  One I would not want to repeat, especially in the heat of Alabama!!  If you are so inclined to keep the boat, postpone until cooler weather.

I'd consider very carefully using it as a day sailor.  If the exterior, standing rigging, and running rigging are in good shape, then the only thing you need is a compression post.  Currently, the compression post is bolted to the bulkhead.  But, you could replace it with a longer one that stands on the keel.  When you are ready to replace the interior, just cut it short and bolt it back in place.  The only thing I would STRONGLY caution you about is the structural integrity of the rest of the wood.  It DOES serve the purpose of stiffening the hull.  Too much flexing is a bad thing!!  If it's all rotten, then it WILL flex.

Good luck in your decision.