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[over40pirate]

We just purchased a 1977 CP-16 for $700. The trailer is good and the boat needs some work, but really isn't too bad. Don't have the correct sails, but do have a loose-footed main and a jib to get us thru to next year. Does anyone have suggestions for upgrades as I work thru the boat?

We have an older Cal 20 that is a super boat. It just isn't what you want to haul up and down the road to sail in the shallow waters of the NC caost. We are looking forward to trips out to the Cape Lookout light and Okracoke Island.

Mike

[romei]

Welcome Mike.  I bought one a few years ago, much as you described yours at about the same price.  I converted mine into a gaff rigged cat boat.  My best advice to you is to use your imagination, put some careful thought into how and how many will be using it most of the time and then go just for it.

[over40pirate]

Thanks for the reply. I have done a good bit of work on the Cal, and have had boats of all types for years. I have gotten a lot of great ideas on here and look forward to seeing them on the boat. Really looking forward to this!
Mike

[romei]

Do you have any pics to share?  Before and afters are always fun!  

[over40pirate]

As we begin the restoration I will be doing before/after pics. Does anyone have suggestons for popular upgrades as I work thru the boat? I have a good idea of how to fab a backstay based on things I've read here. Anything else anyone has done that is just too cool to keep to themselves? I would like to try a home-made roller furler if anyone can be of assistance on components.
Mike

[romei]

You should prolly start a new thread in the CP16 section if you want to talk about modifications and stuff like that rather than hijack your own thread here in the sailor's lounge :-D

I'll give you my 2 cents worth though on the ever popular home made furler.  I made one.  I hated it.  I spent more time on deck untangling the rope that would always fall below the bottom spool than I would have by not using it at all.  Since I converted my CP-16 into a cat boat I have no head sail, but I also have an alacrity 19 and I use a nice cheap little unit on it and I am very pleased with it.  It's much like the one in the link below.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=56820&BASE

I'll keep an eye out for you in the CP-16 forum.  They talk a lot of customization and modification stuff in there.

Cheers

[ka8uet]

Although it was a CP16 that I first fell in love with, it was a CP 23/3 that I bought.  My big changes have been to put a downhaul on the jib, make netting for the fordeck to keep said jib aboard when lowered, and to add a topping lift to the boom.  Makes it much easier to reef when the boom doesn't fall on one's head! :-)

[shamblin]

a tiller extension lets you sit forward and sail her upright.

a couple of milk crates on ropes down at the foot of the bunks gives more storage.  a plexiglass cabin door gives a sense of space when spending time inside during storms etc.

my c16's didnt sail well to windward *with mainsail alone* which would have been nice in storm/waves but be prepared for that.

we found a honda 2 hp to be plenty of engine.