New member in NW Florida

[kptnmike]

Hi,

I've owned a variety of power boats, an Irwin 27 years ago,  and a couple of small sailing dinghies, currently a Zuma. I'm looking for a small easily trailered boat under $5K for day trips in mostly sheltered waters in this area (Pensacola, FL). My wife enjoys boating as well. A 16 seems to be a good fit for us, although I've never been on one. If there are any owners nearby I'd like to get advice about the boats and see one in person.

Mike Fry

[kickingbug1]

mike, we were pretty much in the same boat as you (pun intended). we looked at a number of small trailer sailors and just lucked into the cp16. unlike others we have sailed the little compac felt stable and larger than its length. although i have slept aboard twice (she wont) we find the cabin to be quite handy during a daysail (what we do). you can take so much more stuff than on an open daysailor. she is slow but speed is all relative on a sailboat unless you want to race. i will probably sail this little bugger for the rest of my healthy life, unless i expierence a windfall, then im buying an eclipse. im sure you can find someone to take you for a sail, lots of copm-pacs in your area   good luck

[Bob23]

Welcome to the clan, Mike. "When you're here, you'e family". I like the Zumas. My brother in law has 2 and I have a Force 5. It's my Porsche Boxster for the water!
Bob23
   

[HideAway]

The only boxster on my boat has cigars in it!  We looked at the 16s but since we like to spend the night aboard it was just too small.  I do like the eclipse - especially the scoop stern as we swim a lot too.  Trying to climb up MT HideAway s stern is getting tougher every year.  One of our club members designed the hull for the eclipse - he said he made it for speed  and ease of use- Hooray!   Like you it would take a lottery win to make it possible.   Welcome aboard Matt

[kptnmike]

Thanks for the welcome messages!

Still  looking for a  local boat. We've measured the towing vehicle, backyard, and wallet and will also be looking at 19s.

My avatar is not showing up yet. I posted a photo on the CPYOA photobucket site, and copied the URL to my account info, still no photo, just a red X. I've logged on from several different computers using different browsers, so it shouldn't be a firewall or antivirus or browser issue.

Mike

[kptnmike]

fixed the  photo by moving it to a separate subalbum in the CPYOA photobucket and copy/pasting the new URL.

[newt]

Looking good Mike. My 23 is only 3000#, can't ya tow one of those??

[Billy]

if you plan on doing any overnighters I suggest a 19. But they are few and far between.

[curtisv]

Looking good Mike. My 23 is only 3000#, can't ya tow one of those??

Hi Newt,

You need to consider the weight of the trailer and junk on board.  I figure 4500 for a CP23.  A lot of vehicles are rated for 3500 (including some small trucks and small SUV) and that is well over.  A truck or SUV rated for 5000 and class 3 hitch (rated at 5000) would be the minimum to tow a CP23.

My truck is rated for 11,400 so no problem here.  Barely notices it.  (F250 V8, manual, low ratio differential, 4WD)

Curtis

[brackish]

Looking good Mike. My 23 is only 3000#, can't ya tow one of those??

Hi Newt,

You need to consider the weight of the trailer and junk on board.  I figure 4500 for a CP23.  A lot of vehicles are rated for 3500 (including some small trucks and small SUV) and that is well over.  A truck or SUV rated for 5000 and class 3 hitch (rated at 5000) would be the minimum to tow a CP23.

My truck is rated for 11,400 so no problem here.  Barely notices it.  (F250 V8, manual, low ratio differential, 4WD)

Curtis

I agree with that assessment.  I figure mine is a minimum of 4500.  The displacement is listed as 3200 on mine, and when I asked Hutchins about the difference between the earlier models, they say nothing in particular, just catching up with little changes over time and reality.  I suspect many of the earlier models are over 3K.  Trailer is listed as 950 lbs.  I suspect that is without the mast raising stuff which is heavy and which I removed and replaced with a lighter system.

I put it on a diet before a major tow, taking off the motor, draining water and gas tank, distributing what I can in the bed of my PU.  My truck has a 6500 lb. tow capacity and an 11,100 gross combined and I would not want anything less.  Would prefer to have that F250, but it has to be a daily driver, want the efficiency for the non tow miles.