CP 16 feature in Small Craft Advisor

[Salty19]

Well it seems Josh Colvin, editor of Small Craft Advisor, has finally given up his WWP 14 and is now sailing a CP16. The recent edition of SCA gives a cursory review of the boat along with owner comments.  While the review isn't exactly glowing, it's a pretty fair assessment, IMO.     

The only thing I didn't agree with is the comment about trading cockpit capacity for cabin space.  On a boat like the CP16 where the majority of time spent is in the cockpit, it would be poor design, IMO, to make the cockpit smaller.  As it's designed, cockpit space is great for a 16 footer, and the cabin is just the right size for what the majority of folks use it for (storage).  Compared to the majority of boats they review, I would say the CP16 is not only right at home in the SCA office but among the best small sailboats available.   Of course we know it won't win you any races, but it will get you back safely.   I also believe at some point he will notice the lack of repair costs on Com-pacs due to their solid construction and use of quality hardware.  Can't say the same for other boats.

I believe he would have a much different opinion in terms of performance with a foiled rudder, newer sails, and perhaps a bowsprit. Of course any boat would review differently with improvements.

We should probably expect a bit more coverage on Compacs in the magazine moving forward (just a guess, I have not cooresponded with Josh).

Anyway, I'm glad we are starting to see more activity in SCA on the Compac line.

[Bob23]

Mike:
   I couldn't agree more. I have let my subscription lapse quite some time ago. Had to eliminate 2 out of the 4 sailing rags I got. It was a touch decision. I wonder if they have reviewed a Compac 23 yet? As ol the last issue I read, they had not.
   I really like the CP 16. I'm almost toying with buying one to trailer sail and explore other waters. I wouldn't sell my 23 however...we're still in love!
   Bob23

[Salty19]

Hi Bob,

To my knowledge a CP23 has not been reviewed in SCA.  I'm also down to two subs these days...SCA and Good Old Boat. 
Another CP16 makes my list as well...just no place to store it until we can find a new house ('course gotta sell the one we have first!).

A converted CP16PEC (Pilothouse Electric Cat) is somewhat of a fantasy but hey a guy can dream! 

[Bob23]

   I'm down to Good Old Boat and Messing About in Boats. 2 weeks ago I came dangerously close to buying a Compac 14 for sail on Craigslist in Maryland. It was a good deal but it's my habit to wait a bit until making a major purchase. (Major purchase these days is defined as anything more expensive than a pizza!) I waited and then realized it wouldn't have been a good idea (read: don't want to be murdered by wife) and it was sold to someone else.
   Electric Pilothouse 16!? Sounds great!
Bob23

[capt_nemo]

I also have only 2 subscriptions, coincidentally, Small Craft Advisor and Good Old Boat.

Both are well done and read cover to cover each issue!

capt_nemo   

[kickingbug1]

   couple of years ago my sister in law got me a subscription to sail magazine. although it was interesting and pretty cheap, they never had any articles on smaller boats and the people who sail them. to say the least i gave up on sail even though they kept pestering me to resubscribe. i kept my old ones and will give them to whoever comes to the rendezvous. i never saw the review of the cp16. you are on the money mike. new sails (at least a main) and a foiled rudder would have made a difference. i dont know if the boat they reviewed was a latter centerboard model but that would have increased upwind performance as well. see ya all in august