Stopping lurking, please allow me to introduce myself

[JTMeissner]

After finally answering some posts, I thought it proper to jump into the fold completely and introduce myself.  I had been lurking since last fall after deciding on getting a sailboat, then opportunity struck which allowed me to gain possession of a disused Com-Pac 16.

My name is Justin, and I have owned my Com-Pac 16 for now about a year.  In that time I've run the gamut of trouble registering the boat, trailer repair and servicing, insurance hassles, new sails and running rigging, and motor decisions.  This board has been of immeasurable help with tackling many of these issues, and I take some solace that these problems are not unique.

I bought the boat while I was a student at the US Naval War College in Newport, RI.  There was some winter water damage to the top of the ballast, but nothing too extreme.  For the agreed upon price I got the boat, a set of sails with added genoa, trailer, and 4 hp outboard.  In looking at the hull ID number, it appears I took possession of boat #16, manufactured in January 1975.  The rigging and sails could have been original, the trailer from from the mid-80's and the motor was 1991, but all-in-all seemed in workable shape.

Spring 2011 and in the driveway:


While in RI, I finally got the boat rigged, found out what parts I needed, and even took it for a few sails in Narragansett Bay.  A weekend in a slip allowed me the opportunity to replace the trailer bearings, hubs, and wheels, as well as adjusting the keel rollers and revamping the lighting.  The little Com-Pac seemed out of place compared to the other boats at the marina...

First "sail" (note to self, wear gloves with your really old wooden oars so you don't get slivers):


Testing the rigging:


Overlooking the USNWC


As a military member, the summer meant a move, and my new assignment was in Georgia.  My father-in-law graciously assisted with the long tow down the east coast, 1100 miles, to the new home outside Fort Stewart, Georgia.  Seems like my trailer work did its job...  Except that I discovered after the tow that the trailer weight was 1700 lbs, a tad bit over the rating for the 8-inch "B" tires.  Whew.  Well, those were replaced with "C" tires, which are at least rated for that much.  I've been following the discussion regarding tire sizes, and I should have gone bigger when I had everything apart, as well as 5 lugs versus four...  Oh well.  In the boat's new home at Clarks Hill Lake aka Strom Thurmond Reservoir, I have a very short trip from the boat shed to the ramp, so those issues will have to wait until another move or I try to make a long distance trip.

In Georgia I ordered new sails, and bought a 40-lb thrust electric motor.  I have never attempted to fire up the 4 hp Mariner that came with the boat since it was drained and winterized which made it allowable for the moving company to move and I was going to have to store the boat for a deployment.  Electric was just so much easier to deal with.  However, the overseas trip looks like it's not going to happen, so the family will try to make a Thanksgiving sailing weekend out of it.

Dam at Strom Thurmond reservoir


My crew


Family sailing


Motoring away from the dock


Anchored near the cottages at Pointes West Army Resort


Thanks to all the members and moderators for this forum.  I hope I add to the conversation and can assist others whenever possible.

-Justin

PS - Oh yeah, the boat's name: BaBaLeLe.  It's a pinyon mix of Chinese which in this case can be translated into Dad's Happiness, but is more of a mash-up of my daughter's and my nicknames for each other.  Still working on the right graphic to put the name on the boat.

[Tim Gardner]

A great story!  The definition of Kismet is when all things come together.  It appears kismet is alive in your family's sailing experiences.  I mean, who could beat owning the 16th 16!  Kismet - a great name for you to consider as well!  OH - did I forget to mention kismet is pronounced BaBaLeLe in Ricky Ricardo speak?

TG

[Bob23]

Welcome Justin and Crew!
   Fabulous story and photos! Keep us posted about your adventures.
Bob23

[shamblin]

welcome.   the c16 is a good boat for a small family.  ive spent many a night at anchor watching the stars and sleeping in the cockpit, leaving room for children inside.

if you dont have an electric system, a kerosene lantern will be a good anchor light and a candle can be light/heat in the cabin. didnt notice if you have a boarding ladder but you need one for safety.

a 2hp honda is plenty of gas motor.

she doesnt sail well to windward without her jib imho  so plan for that.

backpacking gear in the cockpit is good for cooking with maybe a small icebox and maybe not.

a small compass and a watch glued to the cabin wall is your nav station. ( and gps around your neck )

a 1/2" plexiglass cabin door  opens her up when you have to stay inside.

email me at bshamblin2012@yahoo.com if you want.     

[jthatcher]

another JT,  imagine that!   welcome to the site from a relative newcomer.  not only have i picked up some great info around here, but I have also met some really nice folks...     great pics.   newport was probably a neat experience, but the sailing season in GA is a whole lot longer!    I just joined Marty on his cp16 this past weekend for a sail in south east PA- most likely the last one of the season for both of us...  looking forward to more stories and pics!    jt (northeast pa and barnegat bay nj)

[skip1930]

You and yours are going to have a ball this that CP-16.
Thanks for tuning in.

skip.

[JParody]

Hello to you and your Family!  Welcome and Merry Christmas!

From Jill  ( CP16 #174, NC )