New to Forum and Considering a CP16

[CNYJake]

Hi Folks,
After coming across a CP16 a couple of weeks ago, I decided to check out your CPYOA Forum.  My sailing has been limited to a couple of Sunfish over the years, and as I approach semi-retirement, I am interested in trying to make time to sail.  The lines of the CP16 really caught my attention.  It looked like it would be a very stable boat, and versatile for fresh water lakes or salt water bay use.  I currently live in upstate NY in the Finger Lakes area, and I have property in Brewster MA (Cape Cod) and Sarasota FL.  I like being on or near water. 
This CP16 that I am considering appears to be in very good shape, although in need of a good cleaning and perhaps some wood replacement.  It comes with a nice trailer in good shape.  What information can I get from the serial number on the stern and what should I be looking at/for to make a wise decision to buy or walk from it?  What are some of the recurring costs of owning and maintaining one of these boats?  I haven't seen the sails, cushions, or motor yet, but I think I will be able to buy the setup for about $800-$1000, and the owner/seller is holding it for me.
All information, suggestions, tips, and wise-cracker comments are welcome and appreciated.
I look forward to future information, knowledge, and entertainment shared on the CPYOA Forum.
Thank you,
John Farrell

[Salty19]

Welcome to our little Com-pac community!

16's are great boats...stable, built like a tank, will get you home safely.  She is not the best performing boat out there in this class, but more than makes up for it in seaworthiness. 

The Hull number is on the stern and is part of the HIN. That will really only tell you the the hull number, which you can then convert to figure out if it's a version 1, 2, or 3 (which should be evident without knowing this).  In the CP16 area there is a post about finding the hull number within the HIN.

As far as costs go, you are right, sails will run you about $800, perhaps a little less.  Most of the components are not that expensive if you need replace them (mast excepted).  Older 16's usually have worn out motor mount assemblies, might have a worn rudder mount.
Chainplates and shrouds if original might need replacing.  The rub rails form leaks over time, so that joint may need to be re-glued.

You want to look for solid. Get on the deck and bounce a bit up and down (I don't mean jumping).  The deck should only move slightly under weight.  Look for gaps between the compression post inside the cabin and the roof.  Look for sagging compression post bolts.
Look for signs of leaks and rotten wood.  Look for foam under the cockpit.  If the hull is chalky, it can be polished out.
Look for straightness of the mast and boom. 

Inspect the keel closely.  Look for signs of cracks, repairs, concrete ballast that has broken down. Keel repairs might be more than sails to fix (if using a pro).

The exterior wood might look bad, but teak can be cleaned up--and the replacement parts are not that expensive from Hutchins, Inc (the makers of these boats).

Lines, cam cleats, goosenecks, blocks can all be replaced. These are wear items, don't consider anything small as a deal breaker.

Good news the trailer is in good shape.  Often rust is present on axles, bearings/tires might be shot, welds might be iffy, tongue rusted.  One could easily drop $750 on restoring a trailer, so good to hear it's in nice shape.

Good luck!  You'll think you upgraded to the Queen Mary after sailing a Sunfish!

[kickingbug1]

     i dont think there is a better choice for the money than a good ole cp16. we have had our 81 for 6 years now and have had a blast sailing her and upgrading some of her components. in a stiff breeze she heels pretty much (which is the fun part) and then hardens up. very stable in waves and forgiving of mistakes. i bought a new mainsail from national sails for under $250 and am very pleased. many here including salty have invented roller furling systems for their 16s which makes singlehandled sailing much easier. i would inspect the boat closely and pass on one that might be too much of a project. there are lot of good 16s out there and it might be worth a drive to get a clean one. no matter what you will not be sorry with a cp 16. great little boat and nothing looks better (except maybe an alerion).

[NateD]

I went from dinghies to a CP16 for more room for guest, greater stability and to stay dry (which greatly increases the sailing season here in MN). At the $1,000 price level you can expect everything to be pretty rough (worn sails, old old motor, worn/moldy/missing cushions). Annual maintenance costs depends on what you call maintenance and how much of the work you can do yourself, but here is what I came up with off the top of my head:

Trailer:
Tires - 5-10 years - $50/ea. = $100
Trailer registration/tabs - annual? - ? = ? (For light duty trailers we have lifetime tags in MN, which cost about $110 for as long as you own the trailer)
Bearings - 10 years - $25/ea. = $50
Other misc. - 10 years - $200
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$35/yr + registration


Sails:
Main + jib - 20 years of light use - ~$800-$1,200
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$40-$60/yr.


Motor:
Spark plug/oil/lower unit oil - annual - $15
Impeller - 3 years - $35-$50
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$36/yr.


Running rigging:
200' of line - 10 years - $100
-------------------------
$10/yr.


Deck hardware:
Blocks, 3 to 8 depending on layout - 25 years - $25/ea - $75-$200
-----------------------
$3-$8/yr.


Standing rigging:
Not sure on this one, and lifetime depends on salt/fresh water - 30 years - ~$300
-------------------------
$10/yr.


Bottom paint:
Hard to judge this one too
Strip to bare hull - 10-20 years - $250
Bottom paint  - 10-20 years - 1 gallon - $200
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$25-50/yr.


Hull/deck:
Buffing - 3 years - $35
Teak oil/cetol - 3 years - $15
------------------------------------
$17/yr.


Just the items I've listed, which is pretty bare bones, no allowance for upgrades or changes, just covering the items that will be needed to get to the water and sail (not overnight), the total comes to about $176 to $226 plus trailer registration and boat registration fees each year. Add on top of that the fee to use the launch ramp (if any), and gas for the outboard. I think my actual cost of ownership (including upgrades) was around $500/yr for the 2.5 years that I had my 16. Then on top of that add things like life jacket(s), GPS, waterproof iPod speakers, and any other trinkets that aren't directly attached to the boat.

The issue that you'll have buying the $1,000 boat is that all those costs that I've laid out on a per year basis will come due at the same time. To take a $1,000 boat to good condition will probably cost about $2,100 to add new sails and catch up on all the missed maintenance. But then you should be set with very low maintenance costs for the next 5-10 years.

[Bob23]

John:
   I would warn you about getting a Compac 16! If you do, you will become hopelessly addicted to not just sailing but Compac sailboats too! Everywhere you go, whether by road or water, people will notice and comment "what a beautiful boat". Whereas before you may have not gotten noticed, with your 16, you'll soon become the envy of the yacht club and the center of attention. And are you ready for the papparazzi of sailboats invasion into your personal life? Your wife may become jealous as many younger women will be begging you for a sail.
   This could ruin your life! Flee while you still can for if you purchase the 16 you speak of, the spell will be cast...and it cannot be broken!
   Welcome to the world of the Compac-o-nauts. You'll love the CP 16. Even though I own a 23 (or, she owns me) I still have my eye out for a neglected 16. Love 'em. We look forward to hearing about your adventures...
Bob23 in NJ