Difference in Compac 16 models

[Nezz]

I am searching for a Compac 16 in the Midwest and I have a question.  I found two Compac 16s in my general area, but 5 hours away so I have not seen them in person. One is a basic Compac 16 from 1983.  The Other is a Compac 16 MKII45 from 1999.  I understand the basic boat, but I am confused on the Compac 16 MKII45.  How is it going to differ from the basic boat other than it sure looks better and newer.  Thank you for your help.

Bob Nesbitt
Annandale, MN

[Duckie]

I can't speak for the older models too much but my 1988 CP 16 III has a bow sprit, a forward hatch, larger head sail-smaller main and no lazarette.  The interior is teak lined with a beaded headliner and is quite posh in my opinion.  The boat came with two complete sets of sails along with a drifter and bimini.  In fact it came with more gear than I am likely to use all at once.   One of the main things to take a real good look at when buying a CP 16 is the trailer.  If the trailer is not first rate either walk away or try to talk the seller down enough that you can afford to replace it outright.  I only had my 16 for a couple months before the axle broke.  And now I need to replace the tongue. 

The landing that I use sees a lot of trailer sailor use.  I get to see all kinds of different boats and as of today I have not been tempted to contemplate a different boat.  I get a lot of admiring looks each time I launch, and some on the water too.  I live in Duluth where there is a fairly robust sailing community.  I bought my boat in the twin cities.  There have been a fair number of boats that I would have looked at on Craigslist so something should show up sooner rather than later. 

Good luck with your hunt.

Al

[NateD]

I owned a 1980, and currently a 92. You can search through the forum and find a lot of posts outlining the differences:

http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=945.0
http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=4952.0

Now, in general, I would evaluate a CP16 based on it's condition, age of sails, age of motor, condition of the trailer, and improvements/upgrades that have been made over the years. I would take a 1980 that was well cared for with new(er) sails and motor over a 1992 with original sails and old motor if they were the same price. However, as Duckie says, there are some benefits to the MkII and MkIII like the bowsprit, hatch, and a place for the gas tank in the cockpit. If both a 1980 and a 1992 were on the market in similar condition I would be willing to pay $500 more for the 1992.

BUT, you said you're looking at a 1999? I've never heard of a "MkII45", but in 1997 or 1998 Hutchins added a centerboard to the 16. They are fairly rare. It should improve the boat's ability to point, but I'm not sure anyone has been able to quantify how much of an improvement it is. I would be willing to pay $500 more for a 1999 with centerboard than a 1992 (maybe even more), or $1000 more than a 1982 if they were all in similar condition. Like I said, the centerboarders are rare, you'll most likely get the money back when you sell it.

[Nezz]

I got a response from the Compac 16 MKII45 owner. He does have a centerboard that swings down and he said it does help him sail closer to the wind. The 45 in the boat type was a typo by him when he place the add.  I am looking at three boats and all of them are 5 hours from my home.

1. Compac 16 1983 with a cabin that needs work and a trailer that is in rough shape  $2,000
2. Compac 16-2  1987 that looks very good online.  $3,600
3. Compac 16 MKII 1999 that looks great and the trailer looks great for $4,500

One way or another I am going to be a Compac 16 owner by Fall.  This is my retirement present to myself.  I am retiring at age 66 in April of 2016.  Thank you all for your help and knowledge.

Bob Nesbitt

[Craig]

Unless you are a serious "rehabber" I would steer clear of the '83. You could easily put many $$$s and many hours into it.  The difference between the other two is $800 and twelve years. The CB boat is significantly newer and  will point better. In terms of dollar value $800 is not all that much all things considered assuming the '99 is in fine shape. Easily recouped if you resell in the future. All that being said,since the boat is a retirement present to yourself, do you want to be sailing or fixing?

[Duckie]

I paid a good bit more for my 88', but it was in very good condition and very well equipped.  If the boat and trailer on the center board model are in good shape, sounds like a winner to me.  Take your time and look it over in every nook and cranny.  I don't think that you will be disappointed if the boat doesn't need anything and you can just go sailing. 

Al

[NateD]

All of those prices look reasonable (well #1 might be a bit high).

[Nezz]

Thank you for the information.  I am going to eliminate #1 and go after #2 or #3.  Good point about sailing or fixing. I have been fixing sailboats in need of repair for 15 years and have gotten to do very little sailing.  Time to go sailing in a nice boat.

Bob Nesbitt
Future boat owner

[hinmo]

I got a response from the Compac 16 MKII45 owner. He does have a centerboard that swings down and he said it does help him sail closer to the wind. The 45 in the boat type was a typo by him when he place the add.  I am looking at three boats and all of them are 5 hours from my home.

1. Compac 16 1983 with a cabin that needs work and a trailer that is in rough shape  $2,000
2. Compac 16-2  1987 that looks very good online.  $3,600
3. Compac 16 MKII 1999 that looks great and the trailer looks great for $4,500

One way or another I am going to be a Compac 16 owner by Fall.  This is my retirement present to myself.  I am retiring at age 66 in April of 2016.  Thank you all for your help and knowledge.

Bob Nesbitt

not mine but looks nice:
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/boa/5145584360.html

[crazycarl]

check this one out...

http://sailingtexas.com/201401/scompac16268.html

CC

[Nezz]

It sold.  It was a beauty.  I found another nice boat in Bay City, MI. Seller was a very nice guy, but my partner (wife/best friend), said the trip was too long and wants to wait.  So I am in a hold pattern probably till October.  I do have an O'Day 14 foot I can sail in meantime.

Bob Nesbitt
Bass Lake

[MKBLK]

Bob,

Good luck in your CPY search. My choice would definitely be either no.2 or no.3. As previously pointed out, unless you like diving into a real job, stay away from no.1.

I bought my 81 CP16 (about 5 years ago) for $2,000 READY TO SAIL!!! That was extremely important since last I looked I had about 10 thumbs! I only had to invest in PFD's and a trolling motor and some miscellaneous stuff and off we went. Regarding the trailer, the axle seems to be most vulnerable to serious rusting (mine did bust on the 98th mile of a 99 mile round-trip). However, is an easy repair. I was going to install a new axle, but the temporary weld job is so good that I decided it wasn't at all necessary.

Being 73 this August, I was about 68 when I bought Pegasus. I am very glad I did and didn't go for a bigger (19) boat. As a trailer sailor, 3/4 of a ton is enough to handle. Plus the simpler rigging is a real help as the years roll by. That said, if I were 10 years younger when buying the CPY, I would have definitely gone with the 19 because it has a far roomier cabin and some nice added features.

In any event, get that boat and get in the drink. Enjoy!

Marty K.
81 CP16 Pegasus

[Nezz]

Thanks Marty. On Tuesday I am looking at a 1979 Compac 16 for $1,400 in Minneapolis, close to my home. I am sure it is going to need work. He said the cabin floor need help and I read all the posts on owners tearing out their cabins to get out the rotten work and get to the concrete keel. Interesting project, but not for me. I am going to view this boat with a critical eye and hope that the pictures I saw in this great forum can help guide me in a purchasing decision. I agree with you on the Compac 19. My boat will be on a lake, no trailering, just in and out once a year. I might hold off and keep searching for a CP19. They are hard to find in my area. A local party is selling a Seaward Fox 20. I don't know much about that line of boats, but I might take a look. I love this forum and would hate to have to leave it by purchasing a non CP.

Bob
Annandale, MN

[MKBLK]

Bob,

Although I don't have any direct experience with a 19, you might want to talk to Brad and Lily (Elk River) who spend a LOT of time on and in theirs.* I have spent a total of 2 nights in the CP16's cabin (8' long bunks!). One night on the hard (not so good) and one night on the water (slept like a rock). Also, slept in the cockpit on an air mattress (plenty comfy for one or two). I have found that using a nicely padded lawn chair cushion works well as a 3/4 mattress with half a roll-up pad for the legs. A 16's cockpit is almost 6' wide by 7' long (just right for a full slightly soft air mattress). Other than crawling into the sack to sleep, the 16's cabin isn't much good for anything more than storage (tons of room). Not even squatting room if you're over 6' tall. If caught out in a squall, you can weather it in the cockpit in a somewhat cramped manner. The 19 is far better in that department. Also, I would think that a Bimini works fine on a 19, not so good on a 16. Don't get me wrong, I love my 16, but you have to look at it from a practical standpoint.

*You can send them a personal message from the Summary Page.

Bottom line - take your time and find the boat that is just right for you.

Marty K.

[Nezz]

Thanks Marty, that is good advise.  I have a tendency to "pull the trigger" and need to wait and find the right boat.  At age 65, this will be my last one. Our lake is small, but I would like to camp out on the boat with my 7 year old grandson while it is at the dock. I am going to look for a CP-19 in my area. There are alot of sailboats in Minnesota and Wisconsin, I am sure I will find one.  Right now, the closest is in Tomahawk, WI, 4 hours away.  I enjoyed reading your sailing log when you bought your boat in 2011. I will try and contact your friends, I have never seen a Compac 19.  Yesterday, I was at White Bear Boat Works and saw a neglected 1979 Compac 16 in the backyard. It was a sad sight and almost made me want to fix it up. I am not sure it was for sale or being repaired.