Sailed It! - Newby to Compac - Considering an '81,

[EJ]

I joined the forum because I need some input/advice.  My  buddy has just picked up an '81 16ft that he just picked up for $1000.  I had stopped by and looked it over, later that day he called and said he wanted to keep peace with his wife and would let me have it for the same cost. From my brief inspection I saw the following
Fiberglass is chalky, Coating (paint?) inside the cabin is peeling, Hull looks ok, but needs hull paint, I noticed Wood is beyond saving, rigging looks good (it is similar as my Nomad 14), sails are worn and need replacement.
It has a bowsprit, no mast crutch,
Trailer needs work; rubber rollers are checked, winch and cable need replacement.
Questions:
Are there historical issues that I should look for? eg leaks, other?
I noticed some small cracks in the fiberglass at the base of the mast on the top deck - problem?
I remember not seeing a base plate on the mast - I assume parts are easy to find?
The boat has been in the SW Colorado sun for a long time - I assume refinishing the deck(inside and out) and hull takes elbow grease and is doable?
I read about the deck coming off for refinish work, is this easy?
I think the price is fair, I don't want him to lose out - I am concerned about hidden issues.   
I am excited about having a bit larger boat that is still manageable for one person.  Thanks, I appreciate your time and help.

[Craig]

Sounds like a SERIOUS project boat. Did say he would pay you $1000.00 to take it? LOL. Many here have gone the restoration route. Just be prepared for lots of work and significant outlay of cash. I will let the experts on C16 here give you the specifics on what you might face.

[mikew]

EJ, well it depends- I bought a 1981 cp-16 new from the factory and after that , 35 yrs later now have a 1983 model. These are great boats , very safe and seaworthy. Some of your questions: No serious issues if the boat was kept dry inside. If the bunks are not rotted and still intact I would not remove the deck. The area under the mast step has a non rotting core, the cracks if small can just be filled. If the cracks are significant check the condition of the wood mast support in the cabin it may need to be replaced. The keel is filled with cement and is trouble free unless water entered the bilge and keel area and froze. This would be major work, so check the keel exterior for cracks. The gel coat can be rubbed out and waxed, others have used very fine wet paper to bring the gloss back. You can sand and paint the cabin interior with an outdoor latex paint.
The base of the mast has a hole a few inches from the end for a stainless bolt and nut to attach to the mast step bracket.  The factory still has parts available try www.com-pacyachts.com. You could find a similar model with trailer and motor, in sail away condition for maybe $2500-3000.  So it may take another $1000 to bring it back to good condition. You didn't mention a motor ? Lastly the boat is very easy to rig and launch singlehanded. I have mine set up with extra gear for overnight cruising too.

Mike

[Railroad Greg]

You can see my before and after pictures of my trailer, which was a square piece of metal with two wheel attached. I take that back it only had one wheel.  The old post with the pictures are on the 1st page of CP-16 page. I joined this Forum to get info on Bunk height for the trailer.
You came to the right place for CP info. These sailors are great and are welling to help.
Anyway, I would take the boat if they are hard to find in your area and you are very good with tools and don't mind dirty work.
I have the same things that your looking at but after buying a few, cheap, Ace Hardware blocks, I went on a few shake down cruises.
After sailing the boat six times I have no regrets. I started with $450 and bought a sunfish. when the water got cold I sold it for $1000 and bought my CP-16 for $1100. I found a used trolling motor at a yard sale for Five bucks, it had a broke wire inside the control compartment.
The trolling motor does fine getting in and out of the marina.
If you will not have the time or do not enjoy working on boats then pass up the deal.     
                                                                      greg

[EJ]

Thanks for the feedback.  I'll make time and I do enjoy working on motorcycles and boats.  There is no motor, I can find something.

MikeW:  I am a bit concerned about the possibility of the water getting into the keel and freezing.  I believe the boat was stored outside with no cover given the condition.  If there are no cracks in the keel - I should be safe to assume that is not an issue? or is there more to look for?

[tmw]

Caveat, that I'm likely far less experienced than most people here, but I take a different perspective.  I'd say, go for it.  Here's why.

Nothing you listed appears like something that would prevent you from having fun sailing this boat.  Sure, worn sails aren't going to point as well into the wind, but I'm pretty certain the boat will still sail.  My base of the mast looks like:


and as long as there is something to keep the mast in place without going through the fiberglass, it should work.

My approach when I used to sail my uncle-in-law's old crappy dolphin that had rips in the sail, used a trimmed wine bottle cork as a poorly working drain plug, and would slowly take on water, but it was also fun to sail.  It was in horrible shape, but it sailed, and I enjoyed it, without fixing things.

Most importantly, you made this statement:

I am excited about having a bit larger boat that is still manageable for one person. 

Where else can you get something this close to being able to sail for a similar price?  If you want a lot of projects to get things in a "how they ought to be" shape, it would be a project boat.  But, if you want to drop it in the water and sail, I'd say it's a good opportunity to leverage that excitement and have fun with it.  Just one opinion, your mileage may vary.

[Duckie]

I have to agree with that.  Even if water got into the keel and the cement is now sand, if it doesn't leak, sail it.  If you live in the southwest, it should dry out pretty quickly during the hot summer, if you don't let any more water in.  Unlike a wooden boat, you can neglect a lot of maintenance, at least for a while without the whole boat rotting out from under you.  Sail it.  If you do nothing more than clean it up you can always get your money back by selling it again.

Al

[EJ]

I'm pulling the trigger today.  Now I have to make peace with my bunch. But they will enjoy it when I am sailing it. (I'll be out of the house)  I'll send some pics later this week.  I sincerely appreciate the input and advice.  Thank you everyone.

[JTMeissner]

EJ, while it looks like the decision has been made, I can support either way.  My boat, a 1975 CP-16, was well worn in...  But I've made small improvements over the years of sailing her since 2011, and have taken the opportunity to really dig into repairs as a labor of love more than pure necessity.  As some others have mentioned, as long as the hull is sound, and the rigging holds up, the rest can be fairly minor regarding enjoyment.  Ballpark, my initial investment was about the same, but it did come with a motor.  I had the replace trailer bearings right away, then towed for over 1000 miles to a new home. 

In this shot you may be able to see paint coming off the walls and you might notice the brace put in to support the compression post.  I put the brace in after a few years, and left the paint until just recently.


Do check the bow eye.  It can be quite corroded over time and pretty easy to replace.


Small cracks near the mast base probably aren't too significant.  The screws are quite substantial, though may also be corroded over time.


Even though part of my keel was pulverized to sand (pile on left from the bottom of the hole), sailed fine over the years.


I'm quite a bit along in the full refurb, and only regret the slow progress getting it done and back on the water, but it wasn't absolutely necessary.


In the end, before I had her disassembled, these were the moments that made it all worth it.


So, a trolling motor, new running rigging, new sails, all spread out over the years, not too bad an investment for times like the above.  Now the BaBaLeLe is getting all dressed up for the next forty years, no regrets. Even though I think we need a larger boat, so I keep my eye out for a 23 at a good deal, my wife thinks this one will be around for some time.

Enjoy your new boat.
-Justin

[mikew]

EJ, you asked about freeze damage in the keel, I would just inspect all the surfaces, looking for external cracks or swelling. Others
On the board may have advice to help with the repair if needed.
Mike

[Duckie]

I bought my CP 16 only because I wanted a heavy displacement Marconi rigged sailboat to learn on.  I already had a 16 ft cruising sailboat, but it is worlds away from the CP.  I didn't want to spend a lot of time monkeying around with the CP, just sail it, so I bought one that was in real nice shape.  Since then I have found that I really like and respect these little boats, so I went all in and made her as yacht like as I could last winter.  I didn't have to, I just like working on my boats.  Nothing that I have done has made her sail one bit better.  Take your time and do the things that you like.  Just one thing though, keep her covered from the elements and she will love you long time. 

Have fun.

Al

[EJ]

Good evening:  I picked the boat up yesterday and wanted to post a few pics ( I hope the links work)  for your review and input.  After everyone's comments I am positive I can have a great boat with a bit of effort.

The boat was picked up in NJ in 1994.  It is #1357, built in '81.  After the # there is an "M"  I read that the last month is "L" (12th), any idea what the "M" signifies? ABV01357M81 0.
Summary:
1. The trailer needs work, not impossible.
2. I read about polishing out the gel coat, looks doable, and I assume after buffing I can touch up? Or coat the complete surface?
3. The underside of the deck and cabin interior are peeling severely, It looks more efficient to remove the top. Drill a few rivets, any tips would be appreciated. I will search the forum too.
4. A few cracks around some cleats and mast base.  easy repair?
5. The sails are rust stained from being folded with the cleats, eyes and hanks.  Any idea how to clean them up? 
6. The bottom paint is thick and looks bad,  Can I scrape and sand lightly then put on a bottom coat (white)?  I don't think I have the energy to remove the complete layer, I will try some MEK and see how it works.
7. I am looking at a few E motors on Craigslist, a 36lb and 50lb thrust for reasonable cost.
8. The rudder needs sandblasted or wire cupped.  Maybe powder coated?

I am surprised the base of mast is not heavier. My other boat has an aluminum insert/foot.

Thanks for everyone's help and positive feedback. 

[EJ]

Here are a few photos of the bottom paint. The adhesive striping above the paint came off easily with heat gun help.

[JBC]

EJ, Looks like your boat is doable from your photos and descriptions.  I will offer my .02 cents in response to a few of your questions.  Overall, if I tackled your project (and I have owned a CP 16 in not much better shape in the past), I would set the goal of doing just what you think is necessary to get it ready for the water.  Some cosmetics could wait and for that matter the whole interior, if the boat floats and proves to be dry.

There have already been discussions about the keel and whether it's watertight.  To that I would add the scuppers, to check to see if there is any sign of leaks (you can test this somewhat by pouring water through both).

As to cosmetics, I would try a cleaner called Bar Keepers Friend on areas of the hull that are spotted.  Really cleaned up my old hulls to at least make them presentable, before deciding whatever was needed next.  Compound and wax after that may be all you need above the waterline.

As to sails, I just cleaned up some with rust spots and stains (on a Holder 14 I recently bought) about as messy as yours.  I soaked them in soapy water and Clorox (mixing 1 to 10) for two to four hours.  Worked, though it will take off some of the original resin, too.  Still, I have decided they look much better and are useable for now.  Rinse well!

I am also in CO, so if you want to email me through the forum, I might have a few other tips.

Jett

[ChuckD]

EJ,
Congratulations!

You've got some work ahead of you...
But SAILING is on your HORIZON!

Chuck