New to the Com-pac 16-2 with a motor mount question . . .

[DaleM]

I have a 4hp. for salt water and a trolling motor for lakes when the wind is less than 12mpg. Moving the battery inside the hatch helps balance.
However, I know this probably goes without saying but by lifting the outboard out of the water when  underway made a difference in balance and speed.  It took a few trips out to figure out this simple maneuver...always a student.  I like to keep the trolling motor on board as a back up.  Just my thoughts. 
Happy New Year to all!

[Ramblinguy]

Thank you all so very much!  I'm reading every word and learning.  I bought my boat cheap, but without a mast, boom or rigging . . . or . . . a title.  From an estate sale, owner had passed.  So, I'm putting major purchases on hold until I get a title, which should come soon.  I put the 7.5 back on Craigslist and will probably go w an electric motor.  I'll definitely call the number above and speak w/ Amos.  It's so good to speak w/ you all who have tried things so I can stand on your experience.  I've been reading and reading about this boat and am so excited about getting her on the water.  Gonna name her "Whistlin' Britches" . . . my grandfather's term for passing gas.  yep I'm classy. 

[Patsjoy]

oh and forgot to mention to the OP that the pics don't seem to show the motor any closer than ours. I also would not consider adding more width to the mount as that will add to trim issues and be "one more thing" to deal with. Consider a different motor. Being in the Denton area you gotta be able to find a good used in fresh water only motor in the 3-4hp range. If just used on the lakes there then you could go as low as 2-3hp since no issue with tides or currents. Hope this helps. Keep it simple.

[Patsjoy]

I use the Honda 2.3hp, air cooled,  mast swings both ways, certificule clutch.

[Peanuts]

  Hi Randy,

We bought our first sailboat last February, a 1985 CP16, and after reading a lot of pros and cons, decided to try an electric trolling motor.

We ended up with a MinnKota 50. Installed a marine battery forward and cut down an old set of 4 gauge jumper  cables to run the length of the boat.

Since we live in the midwest we have only used it on a couple of local lakes.

It works great getting in and out of the dock, plenty of power.
We were out on Lake Rathbun last summer and got caught in a really bad storm, lightning, wind and rain, we lowered all sails and ran the electric against 15-20 mph winds in 2-3 foot swells for 20 to 30 minutes on about a 1/2 charged battery with no problems at all.
(Well no problem except I'm not sure I can get her to get back in the boat again.)


I would like to install a solar charger, but so far haven't had any issue with battery reserve.


Good luck!

[kickingbug1]

where in the midwest?  peanuts

[Ramblinguy]

Thanks Peanuts!  I got my boat for $500, with the wrong mast and no title.  I expect I'll have a title in the next ten days or so, so I will immediately order a new mast, boom and all the rigging.  It needs a little fiberglass repair, too, but I haven't wanted to spend a lot of money on her until I get a title.  I'm pretty darn excited!  We are going to take the ASA classes and run her in the Texas 200 in 2018!  The boat shall be christened . . . "Whistlin' Britches!"

And thanks again EVERYONE!

Randy