I am not a sailor. If it sounds like I am stupid, sorry. My 23 year old son has been learning to sail at the ucla sailing club in Los Angeles. He is a water dog for sure but new to sailing. I have an upcoming college graduation present to buy and I saw a 1979 Compac 16 sailboat for sale in my neighborhood. I have done lots of boats, but they have all had motors{yuck?} on them. I am capable of analyzing the condition of the fiberglass and gelcoat, but the hull design of a wind powered craft is totally foreign to me. The boat that I might buy has to be trailerable{this one has a real nice factory trailer} and it needs to be appropriate for sailing in bays and etc. in Southern California. If this boat is in good condition, do you think it is an appropriate design for this type of use? What other types of boats, Models might I look for if you think this one sucks?The price is $3500.00 obo. I think that is probably reasonable, for the condition it is in, but I am concerned about the design. It must be pretty well made or it could not be in its present condition and be 35 years old. Your help is greatly appreciated. I hope this isn't too much one boat specific. I am just looking for some input on my project. Thanks.Palmer Kellum
- Status
Don't Buy It
I'd recommend against buying a boat for someone else. No matter how good a boat it is, and no matter how much you're willing to pay, and no matter how much you're willing to get it in perfect condition, it could still be the wrong boat for his taste. My wife wanted to buy a guitar for me several years ago, and was given the same advice by a friend. There are some things that are so subjectively decided that I just think it would be a mistake to attempt to buy for someone else. Maybe another option would be to buy him a book on small boats as a gift, with an enclosed letter with a "this is how much I'll help" offer inside. At that age, I would have LOVED that. All that said, the Compac is a good vessel, but 16' is pretty easy to "outgrow". 22', and even some 25' boats are still trailerable. You may want to check out some larger boats, such as a Catalina 22, O'Day 22 (or 222, newer version ), or a Rhodes 22 (the Rhodes is reviewed in the most recent issue of Good Old Boat" magazine). You'll be in a slightly higher price range, but I suspect that if he's really into sailing, he'll find the 16 too small very quickly. On the other hand, what's MY opinion worth on it? He might find it an absolutely perfect size for what he wants... See what I mean about subjectivity?
I'd recommend against buying a boat for someone else. No matter how good a boat it is, and no matter how much you're willing to pay, and no matter how much you're willing to get it in perfect condition, it could still be the wrong boat for his taste. My wife wanted to buy a guitar for me several years ago, and was given the same advice by a friend. There are some things that are so subjectively decided that I just think it would be a mistake to attempt to buy for someone else. Maybe another option would be to buy him a book on small boats as a gift, with an enclosed letter with a "this is how much I'll help" offer inside. At that age, I would have LOVED that. All that said, the Compac is a good vessel, but 16' is pretty easy to "outgrow". 22', and even some 25' boats are still trailerable. You may want to check out some larger boats, such as a Catalina 22, O'Day 22 (or 222, newer version ), or a Rhodes 22 (the Rhodes is reviewed in the most recent issue of Good Old Boat" magazine). You'll be in a slightly higher price range, but I suspect that if he's really into sailing, he'll find the 16 too small very quickly. On the other hand, what's MY opinion worth on it? He might find it an absolutely perfect size for what he wants... See what I mean about subjectivity?
Yet another agreement
I agree with Herb's suggestion - your son needs to consider the options and pick. Your son may very well become keen on dinghy racing - the ucla sailing club may have organized races for certain types (classes) of sail boats that are dry stored with easy access to the water. Class racing is a lot of fun. Herb has mentioned options with bigger boats - and once you have one that you want to sleep and eat on you outgrow them, however class dinghy racing is a competition thing which may appeal.
I agree with Herb's suggestion - your son needs to consider the options and pick. Your son may very well become keen on dinghy racing - the ucla sailing club may have organized races for certain types (classes) of sail boats that are dry stored with easy access to the water. Class racing is a lot of fun. Herb has mentioned options with bigger boats - and once you have one that you want to sleep and eat on you outgrow them, however class dinghy racing is a competition thing which may appeal.
Good boat, though
My first boat was a ComPac 16, just after I'd taken my learn to sail course. This is a great boat for a beginner sailor. It's very forgiving, due to its heavy keel, and is stable even in relatively heavy seas. Also, it's perfect for single-handed sailing (except that you might want to install a self-furling system for the headsail, if she doesn't have one.) Your son can have a lot of fun with this boat. Plus she's easily transportable and small enough to store in a garage. However: this is a boat he'll outgrow if he becomes at all serious about sailing. She's not fast - a heavy displacement keelboat so short at the waterline can't be (max speed is proportional to the square root of the length at the waterline). And, in light air, it can take a while to get her moving because she's heavy. Like me, your son will probably move up to something a little bigger in a couple of years. Regarding price: I got mine for $1800 with a trailer and motor. (And she's for sale, but you won't want to come across the country to get her!) So you might have room to negociate. Good luck with your decision, in any event. I suggest you go sailing with your son when he gets his boat: I bet you end up catching the bug! Dick
My first boat was a ComPac 16, just after I'd taken my learn to sail course. This is a great boat for a beginner sailor. It's very forgiving, due to its heavy keel, and is stable even in relatively heavy seas. Also, it's perfect for single-handed sailing (except that you might want to install a self-furling system for the headsail, if she doesn't have one.) Your son can have a lot of fun with this boat. Plus she's easily transportable and small enough to store in a garage. However: this is a boat he'll outgrow if he becomes at all serious about sailing. She's not fast - a heavy displacement keelboat so short at the waterline can't be (max speed is proportional to the square root of the length at the waterline). And, in light air, it can take a while to get her moving because she's heavy. Like me, your son will probably move up to something a little bigger in a couple of years. Regarding price: I got mine for $1800 with a trailer and motor. (And she's for sale, but you won't want to come across the country to get her!) So you might have room to negociate. Good luck with your decision, in any event. I suggest you go sailing with your son when he gets his boat: I bet you end up catching the bug! Dick
Too much
That is a LOT of money for a 26 year old 16 footer, no matter what shape it is in. Around here you can buy a 22' Catalina with trailer and motor for the same bucks. It is a buyer's market, and I'll bet you can find something for way less than 2k in that size range. Plus it is a lot easier to sell it later for the lower figure. Size isn't that big a deal - just stick with a name brand. What you are looking for here is time on the water - a nice open day sailer is fine for starting out, and who knows, you might even want to keep it for yourself when he decides to move up. Cabin boats are OK, but for a trailerable that is easy to rig and launch, it's tough to beat something in the 16 -18' range, especially if you find one for $1500 bucks or so (and they are out there). The bigger it is, the more involved is the launching/recovery process, which leads to deciding not to go for an afternoon sail after all. Read the classifieds, hit the bulletin boards at nearby marinas, etc. Look around - there is a deal out there waiting for you to find it.
That is a LOT of money for a 26 year old 16 footer, no matter what shape it is in. Around here you can buy a 22' Catalina with trailer and motor for the same bucks. It is a buyer's market, and I'll bet you can find something for way less than 2k in that size range. Plus it is a lot easier to sell it later for the lower figure. Size isn't that big a deal - just stick with a name brand. What you are looking for here is time on the water - a nice open day sailer is fine for starting out, and who knows, you might even want to keep it for yourself when he decides to move up. Cabin boats are OK, but for a trailerable that is easy to rig and launch, it's tough to beat something in the 16 -18' range, especially if you find one for $1500 bucks or so (and they are out there). The bigger it is, the more involved is the launching/recovery process, which leads to deciding not to go for an afternoon sail after all. Read the classifieds, hit the bulletin boards at nearby marinas, etc. Look around - there is a deal out there waiting for you to find it.
Your son may know what he wants.
Years ago, my grandmother made the same nice gift to me at graduation, but she didn't know what I wanted. Being a young guy, with more interest in speed and excitement, I bought a slightly used Hobie Cat 16 with the money she gave me (she specifically said use it to buy a sailboat). Hobie Cats and other catamarans of similar size are great boats to sail right off the beaches in SoCal. They are designed to sail either single handed or with crew, so your son needs to make that decision. I sold it about 13 years ago after it sat unused for a few years. It was still in great condition, and I sure wish I never made that dumb transaction. I'd love to have it back!
Years ago, my grandmother made the same nice gift to me at graduation, but she didn't know what I wanted. Being a young guy, with more interest in speed and excitement, I bought a slightly used Hobie Cat 16 with the money she gave me (she specifically said use it to buy a sailboat). Hobie Cats and other catamarans of similar size are great boats to sail right off the beaches in SoCal. They are designed to sail either single handed or with crew, so your son needs to make that decision. I sold it about 13 years ago after it sat unused for a few years. It was still in great condition, and I sure wish I never made that dumb transaction. I'd love to have it back!
What a wonderful idea
It's not like you're buying him a bride. I wish my Dad had bought me a sailboat. Check out craigslist.com and click on Los Angeles for all kinds of boats for sale. I found a 32-foot Erickson for only $10,000.
It's not like you're buying him a bride. I wish my Dad had bought me a sailboat. Check out craigslist.com and click on Los Angeles for all kinds of boats for sale. I found a 32-foot Erickson for only $10,000.
How to go about it
I would think that graduation might be coming up this weekend, so it may be too late to make a good decision--why not give him a bottle of champagne with a card telling him he has to use it to "Christen" (or "Commission", if you like) his NEW BOAT? Then you two can spend time together this Summer shopping for it...
I would think that graduation might be coming up this weekend, so it may be too late to make a good decision--why not give him a bottle of champagne with a card telling him he has to use it to "Christen" (or "Commission", if you like) his NEW BOAT? Then you two can spend time together this Summer shopping for it...
Sailboat for son
A remarkably easy, safe, quick, impossible to capsize and the most practical day sailor and weekender that has an 8' cockpit comfortable for 6 and a cabin (sleeps 4) is a Cal 20. So sea worthy they are raced in fleets in the high winds and big swells of the San Fransisco Bay, Hawaii, Long Beach, San Pedro, Canada, San Diego. and MDR. All over the United States. One fellow sailed his from San Fransisco to Hawaii in 19 days. They are trailerable, all the racing boats are dry sailed (kept on trailers, not in the water) I own a Cal20 as well as a Cal34. The Cal 20 I sail locally and to Catalina, Email me at; fastlaneltd@hotmail.com Your son can sail mine, I'm in MDR right next to the UCLA dock. Best of all they are the cheapest boat to buy and to maintain.
A remarkably easy, safe, quick, impossible to capsize and the most practical day sailor and weekender that has an 8' cockpit comfortable for 6 and a cabin (sleeps 4) is a Cal 20. So sea worthy they are raced in fleets in the high winds and big swells of the San Fransisco Bay, Hawaii, Long Beach, San Pedro, Canada, San Diego. and MDR. All over the United States. One fellow sailed his from San Fransisco to Hawaii in 19 days. They are trailerable, all the racing boats are dry sailed (kept on trailers, not in the water) I own a Cal20 as well as a Cal34. The Cal 20 I sail locally and to Catalina, Email me at; fastlaneltd@hotmail.com Your son can sail mine, I'm in MDR right next to the UCLA dock. Best of all they are the cheapest boat to buy and to maintain.
Lots of good advice
I started out with a trailerable 16' Neptune, and not a clue about how to sail. Deal was too good to pass up, and now I'm stricken with the bug! A Com-Pac 16 is a sturdier boat than what I had initially. I think you should talk with your son and see if he has any specific boats that he desires, then help him look for a used one. A small boat is actually more challenging to sail than a larger boat. Starting out too big might cost him some valuable learning experiences. If he takes good care of the boat he gets, he'll have no trouble selling it later for possibly a profit. I think you're a cool dad!
I started out with a trailerable 16' Neptune, and not a clue about how to sail. Deal was too good to pass up, and now I'm stricken with the bug! A Com-Pac 16 is a sturdier boat than what I had initially. I think you should talk with your son and see if he has any specific boats that he desires, then help him look for a used one. A small boat is actually more challenging to sail than a larger boat. Starting out too big might cost him some valuable learning experiences. If he takes good care of the boat he gets, he'll have no trouble selling it later for possibly a profit. I think you're a cool dad!
I started on a 22'...
I bought my first boat, and only sailboat I had ever been on at age 18. She was a 1973 Tanzer 22 swing keel. Built like a tank, I was glad she was my first. After two seaons of scraps and scratches, I moved up to a 1989 Hunter 28' for another two seasons. Now (age 24), I own (with my lovely girlfriend) the boat that I will liveaboard in the Caribbean (leaving this Sept), a 1994 Hunter 40.5. I suggest looking a models between 24-28' in length. With proper instruction and a good head on his shoulders, he'll have a blast! Best of luck to both of ya.
I bought my first boat, and only sailboat I had ever been on at age 18. She was a 1973 Tanzer 22 swing keel. Built like a tank, I was glad she was my first. After two seaons of scraps and scratches, I moved up to a 1989 Hunter 28' for another two seasons. Now (age 24), I own (with my lovely girlfriend) the boat that I will liveaboard in the Caribbean (leaving this Sept), a 1994 Hunter 40.5. I suggest looking a models between 24-28' in length. With proper instruction and a good head on his shoulders, he'll have a blast! Best of luck to both of ya.
Know what you are feeling....
...my son graduated last year and I was going to buy him a nice used Ferrari(it has been a dream of his). After some sole searching I decided to talk to him about my idea. After he thought it over he decided to pass on the car. He realized that he probably couldn't afford to keep it. Well, one year later he's got a great job, he just put down the deposit on a new one. Glad I(and he) held off!
...my son graduated last year and I was going to buy him a nice used Ferrari(it has been a dream of his). After some sole searching I decided to talk to him about my idea. After he thought it over he decided to pass on the car. He realized that he probably couldn't afford to keep it. Well, one year later he's got a great job, he just put down the deposit on a new one. Glad I(and he) held off!
Compac is great!
That Compac 16 is a very tough and excellent bay boat that can be single-handed and are known for Gulf of Mexico and extended Caribbean passages. They are still made in Largo, Florida, so parts and technical support will be their and they do hold their value. Next to the Cape Dory Typhoon, the Compac rates high. I think this is an excellent selection for your son and a boat he can be proud of. I too have a son your age who loves sailing and grew up on the family boats since the age of three. What you need to do dad, is get involved with your son and go sailing with him. You will then know why he is so crazy about sailing like the rest of us here! Trust me you'll get hooked. For a young man who loves sailing; to get a gift of a sailboat from his father is a wonderful thing. I am sure no matter what your choice will be, he will greatly appreciate it. Regards Bob Catalina 30
That Compac 16 is a very tough and excellent bay boat that can be single-handed and are known for Gulf of Mexico and extended Caribbean passages. They are still made in Largo, Florida, so parts and technical support will be their and they do hold their value. Next to the Cape Dory Typhoon, the Compac rates high. I think this is an excellent selection for your son and a boat he can be proud of. I too have a son your age who loves sailing and grew up on the family boats since the age of three. What you need to do dad, is get involved with your son and go sailing with him. You will then know why he is so crazy about sailing like the rest of us here! Trust me you'll get hooked. For a young man who loves sailing; to get a gift of a sailboat from his father is a wonderful thing. I am sure no matter what your choice will be, he will greatly appreciate it. Regards Bob Catalina 30
- Status