While I recognize that this is a Cape Dory message board, it appears that the owners of CDs understand the value of quality workmanship.
I'm new to sailing, and have always admired the lines and quality of Cape Dory sailboats. A friend has recently suggested that I also take a look at Com-Pac sailboats, however, I know nothing about them other than what I've read on their web site. Looking for, and would appreciate any knowledgeable opinions.
Paul
Com-Pac Sailboats?
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Bill
Re: Com-Pac Sailboats?
Paul
Follow the link belowand start reading the part about the author's requirements, and progress through his short list. It's good reading and for his first boat he chose a Com_pac 19XL (I think). good reading regardless of what boat a sailor gets.
Happy New Year and Fair Winds
Bill
S/V Rhapsody
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
Follow the link belowand start reading the part about the author's requirements, and progress through his short list. It's good reading and for his first boat he chose a Com_pac 19XL (I think). good reading regardless of what boat a sailor gets.
Happy New Year and Fair Winds
Bill
S/V Rhapsody
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
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Kevin Mulligan
Re: Com-Pac Sailboats?
Kevin Mulligan, CD28#226, SkibbereenPaul wrote: Com-Pacs are made in Pinellas County, Fl. and are a quality boat. There are a lot of them in this area and I have always admired the 23 and 27, almost bought one before I found my CD28. They have classic lines, good glass work, heavy duty opening ports but are still not quite comparable to a Cape Dory in craftsmanship or sailing ability, having a reputation of being a little sluggish.
Paul wrote: While I recognize that this is a Cape Dory message board, it appears that the owners of CDs understand the value of quality workmanship.
I'm new to sailing, and have always admired the lines and quality of Cape Dory sailboats. A friend has recently suggested that I also take a look at Com-Pac sailboats, however, I know nothing about them other than what I've read on their web site. Looking for, and would appreciate any knowledgeable opinions.
Paul
kmulligan@yahoo.com
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sloopjohnl
Re: Com-Pac Sailboats?
good boats but:
if you're looking at 18-20 feet could you buy what you want for 3,000-5,000? - going price for a typhoon.
if you're thinking 23-25 feet could you buy what you want for 8,000-12,000? - going price for a cd25.
both great starter boats if you plan to move up, or great boats for the long haul!
if you're looking at 18-20 feet could you buy what you want for 3,000-5,000? - going price for a typhoon.
if you're thinking 23-25 feet could you buy what you want for 8,000-12,000? - going price for a cd25.
both great starter boats if you plan to move up, or great boats for the long haul!
Paul wrote:
While I recognize that this is a Cape Dory message board, it appears that the owners of CDs understand the value of quality workmanship.
I'm new to sailing, and have always admired the lines and quality of Cape Dory sailboats. A friend has recently suggested that I also take a look at Com-Pac sailboats, however, I know nothing about them other than what I've read on their web site. Looking for, and would appreciate any knowledgeable opinions.
Paul
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Jeff Schmoyer
Re: Com-Pac Sailboats?
Paul,
I owned a Com Pac 23 prior to buying my current boat, a Cape Dory 27. I did a lot of research, and some test sailing of various sized boats before settling on the CD.
In terms of quality of build, materials, etc, the CD and CP are more or less the same in my opinion (of course, comparing similar model year and sizes, etc). Both are at a level of what I would call "better production boat quality".
However, there are major difference in the design design objectives, and therefore hull shapes and sailing abilities between these two lines of boats.
The ComPac line is specifically designed around have shoal draft and trailerability. They all have long shallow fin keels that are quite wide and flat at the bottom (12" max width on the 23). The rest of the hull is more "firm bilged"...more rounded rather than wine glass shaped. Rudders are DEtached. Note: 16-23 feet, CP rudders are a also slabs of aluminum, not a foil shape, which further detracts from performance, although this is VERY rugged and bullet proof!
This translates to three negative performance characteristics: poor performance upwind, more pounding in choppy seas, and less directional stability (you have to actively steer more).
Almost all Cape Dories are Alberg designs and thus have well faired, modified full keels, moderate draft, and moderate wine glass shaped hulls with attached foil shape rudders. Their sailing performance is easily an ORDER OF MAGNITUDE better than a comparably sized ComPac on all points of sail other than dead downwind (where they are equals more or less). Plus, on many points of sail, you can balance the sails and go "hands free" for a few minutes. And the ride is a smoother, more stately rolling motion.
The beauty of the ComPac line is that they are wonderful quality built shoal water trailerable boats...you can literally drive them up onto a sandy beach for lunch...or onto a trailer at the end of the season. If your sailing style and home waters reflect these needs, by all means go for ComPac. You will be very happy.
The beauty of the Cape Dory line is that they are REAL classic ocean sailing boats, built well and yet available at avery reasonable price on the used market. If you don't need the shoal draft and easy trailerability, Cape Dory is the better choice in my humble opinion.
Enjoy the searching process...it's fun!
Jeff
Jeff.Schmoyer@iff.com
I owned a Com Pac 23 prior to buying my current boat, a Cape Dory 27. I did a lot of research, and some test sailing of various sized boats before settling on the CD.
In terms of quality of build, materials, etc, the CD and CP are more or less the same in my opinion (of course, comparing similar model year and sizes, etc). Both are at a level of what I would call "better production boat quality".
However, there are major difference in the design design objectives, and therefore hull shapes and sailing abilities between these two lines of boats.
The ComPac line is specifically designed around have shoal draft and trailerability. They all have long shallow fin keels that are quite wide and flat at the bottom (12" max width on the 23). The rest of the hull is more "firm bilged"...more rounded rather than wine glass shaped. Rudders are DEtached. Note: 16-23 feet, CP rudders are a also slabs of aluminum, not a foil shape, which further detracts from performance, although this is VERY rugged and bullet proof!
This translates to three negative performance characteristics: poor performance upwind, more pounding in choppy seas, and less directional stability (you have to actively steer more).
Almost all Cape Dories are Alberg designs and thus have well faired, modified full keels, moderate draft, and moderate wine glass shaped hulls with attached foil shape rudders. Their sailing performance is easily an ORDER OF MAGNITUDE better than a comparably sized ComPac on all points of sail other than dead downwind (where they are equals more or less). Plus, on many points of sail, you can balance the sails and go "hands free" for a few minutes. And the ride is a smoother, more stately rolling motion.
The beauty of the ComPac line is that they are wonderful quality built shoal water trailerable boats...you can literally drive them up onto a sandy beach for lunch...or onto a trailer at the end of the season. If your sailing style and home waters reflect these needs, by all means go for ComPac. You will be very happy.
The beauty of the Cape Dory line is that they are REAL classic ocean sailing boats, built well and yet available at avery reasonable price on the used market. If you don't need the shoal draft and easy trailerability, Cape Dory is the better choice in my humble opinion.
Enjoy the searching process...it's fun!
Jeff
Jeff.Schmoyer@iff.com
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john doyle
Re: Com-Pac Sailboats?
I don't want to knock the com-Pac, but there is a local dealer that has 2 on display. A lot of things are put together with pop rivits & the factory rep had to replace something on one of them & it had never been in the water. A close examination will show the differences between them & other boats. Even brand new boats should have a survey.Paul wrote:
While I recognize that this is a Cape Dory message board, it appears that the owners of CDs understand the value of quality workmanship.
I'm new to sailing, and have always admired the lines and quality of Cape Dory sailboats. A friend has recently suggested that I also take a look at Com-Pac sailboats, however, I know nothing about them other than what I've read on their web site. Looking for, and would appreciate any knowledgeable opinions.
Paul
John CD31 #18 Bonnie Blue
redzeplin@yahoo.com
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Steve
Re: Com-Pac Sailboats?
I agree with Jeff. Those are the reasons I sold a Com-Pac 16 and a Com-Pac 19. The pounding made for a rough ride,and the poor upwind performance made for a sad ride. On the plus side, Com-Pacs are trailerable and with their shoal draft can help you when sailing in unsure waters. But if can keep your boat in a slip and use the nav charts, "road test" a Cape Dory.
Steve
"Ty" #877
steve-loomis@erols.com
Steve
"Ty" #877
steve-loomis@erols.com
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Clay Stalker
Re: Com-Pac Sailboats?
Paul-Paul wrote:
While I recognize that this is a Cape Dory message board, it appears that the owners of CDs understand the value of quality workmanship.
I'm new to sailing, and have always admired the lines and quality of Cape Dory sailboats. A friend has recently suggested that I also take a look at Com-Pac sailboats, however, I know nothing about them other than what I've read on their web site. Looking for, and would appreciate any knowledgeable opinions.
Paul
My first sailboat was a Compac 16...nice little boat. I followed that with a 19 (is this 2 footitis?). They were fairly well-built but really didn't sail that well (I honestly didn't know that at the time). Shoal draft and hull shape make them kinda sluggish...When the bigger boat thing got a hold of me again, I did strongly consider the Compac 23, but foolishly sailed a Quickstep and that ended the search...Quickstep is a real nice sailing boat....no room below, but sails like a witch. Then I needed more room below for longer cruising, so ended up with my CD 27. I just love her and probably will keep her for several more years. I greatly enjoy upgrading her and Cape Dorys definately sail better than Compacs (just my humble opinion, of course). The Compac 27 is a real nice boat, and I did consider these when looking for a 27-28 foot boat, but the Cape Dory is real hard to beat for many, many reasons, not the least of which is affordability and just plain beauty. Also resale, beauty, construction quality, beauty, and beauty. If your boat does not make you smile as you row away from her on the mooring, you have the wrong boat. Compacs are real nice, traditional boats...but Cape Dorys just plain get into yer blood....
Clay Stalker
CD 27 Salsa #247
Bristol Harbor, Rhode Island
cstalker@cheshire.net
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Paul
Re: Com-Pac Sailboats?
I very much appreciate the advice and education.Paul wrote: Thanks to all those who responded and shared their perspectives.
Paul wrote: While I recognize that this is a Cape Dory message board, it appears that the owners of CDs understand the value of quality workmanship.
I'm new to sailing, and have always admired the lines and quality of Cape Dory sailboats. A friend has recently suggested that I also take a look at Com-Pac sailboats, however, I know nothing about them other than what I've read on their web site. Looking for, and would appreciate any knowledgeable opinions.
Paul
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Paul D
Re: Com-Pac Sailboats?
Paul,
I unequivocally recommend CD's over the Com-Pac line. I worked on Com-Pacs for a dealer for a year and while nice boats with a fair design objective, (room below, shallow draft, easy ownership, low cost) they do not sail as well and are not built solid enough for me. Hutchins Co. has built them for over 25 years. I fixed many minor gelcoat and installation problems on new boats that made me wince sometimes. The foredecks give a little too much and the interior doesn't lean back when you lean on it, if you perceive my line of reasoning. The glued edging on the plywood surfaces would come adrift and blocks would not allow running rigging to run fair.
While offering much more room below and shallow draft, the Com-Pac 27 sails OK, it is a Bob Johnson design and as a cruising boat works well. But the CD 27 will get you home in bigger stuff, sail better upwind and is more "Boat" than H2O-RV.
Though still a little chincy, the Com-Pac 35 sails quite well in light to moderate winds. I used to teach sailing on one and I kind of liked it in a practical way. Yet she gave me no loving when I turned around to cast that last glance at shore. This last value is rather high on the Cape Dory owner's list I am afraid.
Paul Danicic
Typhoon #1178 HORNET
MPLS MN
nyeme001@tc.umn.edu
I unequivocally recommend CD's over the Com-Pac line. I worked on Com-Pacs for a dealer for a year and while nice boats with a fair design objective, (room below, shallow draft, easy ownership, low cost) they do not sail as well and are not built solid enough for me. Hutchins Co. has built them for over 25 years. I fixed many minor gelcoat and installation problems on new boats that made me wince sometimes. The foredecks give a little too much and the interior doesn't lean back when you lean on it, if you perceive my line of reasoning. The glued edging on the plywood surfaces would come adrift and blocks would not allow running rigging to run fair.
While offering much more room below and shallow draft, the Com-Pac 27 sails OK, it is a Bob Johnson design and as a cruising boat works well. But the CD 27 will get you home in bigger stuff, sail better upwind and is more "Boat" than H2O-RV.
Though still a little chincy, the Com-Pac 35 sails quite well in light to moderate winds. I used to teach sailing on one and I kind of liked it in a practical way. Yet she gave me no loving when I turned around to cast that last glance at shore. This last value is rather high on the Cape Dory owner's list I am afraid.
Paul Danicic
Typhoon #1178 HORNET
MPLS MN
nyeme001@tc.umn.edu