Com-Pac 35 vs Islander Packer vs Caliber vs ?

[topchef7]

I sail in the San Francisco Bay and off-shore. I have sailed Hunters, Catalinas, ODays, a Gozzard (quite impressive) and others. I have not sailed a Com-Pac or Islander Packet or Caliber. I am looking at previously owned or possibly new 35 to 41 foot sloop (cutter rig preferably).

Sailing, for me, would be San Francisco to Hawaii, or San Francisco (with numerous stops) to Sea of Cortez and beyond. Single-handed or with a crew of 1-2 would also be an option.

So...which of the boats mentioned above (or others) would be my options. Cost, after upgrades, improvements, etc., would be no more than $100,000 used or $200,000 new. All suggestions are welcomed!

[JiffyLube]

Originally Posted by topchef7

I sail in the San Francisco Bay and off-shore. I have sailed Hunters, Catalinas, ODays, a Gozzard (quite impressive) and others. I have not sailed a Com-Pac or Islander Packet or Caliber. I am looking at previously owned or possibly new 35 to 41 foot sloop (cutter rig preferably).

Sailing, for me, would be San Francisco to Hawaii, or San Francisco (with numerous stops) to Sea of Cortez and beyond. Single-handed or with a crew of 1-2 would also be an option.

So...which of the boats mentioned above (or others) would be my options. Cost, after upgrades, improvements, etc., would be no more than $100,000 used or $200,000 new. All suggestions are welcomed!

I think you are severely limiting your list of boats that can do what you'd like them to do, if you look at this list of boat that have circumnavigated the world Latitude 38 - West Coast Circumnavigators' List

[sck5]

I have a Caliber 33 and have sailed on an Island Packet 32. My Caliber is far and away a better sailing boat than the Island Packets are. It will point better and is distinctly faster (in fact the phrf rating is about the same as an IP 38). Since the larger versions of both boats are essentially the same hull form and rudder arrangements, I would expect that the differences would also be evident in larger models. The IP, though slower and less able to sail to windward, is a comfortable boat that will sail through rough seas like a truck. It also has a lot of room below and a comfortable cockpit to hang out in. But my Caliber is way more fun to sail and also a very good boat in a seaway. I guess everyone likes what they have but if I had it to do over again I would still get the Caliber.

[Jeff_H]

I would scratch both the Island Packet and the Compac. The Island Packets are a great live aboard but I would not think that they are a great choice for San Francisco Bay. I find them uncomfortable in chop rolling, crashing into each wave painfully and throwing a lot of spray.

The Compac probably does not have the kind of build quality and offshore layout that you are looking for. I am fan of the Calibers for someone intent on doing offshore cruising with a moderately heavy boat.

Jeff

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

I am fan of the Calibers for someone intent on doing offshore cruising with a moderately heavy boat.

Jeff

Jeff,

I checked the new Caliber boat which is not much more than a similar size Jeanneau

2011 Caliber Long Range Cruiser Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

How much of speed a caliber will lose when compared to a Jeanneau or bene in light wind?

How much a Caliber will win over Jeanneau or bene in ocean sailing?
I like Jeanneau a lot since I sail quite frequently. Even in 20 to 25 knot wind, to me it is bad at all. May be in the big pond it will be totally different.

I am not sure if there is an answer, but anyway . Your comments are appreciated.

TIA

[topchef7]

Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I am aware of the lengthy list provided by Latitude 38, and will consider these boats that have made a successful circumnavigation.

I am also looking at West coast boat builders, specifically Cascade (Oregon) and Nortstar (Washington). Either a 36 or 40 or 41. Any thoughts on the viability of either would be appreciated