[barneys]

I have seen several posts in which com-pac 19 owners praise their boat but caution that its windward performance is not great. Anyone know how these boats compare going to windward with other similar boats? Despite all of the positive attributes of this boat might this specific shortcoming be a turn off for most sailors? I am not particularly interested in racing but I do want a boat that can, with reasonable efficiency, get where I want to go. Thanks for feedback.

 

[jephotog]

As with any boat with a stub keel, which I believe all compacs have you will probably loose 5 degrees of pointing ability. It is trade off you pay for to get shallow draft, easier trailering and no maintenance issues of a centerboard.

They are heavy and well made but expensive for the size. You could get 7 footitis for about the same amount of money or a same sized boat for 1/2 the price, but talk to the people over here
Com-Pac Yacht Owners Association - Index
they seem happy with their choice.

 

[Jeff_H]

I actually like the Compac 19 for the reasons that jephotog mentions, but they do not point worth a darn. I would guess that their actual course over the bottom is probably more like 10 degrees off of what a decent small design should point. It can be very frustrating in moderately narrow channels with any opposing current at all. I would say that the mediocre sailing capabilities would be a deal killer for most sailors. It certainly was for my friend who had one and sold it very quickly after buying it to buy a Beneteau 235 for less money, which he really loved.

Jeff