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#81
Sun Cats and Sunday Cats / Re: New to ComPacs - Horizon o...
Last post by Vectordirector - September 02, 2025, 02:52:30 PMSnug harbor boats, on Lake Lanier, was a Compac dealer and may have a few used or new or know where to find one for sale.
Never dealt with them, maybe someone here has.
Search Craigslist in Florida, usually a few for sale.
Good luck on your search.
Bryan
Never dealt with them, maybe someone here has.
Search Craigslist in Florida, usually a few for sale.
Good luck on your search.
Bryan
#82
Sun Cats and Sunday Cats / Re: New to ComPacs - Horizon o...
Last post by bruce - September 02, 2025, 02:41:18 PMThere is no Horizon Sunday. The Horizon model similar to the Sunday Cat is the Day Cat. That will make your searching more productive but they didn't make many. Tough to find.
https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/horizon-day-cat-20-com-pac/
Com-Pac did make an open cockpit version of the Sun Cat, the Daysailer, which lacks the cuddy cabin the Sunday Cat has. Lots of room for the family. Unfortunately they didn't make many of those either, although I'd guess more than the Day Cat.
All of the Com-Pac catboats use the Mastendr hinge (aka tabernacle), making the mast easy to raise on the water. This feature makes them easier to trailer as well, of course. According the Dwyer Mast, who supplied the spars for Com-Pac, the mast above the hinge for the Horizon Cat weighs 24.5 lbs., 21.0 lbs. for the Sunday Cat. Both can be walked up readily, and there were gin pole fittings available. The Mastendr Plus system on the Sun Cat models, and possibly the Horizon Cat, which also had a more standard gin pole.
Traditional catboats have a well-deserved reputation for excessive weather helm, because the rudders were low aspect, very shallow and long. The high aspect rudders on the Com-Pac boats greatly reduces that. Most can balance the boat to minimize weather helm readily. Foiled rudders are nice, but not necessary.
No head sail, so you can't heave to. You can lie ahull, release the sail and let the boat settle beam to wind, if conditions permit.
Plenty of Sun Cats are sailed enjoyably on big lakes. Hopefully you'll get a chance to sail at least one of the models of interest so you can get a sense of how much boat you need and start to narrow your search. Many (most?) Horizon Cats are diesel powered, adding to the expense.
https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/horizon-day-cat-20-com-pac/
Com-Pac did make an open cockpit version of the Sun Cat, the Daysailer, which lacks the cuddy cabin the Sunday Cat has. Lots of room for the family. Unfortunately they didn't make many of those either, although I'd guess more than the Day Cat.
All of the Com-Pac catboats use the Mastendr hinge (aka tabernacle), making the mast easy to raise on the water. This feature makes them easier to trailer as well, of course. According the Dwyer Mast, who supplied the spars for Com-Pac, the mast above the hinge for the Horizon Cat weighs 24.5 lbs., 21.0 lbs. for the Sunday Cat. Both can be walked up readily, and there were gin pole fittings available. The Mastendr Plus system on the Sun Cat models, and possibly the Horizon Cat, which also had a more standard gin pole.
Traditional catboats have a well-deserved reputation for excessive weather helm, because the rudders were low aspect, very shallow and long. The high aspect rudders on the Com-Pac boats greatly reduces that. Most can balance the boat to minimize weather helm readily. Foiled rudders are nice, but not necessary.
No head sail, so you can't heave to. You can lie ahull, release the sail and let the boat settle beam to wind, if conditions permit.
Plenty of Sun Cats are sailed enjoyably on big lakes. Hopefully you'll get a chance to sail at least one of the models of interest so you can get a sense of how much boat you need and start to narrow your search. Many (most?) Horizon Cats are diesel powered, adding to the expense.
#83
Classifieds for Com-pac boats / COM-PAC HORIZON FOR SALE
Last post by John Riddle - September 02, 2025, 01:55:18 PMCreate your one-of-a-kind "Perfect" Horizon Cat
I have a virtually "new" 2005 Horizon Cat with Yanmar diesel on a two-axle trailer. This boat appears to have never been sailed (or even launched) as there is little evidence of any use at all beyond what might have been a demo sail at the original purchase. The original owner passed away soon after purchasing it. His non-sailing widow stored it for years until trading it to a non-sailor contractor for some work he did. That owner had it for several years then traded it to another non-sailing contractor in 2022 for work he did and I acquired it in June this year the same way (I am the first sailor to own it in 20 years).
The boat has never been titled so I'm going through that process now in South Carolina. It's a hassle so I'm guessing that's why the previous owners never got it done. When it changes hands this time, there will be a clear title.
I am a wooden boatbuilder/restorer in Charleston SC. (www.riddleboatworks.net) so the traditionalist in me wants to customize this boat to look less like the factory production boat that it is and more like a custom-built small yacht. However, I know the market for such a project is limited at best so if you make an offer before I get too far along in the process, I will forego the urge and simply buff and wax it as-is (it is only lightly oxidized as it's been stored indoors for nearly all of the last 20 years). The asking price in that condition will be $26,300.
THE BOAT AS SHE APPEARS TODAY, BEFORE CLEANING AND POLISHING
Customizing:
Barring a timely offer, my plan is to paint the entire exterior to the waterline in Awl Grip or similar paints. I envision a navy hull, red waterline, white bottom, white cockpit and cabin sides, buff decks and cabin top, and white-tipped buff spars in the traditional manner. Or, I'll paint it to your specs with a purchase agreement. An additional treatment I'm considering is to faux paint or laminate bright-finished wood to the cabin sides and coamings.
I also plan to either paint a faux wood transom or laminate bright-finished wood to the transom to complete the "traditional" look. The existing unsightly transom thru-hulls will be redone to be less apparent and the black rudder head will be finish-shaped and painted. The interior is original and only needs to be freshened with teak oil, although it too could be customized as well. I don't plan to do that except as an add-on for a buyer.
The asking price for the customized version above will likely be $48 - $54,000, depending on the actual specs.
A POTENTIAL COLOR SCHEME
Those are my thoughts but I'm happy to work with you to create your vision of the "perfect" Horizon. You can see some of my work at www.riddleboatworks.net
The boat is equipped with the original factory-installed equipment:
I have a virtually "new" 2005 Horizon Cat with Yanmar diesel on a two-axle trailer. This boat appears to have never been sailed (or even launched) as there is little evidence of any use at all beyond what might have been a demo sail at the original purchase. The original owner passed away soon after purchasing it. His non-sailing widow stored it for years until trading it to a non-sailor contractor for some work he did. That owner had it for several years then traded it to another non-sailing contractor in 2022 for work he did and I acquired it in June this year the same way (I am the first sailor to own it in 20 years).
The boat has never been titled so I'm going through that process now in South Carolina. It's a hassle so I'm guessing that's why the previous owners never got it done. When it changes hands this time, there will be a clear title.
I am a wooden boatbuilder/restorer in Charleston SC. (www.riddleboatworks.net) so the traditionalist in me wants to customize this boat to look less like the factory production boat that it is and more like a custom-built small yacht. However, I know the market for such a project is limited at best so if you make an offer before I get too far along in the process, I will forego the urge and simply buff and wax it as-is (it is only lightly oxidized as it's been stored indoors for nearly all of the last 20 years). The asking price in that condition will be $26,300.
THE BOAT AS SHE APPEARS TODAY, BEFORE CLEANING AND POLISHING
Customizing:
Barring a timely offer, my plan is to paint the entire exterior to the waterline in Awl Grip or similar paints. I envision a navy hull, red waterline, white bottom, white cockpit and cabin sides, buff decks and cabin top, and white-tipped buff spars in the traditional manner. Or, I'll paint it to your specs with a purchase agreement. An additional treatment I'm considering is to faux paint or laminate bright-finished wood to the cabin sides and coamings.
I also plan to either paint a faux wood transom or laminate bright-finished wood to the transom to complete the "traditional" look. The existing unsightly transom thru-hulls will be redone to be less apparent and the black rudder head will be finish-shaped and painted. The interior is original and only needs to be freshened with teak oil, although it too could be customized as well. I don't plan to do that except as an add-on for a buyer.
The asking price for the customized version above will likely be $48 - $54,000, depending on the actual specs.
A POTENTIAL COLOR SCHEME
Those are my thoughts but I'm happy to work with you to create your vision of the "perfect" Horizon. You can see some of my work at www.riddleboatworks.net
The boat is equipped with the original factory-installed equipment:
- 8 HP Yanmar diesel inboard
- Engine instrumentation
- Wheel steering
- Kick-up rudder
- Cockpit table
- Shore power connection
- Dual batteries with selector switch
- Battery charger
- Manual bilge pump
- Electric bilge pump
- Running lights
- Magnetic compass
- Anchor pulpit with anchor and rode
- Sail cover
- Fresh water tank
- Sinks
- Porta potty
- Privacy curtain
- Interior cushions
#84
Sun Cats and Sunday Cats / New to ComPacs - Horizon or 17...
Last post by soulsail - September 02, 2025, 12:20:49 PMI'm looking to get my first ComPac. Planning to daysail in freshwater lake with family and keep it tied to my dock. Not planning to trailer it to destinations at least at the moment. Need help to decide if Horizon Sunday or the 17 Sunday is a better fit. What is a MUST for me is the ability to raise and lower the mast when on water.
I haven't had a chance to see or sail either of these in person since I just can't find them around the Atlanta area.
Like the extra space and stability of the Horizon due to its extra displacement and beam, but not sure how much better it is than the 17.
17 seems like a more popular model and easier to trailer even in states that have 8ft beam restrictions.
I sail sloops, so moving to Catboat my biggest concerns were about excessive weather helm and difficulty to "heave to". But reading this forum it seems like weather helm can be managed effectively by controlling the centerboard position and potentially upgrading to a foil rudder.
Would appreciate any inputs to this decision...
I haven't had a chance to see or sail either of these in person since I just can't find them around the Atlanta area.
Like the extra space and stability of the Horizon due to its extra displacement and beam, but not sure how much better it is than the 17.
17 seems like a more popular model and easier to trailer even in states that have 8ft beam restrictions.
I sail sloops, so moving to Catboat my biggest concerns were about excessive weather helm and difficulty to "heave to". But reading this forum it seems like weather helm can be managed effectively by controlling the centerboard position and potentially upgrading to a foil rudder.
Would appreciate any inputs to this decision...
#85
Group Outings and Com-pac Events / Re: Florida Keys Anyone?
Last post by alsantini - September 02, 2025, 09:51:38 AMWe were in the Dry Tortugas last Feb. We had a great crossing but the previous day, they had 9 foot rollers. ugh and barf.... I guess the later in the Spring, the better. But, what a great place to sail to.
#86
Com-Pac Sailors Lounge / Hi from Fathom Metal Works
Last post by FathomMetalWorks - September 02, 2025, 09:24:15 AMHello, I just wanted to introduce our new company, Fathom Metal Works. We focus on custom fabrication and are the exclusive manufacturer of Com-Pac Yacht parts and Stainless-steel marine fabrication.
Please email us at service@fathommetalworks.com for any questions or Com-Pac part orders. We look forward to doing business with you!
See our website below.
https://www.fathommetalworks.com/
Please email us at service@fathommetalworks.com for any questions or Com-Pac part orders. We look forward to doing business with you!
See our website below.
https://www.fathommetalworks.com/
#87
Group Outings and Com-pac Events / Re: Florida Keys Anyone?
Last post by crazycarl - August 31, 2025, 09:06:20 PMDoing some research on the Dry Tortugas. Apparently March - May the water is the calmest. December to March may produce a rough crossing.
#88
Com-Pac Sailors Lounge / Another Gentle Reminder
Last post by crazycarl - August 31, 2025, 06:25:29 PMwith temps hovering around 80 and no real humidity, i decided to take the 19 out for an afternoon sail. with winds out of the north at 12mph, we sailed south off the dock, out of our little cove, and into Greens creek. from there we headed east 1/2 mile to another cove where i made a 180 and headed west towards Kershaw creek. my intention was to sail to the Orion and retrieve some of the cold waters from yesterday. a woman took photos as i skillfully sailed into the little harbor and gently brought Miss Adventure up to the dock. stepping off her i quickly tied her up and approached Madame Blue when i realized not only did i forget a cooler, but also the keys to the Orion. defeated, i boarded Miss Adventure and sailed up Kershaw creek for some distance until the wind was blocked by the tall firs. while sitting in the stillness i decided to mount my action camera and record the sail back down the creek. i turned it on and suddenly, like a fish, it began flopping in my hands. had i just let it drop, it would have landed at my feet in the cockpit. however my instinct was to try and catch it. as i tried, it flopped out of my hands, hit the transom, and plopped overboard. damn, now i'm thirsty and depressed. the sail down the creek was wing on wing until we converged with Greens creek where we turned to starboard and headed south down to Peanut Butter & Jelly Cove where once again the pines stifled the wind. with many tacks behind us we finally emerged from the cove and continued south. the day was getting on so we turned north into the wind and headed for home. it seemed with each tack the wind was gaining strength and as we joined with Kershaw creek, Miss Adventure heeled far over and sprinted for home. i thought once we entered our little cove with such momentum we would glide to our dock. not so. with only 50 or so yards to the finish, the north wind squeezed between the live oaks and turned us toward our neighbor's dock and boat. using my ninja skills i sheeted in the main, turned hard to starboard, and we cleared their dock with less than a foot to spare. not wanting to risk it again, i lowered the main and fired up the o/b. knowing my luck with outboards, we motored past our dock and as we turned, the o/b died. using the wind we slowly glided up to the dock and dropped the stern line around a piling, bringing us to a nice, gentle stop. every so often i think about selling her, but then a day like today happens. a gentle reminder of how easy it is to go for a short sail with a small boat.
#89
Horizon Cats and Horizon Day Cats / Re: Horizon prop
Last post by Al - August 31, 2025, 03:00:24 PMdidn't mean to hit return b4 --
I did hv the prop balanced after I hit a stump. Yes, pricey, it was an up-to-date shop with the latest eqpt. But cheaper than a replacement. If I didn't incl. the result sheet with the boat, I should still have it. Degree by degree info for each blade. I'll look for it & email it to you if I have it, but should have been in that red folder.
73, Al P.
I did hv the prop balanced after I hit a stump. Yes, pricey, it was an up-to-date shop with the latest eqpt. But cheaper than a replacement. If I didn't incl. the result sheet with the boat, I should still have it. Degree by degree info for each blade. I'll look for it & email it to you if I have it, but should have been in that red folder.
73, Al P.
#90
Horizon Cats and Horizon Day Cats / Re: Horizon prop
Last post by Al - August 31, 2025, 02:55:14 PMHi Al,
Tnx for the note on the Petit Chat purchase yesterday. (I still lurk here occasionally.)
Tnx for the note on the Petit Chat purchase yesterday. (I still lurk here occasionally.)