"Allure" got wet

[frank]

 Took delivery Monday the 5th, stepped mast, rigged splashed on the 9th, a 100 lil things yet to do but if all goes well....Bahamas by the 14th. 
Some pics over at Sailfar.net   http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4382.msg49400#new
Geez these steer quickly under power! Will be great docking when needed.

[BobK]

Your boat is beautiful! Keep us informed on how the cruise goes.
BobK

[CurtTampa]

Good to hear! I am in the process of buying a 27 as well. During the sea trials I was amazed at the handling. The response was instant. Never been on a boat that felt this way. Almost a little too instant but I plan to adapt.

[frank]

Funny...I've only moved the boat at the marina and actually emailed Gerry (factory) that it steers like a BMW. Yep...very quick!! Will be great docking!

[frank]

"above and beyond"....... What more can be said. What other company (without breaking the bank) will work with you on custom cabinet ideas, different refrigeration, lighting and a host of other requests? I retired last year from home building and I can appreciate the efforts these guys make to "do what ya want"!!
Then...I had a problem fitting the bimini. I shipped back on Friday from Indiantown Marina (3 1/2 hours from Clearwater)...Gerry knew I hoped to cross Wednesday (good window)and if he returned it UPS... I wouldn't make it. SO...guess who left home at 5:30am today to drive it the 3 1/2 hours over here (AND 3 1/2 hours home)...yep...Gerry showed up here at 9am...bimini  in hand so I could leave tomorrow morning early!!  While here....I couldn't get the anchor light to go on, so seeing I was 220lbs and Gerry much less....HE went up on the bosons chair!!!  No sure if he reads these...but although he is in great shape...he's 67! So...here's a guy...driving 3 1/2 hours to bring me an altered bimini...then getting hoisted up the mast at 9:30 am!!  Try that with a Hunter, Benateau or Catalina!!!!!!!!  Try the mods with them as well!!
This is a great, family run business!! No other way to describe it. Before taking delivery, I arrived at the factory with my own (big) solar panel to mount. I joked with Rich that "I'm sure a man of your experience can handle it"....he did! It was fun to watch Rich (now early 70's) and his son up/dwn the ladder fitting out a custom tilting mount. While drilling holes in it on the bench...Rich checked the square a LOT. I said "ever hear of "acceptable tolerance's?"...his son replied "not in this shop"...Rich replied "ya...I drive him crazy" with a big grin. Gerry's son did last minute mounting on a water filter I had and other items. Too neat to see father/son's working together! I'm sure ole man "Hutch" would be very proud....and for good reason!!!   Great guys...extremely service oriented and very fair to deal with. Truly "above and beyond"....period!     

[Craig]

The Compac folks are the best!

[frank]

Curt...after 3 days sailing the boat...yep....very sensitive. Both a blessing and curse. It handles like power steering on a sports car....just don't take your eyes off the road :-) That said....docking response truly is great!

[frank]

BobK....I started a thread over at SailFar (Kurt's other site). Pictures are just SOooo much easier to post there. I'll update the cruise there.
Here's the link     http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4455.0

[frank]

Gerry posted a short video I sent him on ComPac's facebook page from the crossing today.  
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Com-Pac-Yachts/139644446101990   
Old saying..."if you want to make waves look small...take their picture"

[BobK]

Frank,
I will be following your posts.  You are right I quit trying to post pictures = life is too short.  I hope to do some serious cruising with my 27 in a couple years. Keep posting.
BobK

[frank]

Updated a few more notes and pics from the Abacos  http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4455.msg49477#msg49477

[deisher6]

Hey Frank:
Wow!
regards charlie

[wes]

Frank - we're cruising vicariously via your posts. Love to hear more comments on the strengths and weaknesses of the 27 for what you're doing. What's working well, what do you plan to change or improve, etc.

Wes

[frank]

Wes...I really am enjoying the boat. This is year 13 cruising Florida and the Abacos so I pretty well knew what I wanted and Gerry was extremely co-operative! I absolutely love the big solar panel! It is so freeing to have cold whatever at anchor. The charge controller (only about $70) shows charge, draw or volts. Great for everything you want to know. I've never had an inverter before...love it! It is a relatively small 1500 watt unit on sale for $99 but does everything I want. Charges the computer, my lil 12 volt vacuum and runs a small toaster (750 watt). What total decadence to be at anchor and have eggs and 'normal' toast  :-)
Beyond that, a dodger, bimini, filler is great for sun, rain or spray underway.
Also appreciate having all LED lighting in/out. Sure helps battery life.
There is 2-6volt golf cart batteries where the standard 2 batteries go and a 3rd "start/deep cycle" installed in the stbd locker. I wouldn't want less while away for extended times. I typically wake up to 12.3 or 12.4 volts. If you are 12.1 or less often, you are shortening battery life.
There are so many plus's to this boat. Way above average ventilation, aft head/shower, shallow draft and I feel...roomy inside. An excellent cruiser.
I just answered some solar questions on that link to sailfar.net
Oh ya....gotta have auto helm....especially if solo!!!
10 hour days glued to the wheel takes al the fun out  :-)

[frank]

Posted a few cruise updates at  http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4455.msg49560#new