What is not to like about an Eclipse?

[KObek]

We have been looking at the Compac Eclipse for many years, thinking it could be the right "retirement" boat for us. I have read all of the glowing reviews and features, BUT...there must be a few things that owners consider a negative for the Eclipse. Primary use would be inland waterways and lakes on the east coast with occasional trips up to 500 miles. I sail solo often but have two or three family members along as well.

I'd like to hear what you don't enjoy about the Eclipse and why.

[alsantini]

Your last question is really hard to answer.  I owned a 2007 Com Pac Eclipse for 10 years and never had any "real" negative thoughts.  I guess the cabin is a bit small and you can only fit 4 adults in the cockpit.  But if you sit in one and find it to be adequate then these are moot points.  On the plus side, you will not find a better sailing boat.  Mind you not the fastest boat on the water but extremely predictable.  It is also one of the few boats that can be in the water in 30+ minutes.  Don't get talked into a huge motor.  Mine came with a 9.9 4 stroke, which put so much weight on the stern that it handled funny.  Lowered it down to a 4 hp 4 stroke and all was good.  Plenty of power for wind, currents and storms.
If you have specific questions I would be happy to talk.  PM me and I'll send the number.   Sail on, Al

[slode]

If you're looking for a boat in this size range and its main purpose will be a trailer sailor, you really can't beat the Eclipse.  But if you're going to keep it in a slip and spend some overnights in it, there are probably better options for comfort and price.  The cabin is fine, but a bit tight for two adults to spend multiple nights in, especially if either is even remotely claustrophobic.

The main issue, if you are going to trailer it far, is the typical trailer that comes along with it.  Plan on upgrading to 13" wheels (which requires new fenders), and if you aren't hauling it with a 1/2 ton truck or equivalent, adding brakes. But those are pretty easy modifications.

Regarding speed, everyone says she's not a sluggish boat, which is true.  But she is NOT fast, even for her size.  The standard 115% Genoa is not enough sail for lighter winds, and the fractional sloop puts the sail area well below many faster boats in the size range.  The 200 sq ft. reported sail area is a gross overstatement, it's closer to 170.  I just raced ours in a mixed regatta on Leech Lake with a PHRF at 275.  Let's just say that's WAY too low.  We sailed fairly well and consistent.  Crossed last and ended up in the bottom 3 corrected on all three races. (just to note, I have placed in top 5 in this regatta on my Nacra 5.0 past 4 years, so I don't think it was me) The only boat with a higher handicap was a Cape Dory Typhoon Weekender, and on every point of sail in consistent winds she would gradually pull further away from us. I'd expect a PHRF closer to low 300s would be fair.  I'd love to sail along with a CP19 to see how much different the two are.

But if you are just cruising the above really doesn't apply, because she does sail very stable and well.  She's not a great downwind boat without doing some work.  Get a whisker pole or heavy-duty boat hook to pole out the genoa for downwind courses.  She does go pretty good dead downwind wing-on-wing with a pole, but without the head sail does not behave well.

Those are about all the negatives I can think of.  We love the open transom, ease of setup/takedown, it's a great boat for single handing, and the rigging is simple but effective for keeping good sail trim.

[Eddie C]

I had an Eclipse for 3 or 4 years. Overall I was pleased. Very solidly built, well mannered, stable boat. I had a mainsail made with a larger roach and full battens. Can't remember the handicap but placed second for the season in our sailing club. It is not a great light air boat though.
Concerns I had were that it was more difficult to raise the mast than I anticipated. I couldn't use the gin pole because it had no jib halyard. The jib sheets snagged on something virtually every time I tacked. I liked the cockpit arch but may still be a bit shorter from standing up under it. The interior cabin height is quite low. I am fairly thin and nimble but had a hard time getting into the vee berth. The interior is quite lovely though and the potty storage is clever. Really a handsome boat. The main reason I let it go was the realization that I would never overnight and could get by with a smaller, lighter boat.