A couple questions from a Com-pac aficionado (non-owner)

[ghostship]

Howdy folks. My father had a Com-pac 16 when I was growing up and I know about their reputation and their seaworthiness. I don't currently own a boat but I really like the Horizon Cat and the Suncat. Though I know that they won't tack as close to the wind as sloops, I am very interested in the cat-boats for their classic lines and simplicity. I have a couple related questions:

1. With appropriate experience and gear, would you venture offshore (the only sailing option around southern CA) in a Suncat or Horizon Cat?
2. How feasible do you think that open coast-hugging ocean sailing is with an outboard, regardless of boat size?

Thanks in advance!

[skip1930]

Cat boats can take a heck of a beating on the East coast, staying out in storms that other boats run from...but I have reservations about what I perceive as flimsy aluminium masts, booms and gaffs that fold for Com-Pac...I don't like the folding idea and have not warmed up to these clever designs over time.

Some sailors are going to swear by it and others swear about it.

I have NO experience sailing either cat, the Sun or Horizon. I have sat and explored both at boat shows on trailers and in the water.
I like both hulls and if I had one I'd put a 'real' mast and rig on her.

It may be a comfort to know our neighbor, the Naval Archetech and boat designer who was responsible for the State of Wisconsin's tall ship named the Denis Sullivan, a three masted schooner non centerboard hull, sails his private boat, a 20 foot centerboard Marshall cat boat in and around the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

You'll need more opinions for sure. Rip tides are going to put you on the beach. You'll need enough sail power or O/B power to fight any tides, winds, or tendency to push the boat toward the shore. Forget I said this.

skip.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26053875@N02/7657099890/

[capt_nemo]

ghostship,

I reply as an experienced long distance cruiser, with thousands of miles under the keels of sailboats 21' to 35', two extended trips to the Bahamas, and current Sun Cat Owner.

My answer to the first question, as you qualified it, is YES! I would also maintain a vigilant weather eye.

My answer to the second question is that it is definitely feasible. Emphasizing however, that the outboard is an AUXILLIARY means of propulsion. In rough seas that would cause the outboard to cavitate, use the sails!

Since I've become a little "Sloopish" my current rig is a little more complex than the standard Sun Cat Rig.

I've added a second quick release MASTHEAD headstay and added ADDITIONAL side shrouds to MASTHEAD in the course of adding a 4' bowsprit to Sun Cat "Frisky" to open up a larger foretriangle area.

I've made several headsails for my boat to address the poor light air performance of the rig and to provide the "Drive" that only a jib can, to better punch through a steep chop.

First the bowsprit.



The large (75 sq ft) 3.3 oz Polytarp Drifter with double shrouds clearly visable.



And, the self-tending 5.0 oz working jib.




capt_nemo

[ghostship]

Cat boats can take a heck of a beating on the East coast, staying out in storms that other boats run from...but I have reservations about what I perceive as flimsy aluminium masts, booms and gaffs that fold for Com-Pac...I don't like the folding idea and have not warmed up to these clever designs over time.

Some sailors are going to swear by it and others swear about it.

I have NO experience sailing either cat, the Sun or Horizon. I have sat and explored both at boat shows on trailers and in the water.
I like both hulls and if I had one I'd put a 'real' mast and rig on her.

It may be a comfort to know our neighbor, the Naval Archetech and boat designer who was responsible for the State of Wisconsin's tall ship named the Denis Sullivan, a three masted schooner non centerboard hull, sails his private boat, a 20 foot centerboard Marshall cat boat in and around the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

You'll need more opinions for sure. Rip tides are going to put you on the beach. skip.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26053875@N02/7657099890/

Thanks Skip. I have shared your concern about the hardiness of the Mastendr system but the weather is pretty predictable around here though the swells can roll heavy.

Not sure what you mean by "rip tides are going to put you on the beach." Maybe I should get a West Wight Potter?

[ghostship]

ghostship,

I reply as an experienced long distance cruiser, with thousands of miles under the keels of sailboats 21' to 35', two extended trips to the Bahamas, and current Sun Cat Owner.

My answer to the first question, as you qualified it, is YES! I would also maintain a vigilant weather eye.

My answer to the second question is that it is definitely feasible. Emphasizing however, that the outboard is an AUXILLIARY means of propulsion. In rough seas that would cause the outboard to cavitate, use the sails!

Since I've become a little "Sloopish" my current rig is a little more complex than the standard Sun Cat Rig.

I've added a second quick release MASTHEAD headstay and added ADDITIONAL side shrouds to MASTHEAD in the course of adding a 4' bowsprit to Sun Cat "Frisky" to open up a larger foretriangle area.

I've made several headsails for my boat to address the poor light air performance of the rig and to provide the "Drive" that only a jib can, to better punch through a steep chop.

First the bowsprit.



The large (75 sq ft) 3.3 oz Polytarp Drifter with double shrouds clearly visable.



And, the self-tending 5.0 oz working jib.




capt_nemo

That's a beautiful boat, Capt. Nemo. Nice job with the modifications and thanks for your endorsement. I realize that heaving-to is the best way to ride out heavy seas. But an even better approach is to avoid them altogether!