Need help with questions about 23 Pilothouse

[Rick Evans]

I'm thinking of downsizing from my Island Packet 350.  Too much maintenance and hassle.  The CP 23 Pilothouse looks intriguing but a web search hasn't turned up much byway of solid reviews on it.  Maybe it's because there aren't that many out there.  But, can anybody help me with the following questions I've got:

1.  Is sailing from the cockpit really awkward because of obstructed view?
2.  With so much windage and the sail cut higher in order to elevate the boom, can it handle in relative comfort 20 knots winds and 3 to 4 foot seas?
3.  When sailing in the pilothouse, is it really awkward to go out and trim the sheets or come about?
4.  With such a minimal draft, can it go to weather at all? 
5.  How fast will it motor at reasonable cruising speed?
6.  How large is the cockpit?  Can it seat 4 comfortably and can 3 sit on the windward side w/o using the pushpit seats?

I sure would appreciate any input from y'all.  There's none around me to personally see and the web site accessible photos are less than optimal in answering my questions.

Thanks, skippers,

Rick

[JBC]

Don't know the 23 Pilothouse myself, but assume you have checked out The Sailboat Company online? If not, Keith the owner has one for sale; perhaps he can answer some of your questions.

Jett

[rbh1515]

Rick,
I don't see much posted on the Pilothouse, but if you do a search there are some posts.  There is a brand new 2012 Pilothouse for sale here in Wisconsin at the Boat House of Madison?  Looks like a big discount off of MSRP.  I ordered a new boat from Com-Pac this winter (horizon Day Cat), and talked to Gerry, an owner of the company a number of times.  I would give him a call--super nice guy.  He can tell you all about the boat.
If you are thinking of ordering a new one, send me a PM and I can give you some good advise.
Rob

[Rick Evans]

Thanks for the input guys.  I'm afraid that any owner trying to sell his CP 23 Pilothouse will be reluctant to talk about any problems with it.  I met Gerry once before at the CP factory and, as nice as he was, I wonder if he'll shoot totally straight with me if I'm a prospective buyer.  Just wish there were some honest reviews out there.  The fact there aren't is a little worrisome because it means there aren't a ton of them around.  One might argue that a great boat would sell like hotcakes whereas one with "issues" might not.  I'll keep digging and hope something comes up.  Maybe the answer is to bite the bullet and fly someplace where I can actually sail it. 

[Bob23]

If there are 2 straight shooters in this world, they are Gerry and Rich. From what I hear, they sail fine although it seems to me that visibility from the cockpit could be an issue. I've heard they sail a bit better than a standard 23, which makes no sense. 23's inherently don't point all that high so the PH should be no different. You should definitely sail one if you can. Or at least get aboard and get the feel.
Bob23...just my unbiased humble opinion.

[Craig]

There is one here in Punta Gorda(for sale). I know the owner and he really likes the boat. The sale has nothing to do with the boat's qualities. I have been aboard the 23P and it is a lot of boat for its size. Would be especially good for cooler climes where it could extend your season.

[atrometer]

Thanks for the input guys.  I'm afraid that any owner trying to sell his CP 23 Pilothouse will be reluctant to talk about any problems with it.  I met Gerry once before at the CP factory and, as nice as he was, I wonder if he'll shoot totally straight with me if I'm a prospective buyer.  Just wish there were some honest reviews out there.  The fact there aren't is a little worrisome because it means there aren't a ton of them around.  One might argue that a great boat would sell like hotcakes whereas one with "issues" might not.  I'll keep digging and hope something comes up.  Maybe the answer is to bite the bullet and fly someplace where I can actually sail it. 

Can't speak for Compac, BUT motor sailors have a deserved reputation for doing neither well - a sailboat sails better and trawler motors better.  Having owned several sailboats and power boats, and a 40' Schucker motor sailor (great boat by the way) and if you want the comfort and versatility of a motor sailor like I did you'll love it. Otherwise pick one.

[Rick Evans]

Craig, would you mind asking the owner of that boat if he'd mind talking with me?  I'd sure like to visit with somebody who has first experience on the water with this boat.  Thanks,
Rick

[bob lamb]

Rick
 Guess I'll weigh in here.  Although I did not purchase a new pilothouse from Compac, I did purchase an older(1989) Cp23 about 12 years ago.  I then proceeded to remodel my little ship and converted it into the "first ever" Compac 23 pilothouse about 10 years ago (no royalties expected).  I cut the cabin roof and raised it 2 feet so I could have standing headroom.  I added a steering station to the interior and kept the tiller setup also. I seldom sail from the inside, generally use that for motoring in rainy weather.  I have a little Yanmar diesel that was original to the boat.  The boom did not need to be repositioned more than a couple inches.  I have the original mainsail and it works fine.  As far as sailing cabability, I notice no difference before or after conversion. Same characteristics as the standard 23. I retained the same cockpit size as the original 23.  (I am not a racer so I don't track my speed, but it is comfortable at 6 knots and 20mph winds)
  I love my Pilothouse and get lots of rave reviews from passer-bys. Check the Photobucket link below to see a few pics.  
Dunno what other questions I can help with, but would be glad to try.  Also, there's a guy that sailed the first production Pilothouse 23 to the Bahamas a couple years ago on the Sailfar site.  His name is Frank.


Sea Ya
Bob

[frank]

1.  Is sailing from the cockpit really awkward because of obstructed view?

No......you sit on whatever side is appropriate. If needed, the high side. You look forward from there. Is it as unobstructed as the standard 23...NO...but all boats are compromises.

2.  With so much windage and the sail cut higher in order to elevate the boom, can it handle in relative comfort 20 knots winds and 3 to 4 foot seas?

I've sailed in 25+knots with mine. You reef accordingly. I was surprised at the sea keeping ability. It IS afterall 23!! (not 35)....but it surprised me how stiff/comfortable it was is seas.

3.  When sailing in the pilothouse, is it really awkward to go out and trim the sheets or come about?

obviously not as easy as sitting in the cockpit. An autohelm would solve 90% of issues (getting one on mine right now)

4.  With such a minimal draft, can it go to weather at all?  

Surprisingly well!!  This is not a race boat. Look at it. Any 2ft 4in draft boat simply will not point high!! But...your question was "will it go to weather"....YES. Better than expected! The benefits of shallow draft, if sailing the Keys or Bahamas, far out way 6-8 degree's of pointing.

5.  How fast will it motor at reasonable cruising speed?

5-5.25 knots is easy and not overstressing the engine.  5.5 when needed. 6+ if you want to 'bury the stern' Throw in headwinds and waves...like ALL boats...it goes down.

6.  How large is the cockpit?

 Can it seat 4 comfortably and can 3 sit on the windward side w/o using the pushpit seats? You can sleep in the cockpit.

Any 23 is really a "couples boat"...seriously. Yes....4 can sit fine. I've had 4 aboard touring and bar hopping but "sails and feeds 4-sleeps 2" is reality. But yes...you can sleep in the cockpit!!  I had filler cushions made so it was an 'out door double'

I took the 23PH from Indiantown, through the St Lucie canal to Stuart, down through the keys, up to Ft Lauderdale and across the stream to the Abacos. Then, all through the Abacos twice, back across the stream to Indiantown again with 2 of us AND a 76lb golden retriever. I will be hauling it to the Pacific North West in April, getting an Espar heater installed and it will be a great PNW cruiser!!    

http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=3447.0

Ask away.....I've had one through a lot.