Legacy vs Eclipse

[alsantini]

I am very interested in how the Legacy compares to the Eclipse in terms of sailing abilities.  I obviously know that the Eclipse is larger especially since I own hull #49.  I am impressed with the Eclipse sailing abilities/qualities.  So Legacy owners, any comparison available?  Anyone sail on both?  Thanks in advance.  Sail On.  Al

[Roy]

Hi Al. I can not compare the two but I can tell you the Legacy is a great boat and has great capability. I  have had mine for over 7 years  And I currently sail out of Venice FLorida on the Gulf. I only use it for day sailing .  I do think that the boat is at its best with  1 to 3 people aboard.   With more then that it gets a little crowded and the boat becomes sluggish.     Roy

[alsantini]

Hi Roy.  Funny that we have not met on the water.  Normally, I sail out of the Venice Train Station with my Eclipse during the winter.  This winter she will remain here in northern Illinois.  With the Covid virus, we have not decided if we will come to Nokomis for he winter yet.  So I put the boat in storage next week, which will really be a sad day for me.  First year out of 6 that I have owned the Eclipse that she will not be in Florida for the winter.  Bummer......  Sail On.    Al

[Mike K]

Hi Al,
I know you asked this question a long time ago but you didn't seem to get many replies with personal experience of both boats.  I sold my 2013 legacy and bought a 2015 eclipse last May.

The legacy was a fun boat, but since it was so small it was very active. Just a little shift of weight would throw the boat around more than I'd like. You feel waves and wakes about twice as much as the Eclipse. Also, being a small boat the seats were on the low side which made for sore back, legs and rear end.  You have to do more gymnastics to get around the Bimini and under the stern arch. And for overnighters the legacy was too tiny to comfortably sleep in. It was a fun day sailor though, and inexpensive also. I used to tow it with a small Ford Escape it was so light.

As for sailing ability the legacy was fun but a little too twitchy for me. I'd take my eyes off my line for just a few seconds in the boat would move quite a bit. When my wife would go forward, there'd be lots of heeling. As for sail controls, there was no boom vang, Nor a real traveler. And since it was a hank-on jib, the only reefing was on the mainsail. Also the center board and the rudder were just flat aluminum pieces with no foil sections.  So performance is not up to the Eclipse.

We just got off a day sail with the Eclipse in Charlotte Harbor, (live in North Port full time now) and it is a much more capable and relaxing boat than the Legacy. It's also almost as easy to rig and unrig as the legacy, but the legacy is king for time getting into the water.

[kickingbug1]

    i have to say that i spent two nights on my cp16 and im 6'5". i wouldnt recommend it. the eclipse like a lot of other boats that size my catalina 18 included have gobs more room and are much better performing boats. my 16 was a good little boat to rig and trailer but she wouldnt point worth spit. i have found that the extra rigging time is worth it. like others have said get the biggest boat possible. i have never regreted buying my cat 18 and at the time was looking for an ecliipse just couldnt find one i could afford

[Roy]

Just had my Legacy out last week near Venice Florida. 20-25 knot winds and 3-4 foot seas. Most ?stink pots? would not dare to go out that day. The Legacy is awesome. I did do a lot of upgrades since I bought the boat in 2013. Furling jib, Ruddercraft  tiller and foiled rudder, grab rails, tiller clutch, Boom vang. The boat came with every upgrade possible including cushions when I bought it. The biggest advantage the Legacy has is that it is stored in my garage. In Florida finding  a place to store a boat is almost impossible.. Everybody here bought a boat because of the Pandemic. 2-3 year waits for some storage places. I have owned a Catalina 18 and a Precision. 21 and neither one of these boats came close to the performance of my Legacy.

[kickingbug1]

   this i have got to see. i hearby invite you to the 2021 CLR at carlyle lake illinois on june 21st to take part in the CLR cup race. plus all the com-pac guys want to see a legacy up close and personal

[alsantini]

Thanks everyone.  Answers my questions.  Really not looking for a more lively boat at my age....  Roy, bring that baby north in June for CLR.  Nice fresh water bath and lots or room.  Love to see it and meet you.  Sail On    Al