"A Sailors Two Best Days is..."

[thomeng55]

".. the day he buys and the day he sells his boat"

Not for me!

I just sold SV TomCat, my ComPac 23.  And I week later I am still in mourning.

Originally I had just listed it to see how its value was holding up.  I listed it for what I bought it for... seemed reasonable.  I decided if it sold at that price so be it.  I would move on, but no matter what I wasn't selling her for less.

Within a couple weeks I had several people tell me they wanted to buy it at full price subject to it being in the condition the pictures showed.  She was in BEAUTIFUL condition.  Then it turned into a runaway train and the next thing I know I am watching her being towed away by a new owner.  I felt I had lost a best friend.

So I am still waiting for the second "best day"

My "the boat is always about to flip over" wife, told me to buy another boat but this time "I want to stand up to get dressing in the morning, and I want a door on the head".  Yes... she does day head... probably since I used that term since my days with Uncle Sam.

Now I am torn between 2 new "experienced" boats.  The ComPac 27 and the Island Packet 27.  Seems used they are in similar price ranges.  There's a couple of each out there.  I love Compacs but here the flatter bottom makes them slap the waves and on lake Michigan there ARE waves.  My CP23 slapped them a lot.  The IP27 is heavier by 2000# so I assume the CP 27 will sail better in light aire.  Both are nice below decks. IP27 a foot beamier... not a big deal to me either way - both have ample room below decks.  Whichever boat I get I have to ship to the great lakes so that is not a factor. 

So... some thoughts would be nice.  I know I am asking the CP owners who MAY have a slight prejudice, but that's ok.

Still in Grieve but looking for solace,

Tom

Formerly of SVTomCat

[frank]

Now into month #4 cruising CP27 Allure through the Abacos and still loving it!!
Yes....there are waves here :-)
The Sea of Abaco is shallow and the winds are often over 20 in the winter.
Allure will pound at times 'motoring into it' but is great otherwise.
Have fun boat shopping.

[HenryC]

I hesitate to make a recommendation here, since both Island Packet and Hutchins are personal friends of mine and I have written very favorable factory profiles and boat reviews for both companies.  In general, I can say the IP brand is more noted for offshore, blue-water sailers, while ComPac makes a very capable coastal cruiser.  How those comments relate to these two boats I cannot say, I am not familiar with the Compac 27, but I did review the IP27 (Good Old Boat, May/June 2008) and I was impressed.  If it helps, both these fine boats were designed by naval architect and IP owner Bob Johnson, which probably explains some of their similarities.  Good luck on your choice.

Here are Mr Johnson's comments on the IP27 when I interviewed him in 2004:

RKJ: "There was a battle in the early years: are these or are they not bluewater boats? They weren't designed as rigorously as they are today, but nothing was done casually: scantlings, laminates, stability calculations ? what constitutes a safe stability range ? they were as good as anything in the industry at the time. In the '90s I wound up working on an international stability standard for sailboats when the European Union decided on CE standards for all products, cars, film, cigarettes, everything. They created an International Standards Organization (ISO) effort and the National Marine Manufacturers Association asked me to participate. It took 8 years to hammer one out. It meant going back to the roots and fundamentals of naval architecture and marine engineering, what do we know, think we know, what don't we know, what do we really know. We came up with, I think, the first holistic approach to a stability assessment for a boat. Our 27's performance and history is well documented and was one of the validations of this assessment. We studied boats that had gone through "stability events," one 27 free-fell off a wave on a passage to Bermuda and then rolled over; it took the rig right off of her, (not good) but it righted, even without the rig....The 27 was right on the cusp between Category A (the most seaworthy) and B and today only a few tweaks would be necessary to make it Category A."

http://www.goodoldboat.com/reader_services/more_online/robert_johnson.php

[HeaveToo]

Look at the IP 31 too.  They are reasonably priced and good boats as well.  The extra size would be nice too. 

The IP 27 and Compac 27 are different boats.  IP is a full keel heavy cruiser.  The CP 27 is a shoal keel and lighter. 

Don't forget to set up a new matrix for a new boat.  It is not only the coast of the boat, but the cost of the refit, yearly storage fees, maintenance fees, etc.  It is helpful when comparing boats as well.  Don't forget trivial things like woodwork because that is actually a big maintenance thing over the life of the boat.  Look at the sails, the engine, etc.

Another important thing is to consider exactly what you are doing and what your goals are.  Figure out what boat fits your needs best.

[Awfeith]

Two years ago I faced the same choice. I chose the CP27. Both are designed by the same person. Both factories are still there, and building quality boats. I chose the CP for weight, draft, and light air performance. I sail in Gulf of Mex. On Lake Mich, I would probably go with the IP. Heavier and deeper draft. Whichever you choose, you won't be disappointed.

André

[Bob23]

Tom:
   That's exactly how I felt when my Seapearl 21 and I parted company. I knew it was over when she caught me flirting with the 23 which is my yacht of choice now. Although 2 very different boats, I loved that Seapearl and it was painful to part. I even felt like I was gonna shed a tear or two. So this "best 2 days" thing is a myth. Or they never owned Seapearls or Compacs. I don't look forward to the day when my 23 and I will part.
Bob23

[Jeff S]

I don't mean to complicate the matter but also consider a Pacific Seacraft 27 or my personal favorite smaller yet just as seaworthy Pacific Seacraft Dana 24.  The more options you have the less you may have to travel to find the next best day of your life.