Thoughts on owning a Compac sailboat.

[CurtTampa]

I own a 1989 vintage Compac 27. It was a little tired and neglected when I purchased it. It's been a very rewarding experience with its share of joy and suicidal thoughts. I could of chosen any boat in this range but kept feeling drawn to the Compac line - originally the 23 was my must have. I even bounced the notion of a 16 with all the benefits of camp cruising the backwaters of Floridas west coast. Primarily the thing that sold me more than any of the boats in consideration was the fact that Hutchinson is still cranking out the best of these beauties after a long haul of economic down times that wiped out or all but destroyed many other manufactures. I am reminded of this everytime I need that orginal part replacement or guidance on understanding the who, what, where or why something was done on my boat 28 years ago. Case in point - first mate(wife) decided our coach top grab rails needed to be replaced. I quick call to Hutchinson confirmed my fear - teak hasnt gotten any cheaper. I opened my wallet and shed boat bucks. When they called to tell me they were ready Jerry offered toi drill the holes and countersink for plugs. Since I had the old ones removed I took them with me. As Jerry and laid them out to mark the holes something became apparent. The hoops didnt match just right. I think we both thought a flip lenghtwise would solve it. After all who knew these things had a fore and aft?!? Surprise! They dont. To make a long story longer...what happened next was unbelievable in this world of no service, no returns and restocking fees. We both briefly entertained some ideas to salvage the $27.00 a board foot former rain forest speciman. Within 5 seconds Gerry looked me in the eye and said "i want you to be happy with your new handrails, these aren't right, it's not the way we do things - we'll use the old ones as a template and remake them."  WHAT!?!? just like that? No fight, no lawyers Better Business Bureau complaint, or the ever popular Facebook bashing?  I just walk away a happy completely satisfied customer? Amazing. And that is what owning a Compac feels like. Buy one new or used you wont regret it.?

[Tim Gardner]

Hear, hear Curt!  I've never bought a new boat from Hutchins, but as a Com-Pac 19 Owner, got the plant tour and great service to boot! 
TG.

[Gerry]

Couldn't agree more about the Hutchinson family.  I showed up at the factory one day unannounced.  They gave me a full tour, introduced me to everyone and spent TIME with me.  You would thing I was buying a brand new boat.  All I bought was a cap I proudly wear.  They are good people.  Luv my Com-Pac.

Gerry
Wyatt C

[Bristol14]

I agree. Great to be able to speak with the owners who provide helpful answers to my sometomes dumb questions.

[BruceW]

I took a tour of the Hutchins family biz while my Suncat was on order. Great time seeing how things were done. and I enjoyed meeting Rich and Gerry. Had help on a few hardware issues from Gerry. He decided their gaff hardware wasn't right and replaced my broken somethingorother with the new one. Also, he just charged me cost on things I broke myself. Fair and reasonable.

I have had good help ordering parts via the company when dealing with my 1981 CP 23.

[JBC]

I fully agree with these testimonies. I have bought parts and sails over the years from ComPac. Great competent service and good value...maybe not the cheapest price but always top service, advice and quality at a competitive price. For me, that's value and peace of mind if something isn't right (which has never happened).

Jett

[Bob23]

These guys could write a book on customer service and how a small business should be run. Great boats...great people. They have my loyalty!

[thomeng55]

Here, here!!

They are the best!  Every time I call or right I get straight, helpful and friendly answers.  You can't anks for better service or nicer people. 

And. I have never bought a boat from them thought I owned a 23 and now a 27

Tom

[Mas]

The "great recession" as it is referred to, took out a lot of companies as sailboats simply are not necessary items. Those that remain are there because of a combination of solid product and service. We feel very fortunate that the two boat companies we deal with both have wonderful products and top notch service. Pacific Seacraft sent us a few small items and never even charged for them ("don't worry about it, just enjoy her" was the reply to not getting charged) and spent much time with us getting to know their/our boat and even working with our yard on a couple projects. As far as Compac goes I usually get one of the family members on the phone when I call Hutchins. Incredible, I feel that with either company i could invite the owners to dinner and they wold insist on paying the tab. We are family to them.

[dakarra]

Just read the thread regarding the great service and longevity of the Com-Pac line. I've been around the Com-Pac brand for about 28 years and just purchased a 1994 CP27 that was in great shape but in need of more use and some TLC. Same thing everyone else says applies - the boat itself is such a quality item, and working with the Hutchins people is always straightforward and satisfying.

[HenryC]

Let me add my testimonials.  I first met the Compac line from a friend who owned a 16 back in early 1970s.  It was a truly remarkable boat!  Since then, I have written an article on the Hutchins Company and a review on the Compac 19 for Good Old Boat magazine (both of which are archived somewhere on this website!) and in the research for those articles I have had the opportunity to talk at length with the Hutchins brothers and tour their yard. 

Every good thing you hear about that company is true.