Compac 19 vids on Youtube

[Jackrabbit]

 I guess I over-estimated the weight of the trailer, but, yep, the total weight with all the other "stuff" still warrants a minimum of 5000 LBS towing capacity for the long haul.

Also, the process of rigging a CP 19 is certainly not a trivial matter - fundamentally no different than any other marconi-rigged boat - and getting her properly set on the trailer during haulout can be a bit of work, so I definitely would not want to do this operation on a frequent basis.  Sounds like the Suncat is easier in this respect, and would have other good attributes as well (though I have no personal experience with that model). 

On the other hand, if you want a boat that sails like a witch, is stable, has a huge cockpit and is easy-peasy to launch and haul out, you would be hard pressed to find a better boat than the O'Day Mariner.  They can literally be launched on a beach.  And they can be had for a song!  But you would have to put up with a very small cabin which, while useable, is not very comfortable for extended cruising.  There's always a price to pay...

But, oh, the CP19 is just such a pretty boat in the eye of this beholder...

[MGS]

Ok, now you got me thinking.  The Eclipse is out due to weight (2200 lbs).  The Suncat (1500 lbs) however seems a good fit for me as I like the room.  Down side is the price and it's a cat rig, which I've never sailed.  I also like the enclosed transom of the Suncat as opposed to the Eclipse.  How seaworthy is the Suncat vs CP19?  I intend to use the boat for coastal bay and blue water (Atlantic) sailing.  The shallow draft of only 14" of the Suncat is appealing too.

[Minicruiser19]

Back to the original topic, here is a link to a video from the previous owner sailing on Buzzards Bay in Southeastern Massachusetts in 15-20 mph winds - quite impressive. He's got a few other vids on his channel too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCYiS21d44U

Mine is currently on a trailer in my driveway where I can visit her daily which helps get through our long cold winters (although Jackrabbit's winters are longer and colder no contest!).

[philb Junkie19]

Nice video.  Moving right along under reefed main. Good example of fun but no drama 19 sailing. Hang in there you'll be sailing soon. Great sailing grounds. I've spent some time in Falmouth but never sailed there.

[philb Junkie19]

I see that you will be on Narraganset bay, not Buzzards. That must be the heart of N.E.sailing country. I really don't know the area well but I did cut and take tons of rebar and other steel out huge concrete government building being knocked down on Goat Island in Newport. That made way for the big hotel complex there now. Also, as a youngster I drank a bit of Narraganset beer. Their GIQs, "giant imperial quarts" competed with Carling Black Label's 40s. The  Do they still brew Narraganset? Maybe we can convert Bob23.

[kickingbug1]

in regards to the tow vehicle, consider two things axle ratio and wheelbase. i have a stock Silverado with just the 200 hp v6 but it has a 3.73 positrack rearend. no speed demon but a very capable tow vehicle. having towed with short wheelbase vehicles longer is better by far.

[Minicruiser19]

I am at a point in my life where I want sailing to be as simple as possible, so I will keep the boat on a private mooring (as I have done with my previous sailboats). After a brief row of the dinghy, it only takes about 5 minutes to remove the mainsail cover, raise the mainsail and get underway, and 7-10 minutes to tuck everything away when I return (depending on whether it is dark or windy). When the occasional allure of another venue beckons, I rely on my cartop-mounted kayak to explore the area, or sail with someone else. So excluding the trip home which was accomplished towing the boat/motor/trailer with a 10-foot UHaul box truck (barely knew it was behind me except when I looked), the 10-minute drive to the state boat ramp twice a year will be done with a UHaul pickup so I don't burn the tranny out of my 4-cylinder sedan. I've always been a "budget boater" and am looking forward to my minimalist approach to exploring the Narragansett Bay in RI by minicruiser this summer.

[Jackrabbit]

That's the good life right there.  With a great little cruiser like a Compac and a good sea kayak, you can go anywhere, any time, and in just about any weather.    For me, getting the vibe of the coast is always the more interesting aspect of cruising, hence, the virtue of a small boat.  I used to do long-ish passages out of sight of land on my previous larger keel boats, and found it a tad boring (that is, when it wasn't terrifying!).

[Tim Gardner]

I just don't understand the hesitance, nor the supposed difficulty in stepping the mast in a 19.  Virtually the same as an Eclipse, but with a back stay. I can arrive at a launch site and in less than 20 minutes have my 19 rigged and ready to launch. Most Eclipse owners cannot eclipse that mark.  I have installed a quick release lever on the back stay,(much like on the fore stay of the Legacy and the Eclipse) and have a Maritime College's Marine Engineer trained eye for preparation of the stays, furler and the associated snag points to assist me.

However, the side stay geometry of the Eclipse prevents a full wing and wing deployment of the main.  Not so on the 19. 

TG

[Jackrabbit]

Re:  mast stepping.  That has been my experience as well.  It is really quite a small mast as far as marconi rigs go - much shorter than the O'Day Mariner's - and I have raised it by myself, though prefer to have my wife stand in the box of the pick up truck to hold onto the main halyard (which is made fast to a cleat on the mast) for extra security.  She's a small lady and does not need to exert much force.  Would be very easy to rig a simple gin pole (could even use the boom for this purpose) if desired, though not necessary.  Its really not a big deal (mind, it helps being tall when walking the mast up from the cockpit stepping onto the cabin top - about the only time being tall is useful on a small boat!).  The only problem is if the backstay snags on something, but then, its easy enough to lower the mast and clear the snag.  Worst thing you can do is to psyche yourself out before the job.

[Minicruiser19]

"I just don't understand the hesitance, nor the supposed difficulty in stepping the mast in a 19." To each their own, but I simply don't want to do a complete setup every time I go sailing. It isn't necessary where I'm located, as I have a large bay to explore, and where I can always drop the hook or pick up a rental mooring while circumnavigating the Bay, then go into town for dinner or to explore. Again, my mission profile is to go from Friday through Monday possibly longer if the weather is nice.

[kickingbug1]

   although i think trailer sailing a cp 19 should to not be a problem, i hereby challenge tim to drag his 19 to Illinois in june so i can time him rigging his boat. 20minutes after he exits his truck his boat hits the water. that i have to see.

[Jackrabbit]

Every time I want to see a different horizon I just hitch up my little crab skiff and take her to whatever venue I please - she literally can be set up  in two minutes (just pick up the ultralight spruce mast - made from a very dry tree trunk - drop it in the partners and she's ready to go).  It takes me longer to wiggle waggle my way backing down the ramp!

But it sure is nice to have a ship rigged and ready at the marina two blocks from the house, so all you have to do when you get home from work is unlock the companionway, throw your apple and cell phone in the cabin, take off the sail cover and fire up the old Merc.  Oh, yes, and neatly coil the mooring lines.

[Tim Gardner]

Kick, Kick, KICK, Kick, Kick,
you know as well as I do, that an 1100 mile trip requires far different means of stowage than a 20 mile one.  Hell, it took me 4 hours just to stand up straight the last time Vicki and I joined your little party.

But you can ask Citroën Dave, he was there when I rigged my 19II for a 50 mile Race Around the Lake, how long it took to get the mast stepped, outboard on and into the water from the trailer.

Wish we could join you in June, but all 5 of our grandkids are going to be here then.
Maybe next year.

TG

[kickingbug1]

      yeah i know its a hell of a long trip. one i wouldn't do. Ill tell you what. i wouldn't want to call anyone a liar but it takes me at best about 35 minutes to get my catalina in water without assistance and i think I'm pretty quick. so I'm thinking that you could make a" rigging and launching your 19" video. I'm sure 19 owners and perspective owners would find it valuable.