Well, time to pop my cherry....CP19 or Oday 222/

[JCG]

I am a novice.  I live in the desert (New Mexico).  I am going to buy a sailboat and sail it on the mountain lakes of New Mexico.  I'll probably dock it at lake Herron, a 6000 acre lake with a marina operated by a "yacht" club, which I have joined.  Cost $400 for a slip, April - October, but you have to serve as "dockmaster" for a several day period as part of the deal.  Also, I would like to tow my boat, from time to time, maybe some day get to the Gulf of Mexico or the Sea of Cortez for a little coastal fun.  Who knows. 

All thats left is to buy my 1st boat. 

Last fall, when I first started looking, I fell into the McGregor way of looking at things.  I'm not sure how that happens, but like lemmings all of us newbies lurch for Catalina and MacGreagor.  Not sure why. 
After a bit of time, I decided that I wanted something a bit more stout.  I really started liking the Rhodes 22.  But, I've recently been thinking that I would prefer towing 2000 rather than 3000 pounds, that smaller might be better for all of the reasons that I have read on this website.  Speaking of this website, you all should be proud.  You have put together a great resource here.  It will be a factor in my decision.

I've narrowed my choices down to a CP 19 and an Oday 222.  Similar weight.  Both should be easy to tow with my 4WD vehicle (which would probably struggle with a 3000 boat).  The ODay is probably a bit better in light wind and the CP19 a bit more stout?  the ODay a bit more accommodating in the cabin, but, the CP 19 has everything I need.  And, when I look at the CP 19, it reminds me of looking at my wife, in a good way. 

Thoughts?

[NormD]

One thing you may wish to consider is the fact that Com-Pac Yachts is still in business and offers a comprehensive parts list for the 19, even though it is now out of production.

Personally, for me it's no contest. I have owned a "Tupperware" Catalina 22 and looked at many others in this size range. I have also owned keelboats up to and including a CS 27 which I sailed all over Lake Erie.

The Com-Pac 19 is my dream boat, and I'm proud to own one.

[Gil Weiss]

The ComPac 19 looks like a sailboat, is roomy and sails well. The O'day 222 looks more like a rocket ship or running shoe.

You cannot go wrong with the CP19.

My 2 cents.

[Glenn Basore]

JCG,

I too look at a Rhodes 22, very nice boat. after going on board and taking a really good look at the Rhodes I was very impressed with the boat except for a few of things.

1. It would be too much work for me to set this boat up for a day sail by myself at age 60.

2. 9 shroud lines to deal with.

3. weight of the boat and trailer.

4. having to go to North Carolina to get one

I looked around a fell in love with the Com Pac Eclipse . she really fills all my sailing needs and towing needs.

I have looked at the Com Pac Fleet at boat shows and what I'm all ways attracted to is the quality of the boat and its nice lines.

You will be hard press to find another boat with such quality built in that is still in business today.

Glenn

[rchiare1]

I'm afraid this is going to be more of the same. Then what do you expect from  ComPac owners.
I've owned two O'Days and now a CP-16. All well made. The over whelming consideration to me is the existence of the factory.
The support from Clearwater is very valuable.
I recently dropped in during a vacation. I was totally impressed by the operation. They were extremely gracious and helpful.
I happened to be searching for a small specialty nut for my boat and as I was getting ready to leave the factory, I asked for a recommendation where I might find a marine hardware supplier. My CP-16 is more than a decade old and no longer in production, but I thought they might point my in the right direction. Instead they went and found a replacement item and gave  it to me as a gift.
Buy the ComPac.

Bob

[Craig Weis]

I'm for you sailing the 'high' lakes as well as the salty seas in a Com-Pac 19. Sure it's stout. It is quality, it is easy to rig, I can raise and lower the mast while on the water tied to a dock, it has no core 'tween fiberglass to rot, It looks better and provides the basics without being 'tinny feeling'.
So...? I have a ton of posts that tout this boat, feel free to look them up. Click on 'skip' upper left of any post of mine and click on 'show posts' under summery. skip.

[JLaman]

I'll also chime in, in favor of the CP19.  I narrowly missed an O'Day 222 about 2 years ago.  Now I'm very glad I did!  After rethinking my search, I realized that the CP19 might be a better fit given that much of the time I would be either single handling or going with my wife.  If I had a 222 or similar sized boat, I would have sailed half as much.  The CP19 is extremely easy to trailer and rig.  I have it down to less than 30 minutes each way. All the fishermen look at me with a look on their face that says, "we'll be back cleaning our catch before this guy even sees the water."  Then I beat them to the ramp and sail away.  The CP19 is no racer, but if you sail just because you like to and want a high quality boat, this one is ideal.