News from Com-Pac

     Needs change with your sailing location and how you use your boat. I learned to sail in 1977 in Ontario Canada. Since 2002 I have been sailing the southern waters of both the Florida Keys and Bahamas.

Shallow draft and good ventilation are important in both areas and with this in mind I ordered a Com-pac 25 From Hutchins in 2007. It served it's purpose well as the 2 1/2 foot draft opened up many anchorages I could not use previously.

  Back home I trailer-sail a suncat. They are great lil boats and we've explored the North Channel of Lake Huron to Moose head Lake in Maine with it. I was recently visiting an old friend in Largo Florida that is interested in the new "picnic cat", so with the factory only a few miles away we were off to look at one. My friend was impressed, but I got a surprise as we toured the factory. Gerry showed me the Compac 23 pilot house which they were doing the mock-up of the interior on. I loved it!

Having had my 1st trawler experience with a friend in 09 on the west coast, I was envious of getting up on damp mornings and having a coffee from the inside while looking out through the mist. I was also envious of steering from the inside during the frequent rains we had during that cruise. These are luxuries not available to us sailors. Just to be able to sit inside and look out while at anchor without that 'in a cave'  feeling was wonderful, but being a sailor, if I owned a trawler I would miss those magical "beam reach" days.

  While Gerry explained the interior it became apparent that much thought had gone into the design. The dinette is unique. There is an abundance of storage. The head has standing headroom. Ventilation is excellent, but the real true delight of this boat is the brightness and view while in the pilothouse. No more "going below" to the cave sensation. No more "stuck in the rain" while at the helm. With a draft of only 2ft 3in and the twin cylinder diesel this was shaping up to be a near perfect set of compromises for the type of boating I do.

  As with my previous orders from Hutchins, Gerry was attentive to my ideas and very co-operative with some modifications that would enhance my style of cruising.

  There is no "perfect boat"...simply the best set of compromise's for you. This boat is close to perfect for the way I cruise and I'm looking forward to many adventures on her in the Bahamas.