I had some preconceived notions about what boats would qualify to be included in the list of candidates this time around. Based on previous experience with the Com-Pac line of vessels, they would certainly be high on the list. The Montgomery boats would also place near the top. The list below was reasonably complete within the requirements but included mostly boats that were still in production. If I had included models that have not been produced recently, this list would have grown significantly. Precision 16.5 LOA -16' 5" LWL -- 15' 3" BEAM -- 7' 2" DRAFT -- 1' 9" Displacement -- 750 lbs. Ballast -- 250 lbs Sail area -- 145 sq. ft. Berths -- 2 Mast height above DWL -- 25' 4" Designer: -- Jim Taylor I admit to some dislike here. I have explored the Precision line several times in the past and always felt that the smaller models were underbuilt for my tastes. I admit that they will perform, it's just that I want something that appears to be built sturdier in my eyes. I included the P16.5 in the list - but it would befar off the mark when it came time to pony up the coins to buy something. Com-Pac 16 LOA -16' LWL -- 14' BEAM -- 6' DRAFT -- 1' 5" Displacement -- 1100 lbs. Ballast -- 450 lbs Sail area -- 115 sq. ft. Berths -- 2 Designer: -- Clark Mills Com-Pac Legacy LOA -16' 6" LWL -- 14' 3" BEAM -- 6' DRAFT -- Board Up - 16" Board Down 42" Displacement -- 1000 lbs Ballast -- 450 lbs Sail area -- 130 sq. ft. Berths -- 2 Mast height above DWL -- 22' Designer: -- Bruce Bingham I have included this boat in the list based on 20/20 hindsight. At the time I was looking, this boat was not yet available. The design is interesting - and would certainly have been among the top finishers if I weer looking today. Com-Pac Sun Cat LOA -17' 4" LWL -- 15' BEAM -- 7' 3" DRAFT -- Board Up - 14" Board Down 54" Displacement -- 1500 lbs Sail area -- 150 sq. ft. Berths -- 2 Designer: -- Clark Mills Another boat from the Com-Pac line - but I am just not a fan of a Cat Boat rig. I'm sure that the design is top notch, and I have seen this vessel at several boat shows - but I just don't like the look. If I was in the market for a rig other than a sloop, my preference would go to a Junk rig before a Cat rig. In my eye, the Junk rig would offer more flexibility - but that is just my opinion - I could be wrong. Com-Pac 19 LOA -21' 1" LWL -- 16' 4" BEAM -- 7' DRAFT -- 2' Displacement -- 2,000 lbs. Ballast -- 800 lbs Sail area -- 196 sq. ft. Berths -- 2- lets face it, the V-Berth could count for more - but only little kids would fit Designer: -- Bob Johnson I started out sailing a Com-Pac 19 - if you want more details - check this link. The Com-Pac 19 would not be in the running this time due to the weight far exceeding what I could tow with my Honda Element. Montgomery 15 LOA -15' 0" LWL -- 13' 3" BEAM -- 6' 2" DRAFT -- Board Up - 15" Board Down - 2' 1/2" Displacement -- 750 lbs. Ballast -- 275 lbs Sail area -- 122 sq. ft. Berths -- 2 Mast height above DWL -- 22' 3" Designer: -- Lyle Hess The Montgomery 15 is certainly a capable craft. The only downside is the total lack of an electrical system (at least in the used ones I saw listed). In a way, that would be a blessing since I could install electrical systems to my own liking. If I could find a good used boat, this would be high on the list. Unfortunately, most of the ones I saw advertised were on the West Coast and I was not about to drive that far. Montgomery 17
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