Com-Pac Reviews

Review: Com-Pac 27/2

How traditional is the Com-Pac? Let's just say that if you could sail back to the 1980's, the 27/2 wouldn't stick out, which isn't surprising considering the age of the design. The vertical transom, abundant teak, bronze ports, modified fin keel, and the bowsprit add up to a boat that is seakindly and handsome; those who favor gleaming chrome, aft quarterberths, and spirited performance should look elsewhere, however.

On-deck comfort/efficiency

The Com-Pac has very clean decks, with what Marlene Lawton described as "lots of room for relaxing or just being a lookout." Most of the rallyists noted the lack of chocks, but Nancy Owen judged the bowsprit/bow-roller configuration nearly perfect for ground-tackle deployment and storage.

The Com-Pac is festooned with teak - grabrails, bowsprit, helm seat, and coaming tops. Nancy said, "The boat didn't have a cockpit table which made dinner an on-your-lap affair, but the seat coamings are upright and the seats are nice and wide." Rick Owen commented, "The [two] big lockers swallow lots of stuff, including a 15-horsepower outboard, and provided great access to systems." Visibility from the helm was judged marginal by the Rallyists, who suggested that a helm-seat cushion be added so that short people can see over the coachroof.

While all of the running rigging is conveniently led back to the cockpit, the single-speed winches were judged undersized. Herb Gardner and Rick agreed that both the main and primary winches need a two-speed upgrade and that horn cleats on the coamings were unnecessary and took up valuable space for sitting. A stainless-steel swim ladder hangs from the nearly vertical transom, and a popular cockpit shower was handy for rinsing off swimmers.

Under way

Rick said, "The Com-Pac sails very well overall, especially in moderate wind conditions." Jane Gardner described the helm upwind as "rather numb," but she commented on the fine tracking and stability. Sail trimming during and after a tack was described as a slow process, with most of the blame placed on the single-speed winches.

Off the wind the conservative rig proved very easy to manage, and Ed Lawton thought that Dutchman mainsail system made flaking easy. The Owens noted that the non-swept-back spreaders allow the main to be eased a considerable amount for broad downwind angles.

The Com-Pac motored at comfortable speeds with an 18-horsepower Westerbeke diesel, and Marlene judged vibration and noise levels to be moderate. During slow-speed maneuvers Herb reported difficulty backing the boat to port, although no one had trouble with rudder torque forward.

Saloon/Nav. Station

The Com-Pac's interior has a traditional main-saloon/V-berth layout with some innovative details. The main table folds into the V-berth bulkhead, where it stows out of the way and conceals a series of shelves. "There's lots of wood, no cheap materials, and the lights are easy to find," said Nancy. Ed noted that he would add an overhead hand-hold but that the interior is generally quite secure under way. With no headliner on the overhead, access to the through-deck fittings in convenient. The Com-Pac has no nav station and makes no provisions for interior instruments.

Galley

The galley was snug; most Rallyists agreed that there's room for only one cook at a time. A folding shelf adds a bit of counter space, but in general most of the galley work is done on the main saloon table. Herb noted that the two-burner Origo alcohol stove blocked access to some dry storage and was too close to the icebox, but he also reported that the stove functioned well. Rick liked the design of the trash container in the galley but thought it takes up too much stowage space.

Berths/Head

This was the only boat in the fleet without an aft berth; instead it has a V-berth, a double to port, and stacked seaberths to starboard in the main saloon. "My kids would love to sleep in the seaberths," said Nancy, who also liked the integral leecloths. All of the Rallyists commented on the rich feel and thickness of the settee and berth cushions. Herb noted the excellent V-berth storage - four drawers, a locker, and a "fair-sized cubby with a door." A privacy curtain isolates the V-berth from the main saloon.

The head door is partially obstructed by the companionway ladder, a feature that was not popular with the Rallyists. Jane thought that the vanity was well placed and offered decent stowage. Rick liked the shower seat.

Systems

The huge cockpit lockers made access to the engine and propeller shaft very efficient. The Com-Pac is wired for shore power, with ample outlets (though none in the head). Rick was impressed with the deep bilge, and no problems were reported accessing seacocks or bilgepumps. The electrical panel is just above the engine, in what Nancy described as "a perfect position."

Pros

• Spacious Saloon
• Solid, traditional lines
• Deep cockpit lockers
• Fine materials and construction

Cons

• Lacks aft double berth
• Undersized winches
• Expensive

Summary

"Cruising couples or families with small children will find the Com-Pac 27/2 to be roomy and comfortable. There are many practical features which add to its livability, including a roomy saloon, deep cockpit, and shallow draft."

- Rick Owen
-Reprinted courtesy of Sail Magazine

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