Com-Pac Reviews

Com-Pac Eclipse SL

Com-Pac Yachts is famous for their "pocket cruisers," making the ultimate use of space and packing a whole lotta features into a small boat. Their new trailerable Eclipse is no exception. At just under 21 feet, it's designed, built and outfitted as an overnighter for four adults or a couple with kids, and will comfortably cruise two for longer periods.

The interior of the Eclipse has a surprising amount of room and storage. A settee/quarter berth on each side provides sitting/ sleeping space along with ample storage bins underneath. Behind the backrest cushions are shelves and bins which run the full length of the main cabin. At the forward end of each settee there is a vanity with storage underneath A sink is installed in the port vanity, and below the starboard vanity in storage for the self contained Butane stove. Both vanities convert into part of the galley counter, which extends the full width of the cabin when the center insert is in place. Mattress inserts turn this area into part of the vee-berth, which will comfortably sleep two adults. There's even a special insert which will convert the settee/quarter heaths into another double berth. A Porto-Potty stores behind the companionway steps. Four opening ports and a forward hatch provide plenty of light and air, while teak doors, Fiddles and a teak and holly cabin sole add that touch of class.

The Eclipse is built to take a beating. The hull and deck are hand laid triaxial fiberglass and polyester resin. The external deck to the hull joint uses stainless bolt fasteners and is protected with a rigid PVC abrasion-resistant covering and stainless steel rub rail. Through-hull fittings and chain plates have glassed-over plywood backing blocks.

When one thinks "trailerable" sailboat, one can't help but think of the rigging nightmare that goes along with it. Well, that's not the case here. The good folks at Com-Pac Yachts have developed an exclusive rapid-setup rigging system. Mast raising and tuning can be done single-handed, and ramp to launch nine only takes a few minutes.

Not only is the Eclipse easy to rig, it's easy to sail. All lines are lead to the cockpit Jiffy-reefing for the main and roller furling for the jib make reducing sail fast and safe. When there's no wind, a six-horse outboard is all you need to motor at 6.2 knots under most conditions. Not bad!

Reprinted: Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine, December 2004