Jesse, The Com-Pac 16' is no longer in production, but used boats in good condition are plentiful. The model with bowsprit and centerboard (the Com-Pac 16CB) will perform the best. But I understand that even the 16CB is no sparkling performer. Don't let the 15' and 16' in the comparison of the Com-Pac and Montgomery fool you: The Montgomery 15' is much roomer, much more boat, than the Com-Pac 16'. The Montgomery 15' has sailed from California to Hawaii. The Com-Pac 16' is a cute little boat for puttering around on your local inland lake. The Montgomery 15' will easily outrun a Com-Pac 16' and will be seakindlier in all conditions. I ruled out the Com-Pac 16' when I saw its low-slung cockpit benches: I knew sailing one would always feel like sqatting in a dinghy. I understand the Com-Pacs are well built and are aesthetically very charming. I've never heard of the Com-Pac 18': Are you sure you aren't referring to the new 20' Horizon Cat, big sister to the Sun Cat? There is a Com-Pac 19', also no longer in production. The Com-Pac 19' is much more boat than the Com-Pac 16': The difference between dinghy and yacht. I believe used 19's in good condition are plentiful, too, but they're heavily ballasted boats that are challenging to tow and launch. The M17 would be a great choice. I assume you've ruled out the Potters, the Precisions and the Stuart 19', if the M's and Com-Pacs are on your short list. I think the Potters, Precisions and Stuart are fine boats, too. Good luck with your choice. I'm sure you could squeeze plenty of fun out of the Com-Pac 16CB, for less money than you'd spend on a used Montgomery 15'. But since you're a former big-boat sailor, you probably have the sailing experience to appreciate the M15's superior performance and would also value the roominess of the M15. And the M15 has a wonderful big v-berth, which sits nice and high so you don't have to crouch getting in and out, with no compression post to force contortions on entry and exit. Fair winds, Craig ----- Original Message ----- From: Jesse Tate To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2003 9:42 PM Subject: M_Boats: Montgomery 15 vs Compac 16 OK! Looks like I've sold the big boat and I am ready to go small. The short list is a CP 16, Compac Suncat, Montgomery 15 or 17 and maybe the new Compac 18 coming out sometime this year (so I am told). So,,,,, any comments, experiences shared or any info about the boats mentioned would be appreciated. The short, short list is CP 16 vs Montgomery 15. Thanks, Jesse ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats