p.s., I should add that the Com-Pac Sun Cat is a VERY impressive little boat and seems like it would be a wonderful pocket-cruiser. It will not compare performance-wise with the M15, but it's not meant to. The Sun Cat is very cleverly designed for ease of launch, with thoughtful cruising accomodations. It's also very pretty. In my opinion, all the Com-Pacs are either beautiful (the Horizon Cat), or at least adorably cute (the Com-Pac 16'), if that matters to you. ----- Original Message ----- From: Honshells To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2003 10:23 PM Subject: Montgomery 15 vs Compac 16 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