Com-Pac 23 Mk IV Information, Review, Specs

Built by Com-Pac Yachts, a division of the family-owned Hutchins Company, the Com-Pac 23 Mk IV benefits from decades of expertise in crafting seaworthy and user-friendly sailboats. The original design for the Com-Pac 23 series was penned by the celebrated naval architect Clark Mills, renowned for his practical and capable small boat designs.

History and Design

The Com-Pac 23 series first emerged in 1978, with the Mk IV model entering production in 1997. As a product of Com-Pac Yachts, its creation was guided by the builder's steadfast philosophy of producing boats that are "easy to sail, easy to launch, and easy to trailer," emphasizing convenience and accessibility. The Hutchins Company, operating from Clearwater, Florida, has maintained a consistent vision for quality craftsmanship and value throughout its history.

The Com-Pac 23 Mk IV retains the proven hull form of its predecessors, reflecting a design ethos focused on robustness and dependability. The primary advancements in the Mk IV iteration lie in its interior, which received modifications to facilitate the easier installation of modern instruments, radios, and shore power systems, enhancing its utility for contemporary sailors. Over its production run, the Com-Pac 23 line has seen various evolutionary changes, but the core design by Clark Mills as a capable pocket cruiser has remained constant.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Com-Pac 23 Mk IV is designed for a balanced and forgiving sailing experience, suitable for a wide range of conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.78, she is moderately powered, suggesting decent performance in lighter airs without being overly sensitive in strong winds. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 44.67%, indicates a high degree of initial stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and providing a secure motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 163.39 categorizes her as a relatively lighter displacement boat for her waterline length, contributing to her liveliness under sail.

Equipped with a fin keel derived from NACA low-drag, high-lift wing sections, the Com-Pac 23 Mk IV offers efficient foil shape for improved hydrodynamics. Owners generally find the boat handles predictably, making it well-suited for both simple day sailing and more extended coastal cruising. While generally well-balanced, some owners have noted a tendency for weather helm, which can often be mitigated by adjusting mast rake or sail trim. Its shallow draft of just 2.25 feet is a significant advantage, particularly for trailerability and exploring shallower anchorages, yet it maintains good upwind performance with its efficient fin keel.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size and emphasis on trailerability, the Com-Pac 23 Mk IV offers a surprisingly functional and comfortable interior. The cabin features a two-cabin layout designed to provide privacy, and it offers berths capable of accommodating up to four adults. Headroom within the main cabin is approximately 52 inches (130 cm), with standing headroom typically found only directly under the companionway.

The interior layout includes a "hide-a-way galley," a clever space-saving solution that often incorporates a two-burner stove. General descriptions indicate ample storage throughout the cabin, crucial for a boat of this size. The construction utilizes good quality materials, with a common interior finish featuring white laminate complemented by teak trim, contributing to a clean and classic aesthetic. The Mk IV's specific interior modifications for easier instrument and shore power installation reflect a modern approach to equipping the boat for contemporary cruising needs.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Com-Pac 23 Mk IV often praise its solid construction and the overall quality of materials used by Com-Pac Yachts. Many appreciate the boat's "easy to sail" characteristics and its reliability, with some opting for factory-installed inboard diesel engines like the Yanmar 2YM15 for enhanced cruising capabilities. The boat is widely regarded for its lack of significant, recurring expensive issues, contributing to its reputation as a dependable and low-maintenance vessel.

The enduring appeal of the Com-Pac 23 Mk IV is further reinforced by a strong sense of community among its owners, fostered by organizations such as the Com-Pac Yachts Owners Association (CPYOA). This active network underscores the high level of satisfaction owners derive from their boats, many of whom, despite the boat's trailerable design, choose to keep them in the water, highlighting their confidence in the vessel's enduring quality and cruising capabilities.