Com-Pac 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Com-Pac 35 in 1990 marked an expansion for Com-Pac Yachts, a division of The Hutchins Company, into larger sailboat designs. While Com-Pac is best known for its smaller, trailerable boats, the 35-foot model showcased their ability to produce a more substantial cruising vessel. The design was entrusted to Charley Morgan, a naval architect known for his traditional yet performance-oriented yacht designs. Morgan's philosophy for the Com-Pac 35 centered on four key elements: achieving a shoal draft, ensuring stability, providing seaworthiness, and delivering speed. The boat features a balanced masthead sloop rig and a unique Scheel keel, which contributes to its shoal draft while minimizing the usual performance compromises associated with such a design. Com-Pac Yachts, under the continuous ownership of the Hutchins family, has consistently maintained a manufacturing ethos focused on durable, well-built vessels without unnecessary complexity, a principle evident in the solid fiberglass hull and deck construction of the Com-Pac 35.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Com-Pac 35 is characterized by a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.9, suggesting a moderate performance cruiser capable of good speed, particularly in lighter air, despite its relatively heavy displacement. Her substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio of 45.6% contributes significantly to her stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a fair amount of wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a displacement-to-length ratio of about 229, she falls into the moderate displacement category, balancing a comfortable ride with respectable speed.

Sailors often praise the Com-Pac 35's impressive speed and maneuverability, especially given its shoal draft Scheel keel, which reportedly minimizes performance costs. Owners report that the boat handles well and is surprisingly nimble. Sailing controls are thoughtfully led aft, and the mast is kept free of winches, simplifying sail handling. Her design aims for a balance of comfort, stability, and surprising sailing performance, making her a pleasant vessel to handle across various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The 11.83-foot beam of the Com-Pac 35 allows for a remarkably voluminous interior, providing comfortable living spaces for extended cruising. While specific headroom is not detailed in the provided data, the generous beam suggests ample volume. The typical interior layout of the Com-Pac 35 features a traditional arrangement designed for liveability. This often includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Storage is generally well-considered, with lockers and compartments throughout the cabin. The finish quality often reflects Com-Pac's commitment to solid construction, typically incorporating a blend of fiberglass surfaces with wood trim, providing a warm and practical ambiance. Ventilation is usually achieved through deck hatches and opening ports, common features on cruisers of this era. Many owners find the standard wick-style alcohol stoves sufficient, though some have opted for LPG systems for more extensive cooking needs.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Com-Pac 35 for its solid construction, stability, and comfortable motion offshore. Many appreciate its shoal draft, enabled by the Scheel keel, which significantly expands cruising grounds and provides access to shallower anchorages. The boat's ease of handling and surprising performance, particularly in light air, are frequently highlighted as major strengths. The Com-Pac 35 is often described as a "no-nonsense, premium quality yacht" that combines comfort with stability.

A recurring positive sentiment is the boat's suitability as a capable cruiser. Some owners have even suggested its potential as a blue water vessel. While specific common weaknesses are less frequently detailed in broad reviews, a general observation among cruisers of this vintage might relate to the maintenance of original deck fittings or older equipment. Overall, the Com-Pac 35 fosters a strong sense of satisfaction among its owners, who value its robust build, comfortable cruising capabilities, and accessible sailing characteristics.