Com-Pac Eclipse Information, Review, Specs

The Com-Pac Eclipse entered production in 2004, a testament to Com-Pac Yachts' enduring commitment to the trailerable sailboat market. Designed by the in-house Hutchins Design Team, the Eclipse was developed as a pocket cruiser, intended to be both seaworthy and highly accessible. This design aligns perfectly with Com-Pac's broader manufacturing ethos during that era, which emphasized building durable, well-built vessels without unnecessary complexity, making sailing available to a wider audience. The company, a division of the family-owned Hutchins Company, has consistently focused on quality and user-friendliness since its inception around 1970.

The Eclipse features a monohull design with a unique combination of a keelson/shoal draft keel and a swinging centerboard, allowing for a minimum draft of 1.5 feet and a maximum draft of 5.16 feet when the board is deployed. This versatile keel arrangement contributes to its trailerability and ability to access shallower waters. While specific variations like MkI or MkII are not widely documented for the Eclipse, its design is noted to be closely related to established models like the Com-Pac 23, suggesting a consistent design language across the builder's range. The boat carries 700 pounds of ballast, contributing to its stability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Though compact with a length overall of just over 21 feet, the Com-Pac Eclipse is designed for enjoyable sailing. It is frequently lauded for its easy handling, making it a suitable choice for new sailors or those seeking a manageable vessel. Owners have noted its quality construction, which contributes to a solid feel on the water. Its design as a coastal cruising sailboat implies a stable and predictable performance, well-suited for daysailing and weekend trips. The fractional sloop rig, with its sail area of 200 square feet, provides balanced power for its displacement of 2,200 pounds. Anecdotal evidence from owners suggests it is a capable boat for solo sailing, further highlighting its straightforward handling characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Com-Pac Eclipse is designed to offer a comfortable interior for a pocket cruiser. While specific detailed layouts are best viewed through diagrams or reviews, the vessel is known to feature a "spacious salon" for its size. Com-Pac Yachts has a history of allowing for interior layout modifications to accommodate customer preferences, suggesting a degree of customization and thoughtful use of the available volume. The interior finish is generally consistent with Com-Pac's reputation for quality, offering a comfortable and functional space for overnighting or weekend cruises.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Com-Pac Eclipse consistently praise its quality construction and easy handling, highlighting its suitability for convenient sailing. A significant advantage frequently cited by owners is its trailerability, including the ease with which the mast can be stepped and the boat launched by a single person. This allows for greater flexibility in exploring various cruising grounds and simplifies storage. Many owners express affection for the boat, appreciating its capabilities as the largest vessel they can comfortably tow with their vehicles. While generalized common problems for the Com-Pac Eclipse are not widely reported in owner forums, the brand as a whole is known for its solid, core-free fiberglass hull construction, contributing to its enduring reputation for reliability. Owners are generally satisfied with the boat's design and build quality.