Com-Pac 23 PH Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Com-Pac 23 PH is fundamentally a motorsailer, a fact reflected in its displacement and rig configuration. While it shares the same shoal-draft fin keel (drawing just 2 feet 3 inches) as its siblings, the PH carries a heavier displacement of approximately 3,500 pounds—nearly 500 pounds more than the standard Mark IV. This added weight, much of it located high in the pilothouse structure, is countered by a high ballast ratio of roughly 38%, maintaining the "stiff" and seaworthy feel for which the Mills hull is known. According to editorial reviews in Sailing Magazine, the boat is not a "blistering" performer to weather but excels on a reach.

The Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.65 confirms its identity as a cruiser that relies on its 12-hp Yanmar or Westerbeke diesel when the wind dies or turns against the nose. Handling is characterized by a "perky" sheer and a hull that resists pounding in a chop, though the large pilothouse does create windage that requires careful management in tight slips. A unique feature of the 23 PH is the dual steering system: a traditional tiller in the six-foot cockpit for fair-weather sailing and an interior wheel station for protection against the elements.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 23 PH is where the model departs most radically from the Com-Pac 23 Mark series. By raising the coachroof, designers achieved a remarkable six feet of headroom—a rarity in a trailerable 23-footer. The layout is optimized for a couple, featuring an interior helm station to starboard with a fold-down seat that cleverly doubles as extra galley counter space. Opposite the helm is a small dinette that can be converted into a single berth, while a traditional V-berth occupies the bow.

The most praised internal feature is the fully enclosed head, located aft to starboard. Unlike the portable toilets tucked under V-berths in standard models, the PH includes a marine head and a slide-out sink. Natural light is abundant due to large sliding side windows and four overhead hatches, which mitigate the "claustrophobic" feel often associated with small cruisers. The use of white laminates and teak trim maintains a traditional nautical aesthetic without the weight of excessive solid wood. While the hull is identical to the Com-Pac 23 Mark I, II, III, and IV, the PH’s deck mold is unique, sacrificing some side-deck width to maximize the internal "salon" volume.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Com-Pac 23 PH received high-level industry recognition shortly after its debut, being named a winner in the 2012 Sail Magazine Best Boats awards. It was specifically lauded in the "Cruising Boats Under 30 Feet" category for its innovative use of space and all-weather capability. It has also been featured in technical reviews by Boats.com, where it was described as a "serious trailerable cruiser" for those transitioning from larger yachts.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the specific complexities of the pilothouse and the aging of the original 1970s-era hull design:

• Weather Helm: Like all Com-Pac 23 hulls, the PH can experience significant weather helm if the sails are not trimmed correctly or if they are "blown out." Most PH models include the bowsprit, which was a factory correction in later hull iterations to move the center of effort forward and alleviate this strain.
• Window Seals: The large sliding pilothouse windows are a primary point of failure. Buyers should check for water staining on the interior teak or laminate, which indicates failing gaskets or tracks that can lead to core rot in the cabintop.
• Deck Core: While the hull is solid fiberglass, the decks are balsa-cored. High-stress areas around the tabernacle mast step and the pilothouse joints should be checked for "soft spots" or delamination.
• Rigging Tension: Because the boat uses the "Mastendr" system for easy stepping, the standing rigging is sometimes kept looser than on a fixed-mast boat. Inspect the chainplates and stays for evidence of excessive vibration or fatigue.
• Diesel Exhaust: On Yanmar-equipped models, inspect the mixing elbow for carbon buildup, as the low-hour engines often found on these boats are prone to clogging if not run at high RPMs regularly.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 23 PH are typically active in the Com-Pac Yacht Owners Association (CPYOA), a robust community that offers technical wikis and modification guides. While the manufacturer has closed, technical support for the Mastendr system and replacement parts is often coordinated through the CPYOA forums and dedicated regional owner groups.

The Verdict

The Com-Pac 23 PH is a specialized "pocket" motorsailer that offers an unparalleled level of comfort for its size, making it ideal for coastal gunkholing and "extended-season" cruising.

Pros:

• Full 6-foot headroom in a trailerable 23-foot hull.
• Dual steering stations provide true all-weather capability.
• Shoal draft of 2' 3" allows access to extremely thin water.
• Proven, stable hull design with a high ballast ratio.

Cons:

• Significant windage from the pilothouse can make docking challenging in breezes.
• Slow performance to weather compared to dedicated sloops.
• Small cockpit and narrow side decks due to the enlarged cabin house.