Com-Pac Eclipse Information, Review, Specs

The Eclipse is built on the same hull as its gaff-rigged sibling, the Com-Pac Horizon Cat. While the Horizon Cat appeals to the traditionalist with its cat-rigged single sail and wood-heavy aesthetic, the Eclipse is tailored for the sailor who prefers a modern fractional sloop rig and easier handling in a broader range of wind conditions. Both models benefit from a high-lift shoal keel with a stainless steel centerboard, allowing for gunkholing in just 1 foot, 6 inches of water.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Com-Pac Eclipse is designed for stability and predictability rather than raw racing speed, though its performance is often described as agile for a pocket cruiser. It features a displacement of approximately 2,200 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio that contributes to a stiff, "big boat" feel. Sail Magazine notes that its long waterline and relatively high sail-area-to-displacement ratio make it faster than many of its predecessors in the Com-Pac line.

A defining technical feature is the "Mastendr" quick-rigging system. This system utilizes a mast hinge and a stainless steel boom gallows that doubles as a mast support. When trailering, the mast can be lowered and slid forward without disconnecting the stays, a process that owners frequently report takes less than 30 minutes to complete from ramp to water. Under sail, the boat's flat bottom and soft chines provide significant initial stability, while the kick-up rudder and centerboard allow the boat to point reasonably well for its class, especially when compared to traditional cat-rigged designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a boat under 19 feet on deck, the Eclipse offers a surprisingly functional interior, achieved by extending the cabin house outboard to eliminate side decks. This design choice maximizes interior volume, providing enough space for four berths: a V-berth forward (best suited for children or gear storage) and two full-length quarter berths extending under the cockpit. Com-Pac Yachts details the cabin as featuring 48 inches of headroom, which, while not standing height, is sufficient for comfortable sitting and sleeping.

The interior includes a compact galley on the port side, typically equipped with a single-burner stove and a stainless steel sink served by a manual pump. A portable head is discreetly stowed under the companionway ladder. While the Eclipse is primarily a sloop, its sibling, the Horizon Cat, offers a similar hull but replaces the forward V-berth with an enclosed head compartment, a tradeoff many "retirement-age" cruisers consider when choosing between the two rigs. The use of high-quality fabrics and wood trim maintains the "miniature yacht" aesthetic for which the Hutchins Company is known.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Com-Pac Eclipse has developed a loyal following in the "small boat, big summer" cruising community. It is a frequent subject of the Passages From The Heart podcast, where veteran sailor and author Al Santini has discussed his nine-year ownership of the model. Santini, who has written several technical books and a sailing fiction series featuring "Captain Pete," often cites the Eclipse as an ideal vessel for solo coastal exploration. The boat is also featured in several detailed video reviews by solo sailing channels on YouTube, where it is often lauded for its ease of launching and retrieval in remote locations.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique mechanical systems that facilitate the boat's trailerability:

• Outboard Weight: The transom is designed for small outboards (4 hp to 6 hp). Using a larger 9.9 hp 4-stroke engine can lead to an excessive stern squat, affecting handling and drainage.
• Mastendr Hinge: Inspect the mast hinge and the "Mastendr" hardware for stress cracks or elongated holes, especially if the boat has been frequently trailered and rigged by a single person.
• Centerboard Pin and Trunk: Like all centerboard boats, the pivot pin and the stainless steel trunk should be checked for wear and marine growth, which can jam the board.
• Deck Access: Because there are no side decks, going forward requires walking over the cabin top. Buyers should ensure the non-skid surface is in good condition and consider the addition of handrails if not already installed.
• Trailer Condition: The "Magic Tilt" trailers originally paired with the boat often benefit from an upgrade to 13-inch wheels for long-distance highway hauling, as the standard smaller wheels can be prone to overheating.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Com-Pac Yachts Owners Association (CPYOA). This active community maintains a technical forum with decades of archived advice specifically regarding the Eclipse and its siblings. The association also organizes regional "rendezvous" events, such as the Carlyle Lake Rendezvous and the Barnegat Bash, where Eclipse owners gather to share rigging tips and cruise in company.

The Verdict

The Com-Pac Eclipse is a premier choice for the sailor who values the flexibility of a trailerable vessel but refuses to sacrifice the aesthetics and build quality of a traditional yacht. It excels as a coastal gunkholer and weekend cruiser for couples or small families.

Pros

• Mastendr System: One of the easiest and fastest boats to rig in its size class.
• Shallow Draft: Capable of entering bays and creeks inaccessible to most keelboats.
• Build Quality: Solid fiberglass construction and stainless steel fittings ensure longevity.
• Stability: A wide beam and low center of gravity provide a secure feel in chop.

Cons

• Headroom: Limited to 48 inches, making it a "crawling" cabin.
• Narrow Sidedecks: Forward access requires crossing the cabin top, which may be difficult for less mobile sailors.
• Berth Layout: The V-berth is too short for most adults, effectively making it a comfortable two-person cruiser rather than a four-person boat.