Com-Pac Horizon Cat 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Horizon Cat 20 is designed for stability and simplicity rather than high-performance racing. Its cat rig consists of a single, large gaff-headed mainsail, which eliminates the need for jib sheets and simplifies tacking to a single movement of the tiller. In an editorial review for Sailing Magazine, John Kretschmer noted that the boat’s performance is surprisingly spritely for a heavy-displacement pocket cruiser, particularly in light to moderate air where the large sail area can be fully leveraged.

The hull features a shallow-draft keel with a stainless steel centerboard, drawing only 2 feet 2 inches with the board up. This configuration allows the boat to track well upwind while maintaining the ability to "beach" or explore extremely thin water. Because of its generous beam and high initial stability, the boat resists heeling, making it a favorite for sailors who prefer a level platform or those introducing nervous family members to the sport. However, like most gaff-rigged catboats, its windward performance is not as sharp as a modern sloop; it excels on reaches and downwind runs where the powerful mainsail can drive the hull to its theoretical hull speed with ease.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Horizon Cat 20 shares its hull with the Horizon Day Cat, a sibling model that trades the enclosed cabin for an oversized, open cockpit. For the standard Horizon Cat, the interior is remarkably voluminous for a 20-foot boat, largely due to the lack of a mast compression post in the center of the living space and the wide beam carried well forward. The cabin features two full-length settee berths and a V-berth extension, providing sleeping accommodations for up to three adults or a small family.

The materials used below deck lean toward the traditional, with stainless steel opening ports for ventilation and teak trim that offsets the low-maintenance fiberglass liners. Notable interior features include a dedicated space for a portable or plumbed head beneath the forward berth and a small galley area. The "Itacat" variant, a rarer sibling, occasionally appears on the secondary market featuring more teak-intensive finishes, but the standard Horizon Cat remains the most prolific version of the 20-foot hull.

Popular Mentions & Media

While Com-Pac yachts are often featured in "small boat" documentaries and sailing vlogs due to their aesthetic charm, the Horizon Cat specifically gained recognition for its role in the revival of the trailer-sailing movement in the early 2000s. It is frequently highlighted in technical discussions regarding "pocket cruisers" and was a featured design in the publication The Next Great Sailor for its accessibility features.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique mechanical components that define the Horizon Cat's utility:

• Mastendr™ Hinge: Inspect the stainless steel hinge at the base of the mast. While robust, improper lowering by previous owners can lead to minor misalignments or stress cracks in the surrounding fiberglass.
• Centerboard Trunk: Like many keel/centerboard designs, the trunk can be a site for marine growth if the boat is kept in the water. Ensure the stainless steel board operates smoothly and that the pennant (the line used to raise the board) is not frayed.
• Gaff Saddle and Rigging: The gaff rig uses more blocks and lines than a standard Bermuda rig. Check the leather or plastic parrel beads on the gaff jaw for wear and ensure the throat and peak halyards are in good condition.
• Chainplates: Though Com-Pac is known for sturdy construction, owners on technical forums often recommend checking the sealant around the chainplates on older models to prevent core saturation in the decks.

Community & Resources

The most significant resource for owners is the Com-Pac Yachts Owners Association (CPYOA), an active community that hosts technical wikis and regional "rendezvous" events. The site is a primary source for DIY modifications and factory-authorized part replacements.

The Verdict

The Com-Pac Horizon Cat 20 is a specialized vessel that prioritizes ease of assembly and stable cruising over raw speed or windward efficiency. It is an ideal choice for sailors transitioning from dinghies to cruisers who do not want to sacrifice the ability to explore shallow coastal waters.

Pros:

• Rapid Setup: The Mastendr™ system is arguably the best in its class for quick trailering.
• Exceptional Stability: The 8'4" beam provides a very secure, "big boat" feel.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Classic lines with modern, low-maintenance fiberglass construction.
• Enormous Cockpit: Offers more seating room than many 25-foot sloops.

Cons:

• Windward Ability: The gaff rig will not point as high as a modern Marconi sloop.
• Weight: At approximately 2,500 lbs (plus trailer), it requires a vehicle with a decent towing capacity (SUV or truck).
• Price Point: Holds its value very well, making it more expensive than older, mass-produced 20-footers on the used market.