Here are two similar-length trailersailers that were designed quite differently—the unusual but versatile Ranger 20 and the rugged Com-Pac 19. Which of the two would you prefer, and why?
The Compac is a sturdy boat but not particularly fast or weatherly which I why I chose the Ranger. I like the unique indoor/outdoor cabin especially for warm climates. The Compac just doesn't have enough ventilation.
Have had not owned or sailed the Com-Pac 19 but in my early years I owned a Ranger 20 and found it outstanding in just about every endeavor I put before it while cruising the San Juans and Canadian Gulf islands.
I currently sail a ComPac 19 (my second!), as the dry accommodations and relatively watertight, stiff, uncomplicated, self-bailing fixed keel integrity/simplicity of a sedate SUV works better for me in the Pacific Northwest than a convertible with a mussel-attracting centerboard .....at least at the tender age of 83. BUT.... I previously owned a Kent Ranger 26, and remain a fan of Ray Richards' quirky designs, especially the amazingly flexible Ranger 20. After all.... I used to trailer-sail a Dovekie.....and a Marsh Hen!
I lusted after the Compac 19 awhile before I landed on my Capri 18. I think I ended up with the right boat for me, the Compac would be a lot more to tow, to rig, to launch … and a little bit more performance and accommodation.
When it comes to shoal draft and CB boats, I wish you would include the draft instead of making me search for it online. Living along the Jersey shore, sometimes inches count!
I have never sailed either, but I do prefer the compact for her prettier lines. 19 through 23 feet is a sweet spot for me. Small enough to trailer to new locales, but big enough to head off shore a bit to do coastal hops.
The cabin and storage is also good for longer cruises. The ability to carry a portapottie is also a plus.
I typically would not choose a Compac as they are too slow for my sailing preferences, but in this instance I just can’t pick the Ranger because you can’t close up the companionway/cabin with hatch boards. If I’m going to get a bigger trailer sailer with a cabin and a stub keel I want the comfort and safety of hatch boards.
The Ranger, with it's larger cockpit and unique layout would be far more ideal for me - I spend more than 90 percent of my time on deck, so that's where I want the roominess to be. I love all the extra room afforded by the dodger vs a traditional cabin. I'm one of those people who think a Chrysler 20 was a more logical boat than a Chrysler 22... however, if I were sailing to, say, the Bahamas, on a regular basis, I'd likely choose the Com-Pac.
I own a Compac 16, I’m the original model of this 1980 sailboat and have always been impressed with the quality and sturdiness of Compac boats. Sailed it in the Atlantic, Pacific coasts of NA and many high mountain lakes in CO and Utah. They are great boats, but they wont be the swiftess in a race, but very well behaved in a blow.
The Compac is a sturdy boat but not particularly fast or weatherly which I why I chose the Ranger. I like the unique indoor/outdoor cabin especially for warm climates. The Compac just doesn't have enough ventilation.
Have had not owned or sailed the Com-Pac 19 but in my early years I owned a Ranger 20 and found it outstanding in just about every endeavor I put before it while cruising the San Juans and Canadian Gulf islands.
I currently sail a ComPac 19 (my second!), as the dry accommodations and relatively watertight, stiff, uncomplicated, self-bailing fixed keel integrity/simplicity of a sedate SUV works better for me in the Pacific Northwest than a convertible with a mussel-attracting centerboard .....at least at the tender age of 83. BUT.... I previously owned a Kent Ranger 26, and remain a fan of Ray Richards' quirky designs, especially the amazingly flexible Ranger 20. After all.... I used to trailer-sail a Dovekie.....and a Marsh Hen!
Experience shows
Lighter, faster, planes more readily, tough enough to finish the Race to Alaska.
I pick the compac for the available shelter and accommodations. Ranger would be a nice performance day sailor.
I am biased because I have owned a 19 for 15 years and have been delighted with her. I have mainly sailed out of Newport OR
Paul T
I lusted after the Compac 19 awhile before I landed on my Capri 18. I think I ended up with the right boat for me, the Compac would be a lot more to tow, to rig, to launch … and a little bit more performance and accommodation.
Still . . . It’s a beautiful boat!
Giving up sailing abilities for cruising abilities on this one…Com-Pac.
When it comes to shoal draft and CB boats, I wish you would include the draft instead of making me search for it online. Living along the Jersey shore, sometimes inches count!
I have never sailed either, but I do prefer the compact for her prettier lines. 19 through 23 feet is a sweet spot for me. Small enough to trailer to new locales, but big enough to head off shore a bit to do coastal hops.
The cabin and storage is also good for longer cruises. The ability to carry a portapottie is also a plus.
I typically would not choose a Compac as they are too slow for my sailing preferences, but in this instance I just can’t pick the Ranger because you can’t close up the companionway/cabin with hatch boards. If I’m going to get a bigger trailer sailer with a cabin and a stub keel I want the comfort and safety of hatch boards.
This is a tough one!!
The R-20 is fast and sails great. I like the large standing headroom too with the dodger. However, I do like the CP-19's ready to go cabin.
I really could go either way on this one.
Com-Pac Yachts are elegant and well crafted.
I'm on my second Com-Pac 19, so I'm slightly biased. Tough little cruising boat.
Swing keel, lighter, better for gunkholing.
The Ranger, with it's larger cockpit and unique layout would be far more ideal for me - I spend more than 90 percent of my time on deck, so that's where I want the roominess to be. I love all the extra room afforded by the dodger vs a traditional cabin. I'm one of those people who think a Chrysler 20 was a more logical boat than a Chrysler 22... however, if I were sailing to, say, the Bahamas, on a regular basis, I'd likely choose the Com-Pac.
I own a Compac 16, I’m the original model of this 1980 sailboat and have always been impressed with the quality and sturdiness of Compac boats. Sailed it in the Atlantic, Pacific coasts of NA and many high mountain lakes in CO and Utah. They are great boats, but they wont be the swiftess in a race, but very well behaved in a blow.