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I am looking to buy my first boat and want something I can spend a few days on and sail in the sound as well as trailer. I have been sailing my whole life off and on since a teen ager, just never bought my own boat.
I have found a 1989 Marshall Marine 18’ sanderling catboat and a 2006 20′ Com-Pac Horizon Catboat in my price range and they both seem to be in good condition. They are also nearly the same price even though they are so far apart in age. Is the older Marshall that much of a better boat that it would be worth going that much older on my first boat and given the size difference as well?Earl
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Earl, I’m new hear also, didn’t get any responses to my couple of posts. that’s ok. I’ve been restoring boats for 25 years. And I’m still hoping for my own catboat. I think I’m going to build. Since most of my sailing is solo. I’m going to stick to something around 16 feet. Easy to trailer. I think the Com-pac Horizon is a big boat. Heavier , another 6 inches of draft. Unless your cruising with a family I’d tend to stick to a Sanderling. If you haven’t been on a Sanderling , it’s a pretty big boat also. Just would seem easier launch, trailer, Probably less sail to deal with. Good reputation and hold their value. I’m kind of old school anyway, I need spars that are wooden or at least look wooden and a tiller. good luck, Dave
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Earl, I agree with Dave that the age difference between the two boats probably isn’t the most important factor for you to consider. I don’t have any experience with the sailing characteristics or build quality of the Compac Horizon but I can tell you that the Sanderling has impressive light air performance, a bullet-proof hull, a strong owner community and excellent support from Marshall Marine. It is a pretty darn good daysailer that can be sailed solo or can hold 6 comfortably. It’s also pretty easy to get it on and off a trailer. It wouldn’t be my first choice for cruising however. The cabin is a bit small for my six foot frame and requires more flexibility than my old body has in it.
Do both boats have that same type of auxiliary power (either inboard or outboard). Inboards are certainly more convenient to use (and eliminate the nagging problem of the mainsheet getting snagged on the outboard when gybing) but increase system complexity and maintenance costs.
Just my two cents. Good Luck in your search. Bill
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