New Bahamas Cruiser

[Frank]

Stopped to see my buddies at Compac last spring. An old friend that lives close by had interest in a suncat. While there....Gerry had a mock-up of the new 23 pilot house. A quick review and I made a deal. Figure with standing headroom, inside/outside steering, lil twin cylinder diesel, standing-private head etc etc and only 2ft 3in draft it would be a perfect Bahamas cruiser.
I have no expectations of crossing big oceans or pointing high...just a great overall set of compromises. Steer inside in the rain, coffee with a 360 degree view on a wet/cold morning and gunk holing into shallow places are what appeals to me after a few trawler trips. Realizing I'd miss a sail made this seem near perfect.
I added a footpump at the sink, full cockpit enclosure, a built in solar panel, extra cooler and engine insulation to make it a better cruiser.
It's finished, but I won't get it until I get outta here sometime in December.

[Frank]

pics

[Frank]

pics...panel mounted to bimini frame plus one thats movable

[Frank]

pics...had to get a ships wheel for looks  ;-)

[Frank]

filler boards and cushions for nice nights in the cockpit

[Frank]

interior (not mine...but the same cushions)

[Frank]

cushions in

[Chattcatdaddy]

Its kinda ugly and beautiful at the same time. ;D Compac builds quality boats and i`m sure it will make a great mini-cruiser. Congrats on your purchase.

[Mario G]

Congrats Frank I read the write up in Latitudes & Attitudes and the 1st mate and I both agree its a nice boat.
See you in the Bahammas

[Jim_ME]

Very cool Frank.  :)

[Tim]

"You be stylin'" going to be the envy of your neighbor hood down there

[doug]

We admired the craft at the Annapolis show. 

[Frank]

yep...ugly and beautiful at the same time  ;) :D ;D :o   Great set of compromises. Looking forward to gunkholing on it.

[Frank]

There's a lil back cut at Manjack....almost like a creek. Can't wait for a windy day to anchor back there in the shallows, protected by mangroves, sitting inside, watching the fish swim by and not caring about the weather....all in 3ft of water. Hoping that scenario repeats itself in many places   ;D

[boblamb]

Congratulations on the new little ship, Frank.  I saw the boat at the factory just before sea trials and see it regularly at the Clearwater Marina.  She's a beauty!  No "ugly" at all.

Green with envy
BobL

[ntica]

Nice little ship. great interior. Wish I was in Bahamas...

[Oldrig]

Frank,

She looks like a comfy cruiser--almost a mini-motorsailer. Should be great for voyaging. Congratulations!

--Joe

[Frank]

Thanks for the comments gang. It truly is a "mini motor sailor".  After a few Desolation Sound (west coast of Vancouver)cruises on a trawler, I was sold on the idea of inside steering and a coffee with 360 degree view...with heat if needed  ;)  But...like most here, I'd sure miss sailing. This otta fill the needs pretty well.  I'll keep the group posted once I get sailing her.

[Frank]

link to a few pics

http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=4263.0

gotta scroll down....

[s/v Faith]

I think that it is beautiful.

  If you need a 'test pilot' to try it out Frank, I could probably find one for you.  ;D

Sitting on the hook in the midst of a rainy day swinging on a Manson Supreme as a cold front clocks through... drinking a cup of coffee and reading a book on a February day at Allens-Pensacola... that full cockpit enclosure would be a wonderful thing indeed!

  I am sure you will find her to be all that you had hoped for.  Glad you took the plunge, look forward to hearing all about it!