If you've been scouring the web for a com pac sun cat for sale, you've likely realized that these little catboats have a bit of a cult following for a reason. They aren't just your average small sailboat; they represent a specific kind of freedom that's hard to find in bigger, more complicated vessels. Whether you're a solo sailor who wants to get on the water in fifteen minutes or a couple looking for a weekend gunkholing adventure, the Sun Cat is usually at the top of the list. But finding one? That's where the challenge begins, because people who buy them tend to hold onto them for a long time.
Why everyone is looking for this boat
The Com-Pac Sun Cat, designed by the legendary Clark Mills, is a 17-foot masterpiece of simplicity. Most people looking for a com pac sun cat for sale are drawn to its traditional lines. It looks like something you'd see in a painting of a New England harbor from a hundred years ago, yet it's built with modern fiberglass and clever engineering.
The real magic is the cat rig. Having only one sail to worry about makes life so much easier. You don't have to mess with jibs, stays, or complicated rigging. You just hoist the gaff-rigged mainsail and you're off. For anyone who's tired of wrestling with a tangled mess of lines every time they want to go for a quick afternoon sail, the Sun Cat is a breath of fresh air.
The legendary Mastendr system
One of the biggest selling points you'll see mentioned in any listing for a com pac sun cat for sale is the "Mastendr" sailing system. If you haven't seen it in action, it's honestly a game-changer for trailer sailing.
Usually, stepping a mast on a 17-foot boat involves a lot of grunting, balancing, and hoping you don't drop the thing on your head or your car. The Mastendr system allows the mast to be raised or lowered in seconds because it's hinged. You don't have to disconnect the stays or the wires. It's so simple that one person can do it without breaking a sweat. This is why you see so many Sun Cats in driveways rather than expensive slips; they are just so easy to launch and retrieve.
What to look for when you find one
When you finally track down a com pac sun cat for sale, you need to move fast, but you also need to know what to check. These boats are built like tanks by Hutchins Co. in Florida, but like any boat, they can have issues if they weren't cared for.
First, check the teak. Com-Pac boats are known for their beautiful wood accents, but if a previous owner let the teak go gray and crack, you've got some sanding and oiling in your future. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a good bargaining point.
Second, take a close look at the centerboard trunk. The Sun Cat has a shallow draft (only about 1 foot with the board up), which is great for beaching, but you want to make sure the board moves freely and hasn't been banged up on rocks too badly. Also, check the mast hinge—the heart of that Mastendr system—to make sure it hasn't been bent or stressed.
Where to hunt for a Com-Pac Sun Cat for sale
Since these boats don't stay on the market long, you have to be a bit of a detective. Don't just stick to the big sites like BoatTrader or YachtWorld. While those are great, many Sun Cats are sold through smaller, more niche communities.
Facebook groups dedicated to Com-Pac owners are a gold mine. Often, someone will post that they are thinking about selling before they ever list it officially. There are also forums like the "Com-Pac Owners" site where you can find listings from people who truly loved and maintained their boats.
Another tip: look at local marinas in areas with shallow water, like the Florida coast or the Chesapeake Bay. Because of that 14-inch draft, these boats are incredibly popular in places where other sailboats can't go. Sometimes a "For Sale" sign on a bow pulpit in a local yard is your best bet to beat the online crowds.
Understanding the price points
If you're looking at a com pac sun cat for sale, you might be surprised by the price. They hold their value incredibly well. A brand-new one from the factory is a significant investment, so used models often sell for what seems like a high percentage of their original cost.
A used Sun Cat from the early 2000s might still fetch a pretty penny if it comes with a good trailer and a reliable outboard motor. Don't be discouraged if the price seems high compared to other 17-foot boats. You're paying for the build quality and the ease of use. It's much cheaper than paying for a slip at a marina for a 27-foot boat that you only use twice a year because it's too much work to get ready.
Cabin life on a 17-foot boat
It's important to manage your expectations regarding the "cabin." If you find a com pac sun cat for sale that isn't the "Sunday Cat" version (which is an open cockpit daysailer), you'll get a small cabin with two berths.
Is it a luxury yacht? No. But is it a cozy place to ride out a rainstorm or spend a night at anchor in a quiet cove? Absolutely. It's basically "glamping" on the water. There's enough room for a portable toilet and some basic gear. Most people who overnight in a Sun Cat say the best part is being able to tuck into tiny little creeks where the big boats can't follow. You get the best views and the most privacy because your boat only needs a foot of water to float.
The "Sunday Cat" vs. the standard Sun Cat
While you're searching, you might see a com pac sun cat for sale that looks a little different. That's probably the Sunday Cat. The main difference is that the Sunday Cat does away with the cabin in favor of a massive, elongated cockpit.
If you don't plan on ever sleeping on the boat, the Sunday Cat might actually be the better choice. It can fit more friends, and it feels much more open. However, if you like the idea of having a dry place to stash your gear or a spot for the kids to take a nap, stick with the standard Sun Cat. Both models use the same hull and the same Mastendr rig, so the sailing performance is pretty much identical.
Final thoughts on your search
Finding a com pac sun cat for sale requires a bit of patience and a lot of refreshing your browser tabs. It's the kind of boat that changes how you think about sailing. Instead of it being a chore-filled weekend project, it becomes something you can do on a whim on a Tuesday evening after work.
Once you get your hands on one, you'll understand why the community is so tight-knit. Whether you're gliding through a foot of water or trailering it down the highway to a new lake, the Sun Cat just makes sense. Keep an eye on the listings, have your hitch ready, and don't be afraid to drive a few states over to pick up the right one. They are worth the trip.