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dmgf · 09-01-2012, 18:15

We fitted out a new Compass 29 in 1981 and cruised her for 2 1/2 years from Jervis Bay up the East Coast to Lizard Is and then onto PNG (Louisiades) & througout the Solomon Islands. Some people are surprised we went so far in such a small boat & we could have gone further but careers called us back. We always felt safe in her and the liveaboard was good for 2 people with occasional friends. Unbelievably we sold her for more than we spent all up! It was slow travelling now that we have a Dufour 425 to compare it to.
Good luck with the Clansman though - they were on our radar at the time but we wanted to fit out a new boat to avoid maintainence issues.
cheers
DMGF

bodgy · 09-01-2012, 21:49

For what its worth, I compared the Compass 28, 29 and Clansman years ago when I was in the market for such.

The Clansman was the most appealing, followed by the Compass 28. Details are a bit vague now, but I well remember the conclusion. I also remember the Clansman was more expensive than the Compass.

The Compass 29 had a fairly bad rep, mainly due to the excessive weather helm. Rumour was thats why a wheel was preferred over the tiller.

**GordMay** · 10-01-2012, 07:21

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, biggles72 & David.

David Everett · 15-02-2012, 23:27

Just for interest, I sailed a Clansman 30 in 1980 from Sydney > Cairns > PNG including Rabaul in New Britain and Kavieng in New Ireland, then back to Adelaide. Sailed SA waters extensively, often single handed for next 5 years, then sold when the 'nightmare' of marriage, career, kids, mortgage happened.
Fellow cruisers at the time were amazed that we were in open waters in such a small boat, but I can honestly say that she was the most sea-worthy, sea-kindly (heavy displacement for size, narrow beam, low freeboard, long keel) of the boats I have sailed around that 30-34' range. She coped with some challenging conditions on that trip. Very fond memories flood back whenever I see one. If anyone knows where she is now - was called Tiarnie - I'd love to know. We lived on her for a whole year (mostly 3, long trip back to SA 2).
So, to the person who originally asked, if you find one in good condition, seriously think of taking it for a sea trial.
Just to spoil the story, I'm waiting for a new Catalina 355 to arrive from US in March - so much NOT like a Clansman! However, my girlfriend who dared jump on the Clansman all those years ago is now the wife who was convinced to go to sea again after inspecting one of these flash boats in Sydney recently.