Com-Pac Yacht Owners Association

   Well, not much of an adventure here. My skipper, Bob23, once again worked too much this summer and sailed too little. Still, we had some great sails together. I can't blame him for working what with the economy not too great. He treats me good...keeps me looking pretty and living in the manner to which I've become accustomed. It's fun to see the jealous glares of the "other" sailboats in the harbor. Yeah, I'm that hot.
   We're getting ready to leave our summer mooring in Surf City, NJ and head up for the fall to the famous, albeit low-keyed "Long Key Marina" in Waretown, NJ. A fun place, a beer-drinking blue collar kind of marina where even the powerboaters are friendly. Not much competition here- only a few sailboats live here but the price is right for a protected fall slip. I'm looking forward to gettin' my keel in some new waters.
   We never made it to Tice's Shoals this summer. Well, here in NJ we only had half of a summer anyway. It seemed to rain all of May and June. Maybe this fall we'll do an overnighter or two.
   Fall sailing around here is great! No crowds, no bugs, great wind and the colors of the oaks and maples doing thier best fall show-offs in back of the cedars, pines and junipers really makes looking west toward the mainland spectacular.
   Bob's sailing buddy Dennis and his 1970 Morgan 30 went out a few times. You should see the two of 'em downing a few cold ones while looking for informal races. She's a sleeper, that Morgan. But fast, darned fast. I think there's only one local sailboat who's beat her. Me, well, I'm a Compac 23, as you know. I'm not fast but a heck of a lot prettier.
   Well, inspite of the fall slip, the sailing season is coming to a close up here in NJ. Soon enough I'll be picked up by the travel lift (hey, pal- watch it there; that tickles!) set on my trailer and cleaned up real nice. Then I'll put on my canvas pj's for the winter, snuggle up inside and hunker down for a long winters sleep. Then before I know it, spring will be here. I don't know how he does it, but while I'm fast asleep, old Bob23 varnishes, sands, cleans, rewires, and generally makes me a better boat than ever. He's so clever, I never even hear a sound!
I wonder what he's got planned for this winter. I thought I overhead a new built-in porta-potti, maybe a chart plotter and I'd love that mahogeny manuvering board installed. Whatever he does, it'll be sweet. He sure is lucky I allow him to think he owns me!
Till we meet again here at the Compac Owners site, Koinonia...out

That was a cute testimonial from a happy boat.
skip.

Hi Koinonia,
Your twin Blond Ambition is also headed out this coming weekend.  So sad to see them on the hard!
Take Care,
Sherie

PS... How is that old engine running?

Hey there, Blonde!
   I was wondering where you were and, Presto! there you are!
   I'm only moving to my fall slip not coming out of the water. I'll be hauled on or about November 14th...there's some good fall sailing to be had down here at 39.705 degrees North lattitude.
   After a bit 'o fussing and cussing, new fuel, plugs, and clearing of the water exhaust port, it rns ok. We put it on my sons boat (1970 Irwin Free Spirit, 21') and it served him well. It takes about 20 pulls to start but, hey, he's 28 years old so he's got the strength.
   How was your sailing season? I've been wondering where you've been, Blonde, and what kinds of adventures your skipper has taken you. I envied you when I read about the trip to the Verrazano. My skipper, old Bob23 worked too much this summer but he's trying to make up for it now. We had a great sail yesterday up the fall slip...sunny, warm, West winds...just a pefect sail. I like to feel the sun on my sails- helps me to keep up on my tan. That's right, folks, we Compacs look our best after a bit of tanning
   Best,
   Bob23
   

Fo48:
  Don't know if it was me but could've been.
   Here in NJ on Saturday morning, more rain in forecast. But tomorrow, ah, tomorrow, me hearties is gonna be sunny, temp in 60's, and NNW winds 16 gusts to 23. Oh yeah! Guess where I'll be?
   "Koinonia" is in her fall slip; had a great sail up on Wednesday...West winds 10-15 mph...sailed all the way from Surf City to Waretown and never changed my point of sail. We have had some high tides here so I felt confident sneaking through the infamous and deadly "Strait of the 5 Hidden Islands". Yes, you heard me right. For you non-Jerseyans, allow me to explain: Between Sloop Sedge Island and Gulf Point in Barnegat Bay are 5 former islands which still lurk just below the surface, eager to drag any unsuspecting mariner to a watery grave. No one knows where all 5 are, but I know where 2 are...found 'em with the keel of my vessel a few years ago...only time we ran aground and decided not to stay there long...so we left.
   Well, here's to a wonderful fall sailing season. I've toyed with leaving "Koinonia" in all year...'twould be cool to go for a New Years Day sail but she says "No way. Get me home in Novermber, put on my pj's, and off to sleep I go till spring." Who can argue with a lady like her?
Bob23
   

   Your'e right, Fo48. Hey, man, what's your real name? Like Joe or Bob or Bill or Phil?
Up here in NJ, Barnegat Bay is a wonderful sailing area with a rich history in sailing. If you've ever seen the Melonseed Skiff built by Crawford Boatworks, that boat has it's origins only miles from my house as the old Parkertown Skiff, as the legend goes. A relative of the Barnegat Bay Sneakbox. Some trivia facts, men. Don't worrry, there will be no quiz.
   I'd love to sail in the Chesapeake sometime. A dream sail I have is to go down the NJ coast, around Cape May, up the Delaware, through the C&D canal and down to Annapolis...a nice dream.
   But for today, it will be just a daysail over to Tice's Shoals, a walk on the beach maybe some lunch and then back to the slip. We'll be out for a few hours anyway.
Bob23

Hey Frank:
   Never heard of that podcast but I think there's a book about that trip. I vageuly remember it from somewhere. Many memories are vague these days. I think that someone rowed the circle. I'll have to check that one out.
    I really loved that old SeaPearl and would have liked to have it converted to a tri-miran and build a removable hard cabin top for her. Maybe. But my love affair with the 23 goes on and I feel we'll be together for a long time.
   Finally got out yesterday and sailed North to Toms River and back. Just a good old sail with a good old sailing buddy. I was amazed at how many sailboats were out. If there was one there were 50!
   I'm only 56 years old so save some SS$ for me!
   Best,
   Bob23

Thanks, Frank..I'll check it out.
Bob23..spending way too much time on this site.

I was a bad boy.
  Cut out of work and went sailin' for a few hours. It felt great! Like a fool, I spent most of the last half of this summer and beginning of the fall working when I could have and should have gone sailing for a week, like I planned. (I'm a bif of a self-confessed work-a-holic).
  But today, ah today, wind was light (5-12 knts), sky was a bit overcast, temps in the high 50's and the beer was cold. Headed out from Waretown toward Tices Shoals on an Easterly course
just for the heck of it. I guess there was a current drawing us south and soon Dennis noted that the water on the starboard side was lighter than the port side. Then it happened...that dreaded feeling of the rudder blade dragging on the bottom. It's a very short warning, but soon we would be aground. But did the intrepid "Koinonia" give her crew what they deserved? Nay, nay. She instantly came about and off we  scooted to deeper water and happier crew.
  Soon the next round of brews were opened and we toasted the fact that we were moving and not aground.
   Not bad for an afternoon which could have been wasted working!
Bob23

BOB, WAY TO GO!!!!!! YOU DONT KNOW HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO HEAR ABOUT SOMEONE SAILING IN LATE OCTOBER WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR BOAT IN THE BARN FOR THE WINTER. NORTHERN WISCONSIN IN OCTOBER WILL HAVE ONE DAY LIKE SUMMER( PUT HER AWAY TO EARLY ) AND THE NEXT DAY LIKE WINTER (SURE GALD SHES PUT AWAY ). THERES ONE THING FOR SURE YOU NEVER GET BACK IS" TODAY", GO SAILING.........PHIL

Thanks, Phil:
   Same here. Right after I put "Koinonia's" pj's on, it might get warm and toasty for a bit. But then again, putting her away when it's gotten cold and is gonna stay cold is no fun. I'm toying with leaving her in through Thanksgiving. 'Twould be nice to sail before sitting down for dinner and a good way to get out of the house during all the dinner-prep madness! 
   I guess, as with most things, it's a matter of perspective. I envy the lower lattitude sailors for thier extended season but feel bad for my northernly brothers because it gets cold earlier.
   Just looked at the map- Northern Wisconsin is up there, man. Where do you sail, Phil? Lake Superior? 
   On the subject of cold, just read an article in "Messing About in Boats" about a couple of Royal Marines who sailed/rowed thier Norseboat 1400 miles through the Northwest Passage. MAIB is not online but is definetly worth looking for and subscribing to. THAT'S COLD.
   Bob23...hoping to sail tomorrow...again.

BOB, I LIVE ON LAKE COUDERAY IN SAWYER CO. ,THE LAKE IS 9 MILES LONG AND VARIES FROM HALF A MILE TO ,A MILE HALF, OVER 5000 ACRES, DEPTH FROM SHALLOW TO 90 FEET, CLEAR WATER, NO WIND TO GALES .WE ARE ABOUT 75 SOUTH OF LAKE SUPERIOR(DULUTH). THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN, JUST SAIL FOR THOSE OF US FROZEN IN PLACE.....PHIL

Phil:
  Thanks...I'll toast one to my northern brothers when I'm out. I thought tomorrow was gonna be nice- now they say 50% chance of rain and high 58 degrees. Right now at 39.705 degrees North lattitude and 074.260 degrees West longitude it's 67.5 degrees F and drizzly.
  Stay warm!
  Bob23

I think what you guys were talking about earlier in the thread is the "Great Circle" route were you start in Chicago, go down the Mississippi and tributaries to the Gulf, sail the gulf around Florida, up the east coast and back through the Erie Canal to the Great Lakes and then to your starting point.
I have been wanting to do this trip for a while. Yes there is info on it, and even a website I believe.  Do you guys want to get a bunch of Compacs together and see what we could do? It would be in a few years for me- got to retire first. But I can see the end in sight! Or maybe we could do pieces of it. I could probably start up North and go down to the tip of Florida. Would that be two or three weeks of cruising?

R-E-T-I-R-E?
   I can't seem to find that word in my dictionary. I am blessed with a wife who is totally out of touch with the financial reality we live in. She quit a decent teaching job about 3 years ago, allowed her certification to lapse and is in a dream world, thinking that things will just get better by themselves. Even though we own our home and cars and, more importantly- boats, and have no credit card debt,  I'd be surprised if I didn't have to sell something just to survive this winter. And it ain't gonna be "Koinonia". It is the slowest I've ever seen it in the residential construction field right now. Tough to bid against the illegals around here when you try to run a completely legal business.
   That is the circle route that I had in mind. I'd love to do some kind of extended cruising sometime. I'd planned to go 'round the horn this past summer but, damn, work got in the way.
I suppose we should keep this on the back burner..see what it boils down to, eh?
Bob23

Similar situation. How did we do this? It is a quandry that I wonder if there is an answer to. I am trying to slowly go down in income and slowly live on less. And don't worry about the back burner- I'll keep on bringing it up until a few of you are crazy enough to join me. ;)

   When we last left the brave Capt Bob23, he was trying to get household chores done asap so he could sail his beloved "Koinoina". Fast forward a few hours..chores done...and it's a quick hop in the 1984 Honda Accord Hatchback (aka"Hatch") and down to the marina. Winds were forecast to be light- 5-9 mph and the Capt had to be back at 1600 hrs- no later to arrive at church by 1700 hrs for band practice. Yes, the Capt plays, or attempts to play accoustic drums. So far, to the best of  our knowledge, no one has left the church on account of his percussiony ineptitude.
   After motoring out, the wind was noticable stronger than forecast (big surprise here) and, taking the wind on his starboard quarter, he arrived at Tice's Shoals in no time, with dinghy in tow. No one else was there so after a bit of a nap and contemplating beating back to port, he pulled the hook from the sandy bottom only 5 feet below.
   It soon became apparent that the apparent wind was much stronger ; a 25 mph gust was clocked with the anemomator  that is in his sailing bag. Wave height had grown with the increasing wind and it soon became apparent that he was trying to break the record for the maximum use of the word apparent in one story.
   Koinonia doesn't like to be over canvassed and she lets you know it by heeling over, way over. Combine that with the waves striking her side, and soon the Capt was a wee bit wet. It was a bit hard trying to find the right sail combination but soon, dropping the main altogether and sailing under full jib alone, we began to make decent headway. I tried to motorsail, being a bit impatient and that helped a bit, but I don't like the noise.
   I don't like being late. No, corrrection, I hate being late. And the later I get, the worse my mood gets. After I realized there was no way I was gonna be back in time...a peace came over me. Well, no, it was a wave of water...and then a wave of peace. And a voice-"This is sailing, son. We don't abide by no clock...time means nothing to the waves and wind. You'll get back when you get back and-shoot- whatareya complaining about...your'e sailing, aren't you?"
   It's good to listen to that voice. We had a great sail back, taking in the moments we were given and the sun was setting just as we pulled into the slip. (An aside: When I try to pull into a slip, I'm reminded of that great Who song- "Pinball Wizard". They sure make these Compacs tough, I can attest.)
   I got back 30 minutes late...sped home in the trusty aforemetioned Honda, using all 86 horses, scrubbed and me and Hatch sped off, arriving half an hour late. No problemo, I was assured...we didn't do anything anyway for the first half hour.
   It's good to stay in touch with more than a clock, cell phone and a computer. Maybe the reason we all love sailing and love sailing our Compacs, is that we get in touch with more reality this way. It's a way of turning our backs on a world gone mad, even if for a short time, and getting to do it in a beautiful boat. Does it get any better than this?
Bob23

11/22/09 sail report.
   Beginning to dry out like a prune, we (my brother and I) got out for a great sail in 18-22 mph NE winds on the trusty "Koinonia". We sailed with only full jib, made great upwind progress, got a bit wet, and had a wonderful sail under a sunny-turned cloudy sky.
   I realize that my sailing days are numbered for this year, so the trip was so much more fun. Looks like the ship will be hauled on Saturday, 11/28, brought home, cleaned up and readied for her winter hibernation. She's had a busy and rewarding spring, summer and fall and deserves a nice scrub, pj's, and winters nap.
   Back to the sail: We headed out of Long Key Marina under Nissan 8 and, once in the bay, pointed the ship into the NE wind, unwound the jib and fell off to a port tack. It was instantly obvious, that no mains'l was needed. As I previously mentioned and most 23 captains are aware, the 23 doesn't enjoy being overcanvassed  and today was no exception.
   As we tacked North, we enjoyed spending some time together. My brother, when I called him to invite him for the event, was torn between cleaning out his gutters or sailing. It took him a nanosecond to decide. This is the same brother ( I have only one) who owns an old O'day Mariner new to him last summer, and sailed her all over the place. It's a great boat and we "raced" against each other many times. You might not think a 23 has a chance against a Mariner, but when the winds pipe up and your'e sailing with the current, oh yeah...she flies!
   Back to the sail again. In a rare move, no beer or alcohol of any type was brought aboard. When the water's cold, wind is strong, and hey-that looks like the marine police- I imbibe no sustaining bevs other than coffee and water. I know about hyperthermia and while I have no fear of death, didn't wish to schedule it in for yesterday. I respect the water and winds and God. The rum can wait 'till we arrive back at the dock.
   I knew that Peter was going to be motoring his new-to-him 1990 CP27 out of his lagoon and North to Cedar Creek Marina and was hoping to meet up but we were far east on a port tack when we saw him exit. As we came about and headed west, we knew we were not going to catch him. Hailed on the VHF but no answer so used the shoe-phone. I'm looking forward to sailing on that ship next spring.
   After a few more tacks, expertly executed by my brother, we decided to run downwind to the barn. The old girl has a habit of surfing down waves as if dancing and then wanting to turn to the audience and take a bow. "Not now" says I. "Wait 'till the performance is over." She behaved wonderfully, another testimony to the classy girl that she is.
   We sailed into the lagoon under jib, started up old Miss Nissan, and motored in to a setting sun hiding behind grey clouds. Didn't even strike a piling this time. It was a great sail, maybe the last one of the season as rain is forecast for this week. I am hoping for a Thanksgiving morning sail to complete the season and then it's off to bed with ye, Koinonia.
Bob23-your correspondent in NJ             

Great stuff, Bob23, too bad she has to come out.  I'm going out tomorrow for the afternoon and then much to my dismay, I will be traveling for the holiday and will miss four beautiful sailing days.  However, a couple of the local sailors are trying to put together a 4-5 day group cruise for December.  Hard to coordinate that around conflicts but maybe it will make.

If you and Newt are successful in getting that circle trip off the back burner, let me know.  I live on the route, or at least the preferred route (Bay Springs Lake on the Tenn-Tom).  In fact, I'm going to skip the ditch, tow down and do a couple of loop cruises on the route late this spring.  First will be Port St. Joe around Cape San Blas to Government Cut through St. George Island, through Apalachicola Bay into the ICW and back out at Panama City then along the coast back to Port St. Joe.  Then maybe B.E.E.R while the boat is down there.  Then from there over to Gulfport, MS.

Frank 2

Bob,

Its always good to have a last of season sail that includes the boat having a bone in her teeth as they say.   I've never had any luck getting HideAway to sail at all with either one of the sails down.   My main is old and needs to be replaced but even under just the 110 jib she feels like a car skidding on the ice going down hill.   The only cure so far has been to raise the rudder a bit for more bite.

Anyway hope you do get out on TG - thats an accomplishment in itself!   Matt

THE THANKSGIVING DAY 2009 SAIL:
  Thanksgiving day greeted me with fog, drizzle and no wind. Not what I had in mind. I had envisioned a brisk, sunny day with 15-20 mph NW winds, hot coffee on board and a last sail of the season with a few fellow sailing nuts. I don't know where I got that idea..the forecasters were never even hinting at such a day here in the South of NJ. So in the house I remained.
   Instead of whining about the weather, I enjoyed a second (and third) cup of coffee sitting by the crackling wood stove and played on the floor with my daughter and her crazy dog. I really enjoyed the moments together and didn't miss sailing one bit. It's good not to have tunnel vision and to accept those rare moments of life when and where they come along.
   Today looks like the day...stay tuned for what may be the last chapter of the book.
Bob23

Per your desire to do the Great Circle, I have done only the part from Kentucky to Florida, down the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to Mobile and then East to Gulf Breeze FL. The waterway itself is all motoring, watching out for towboats and 12 ominous locks.  Yet it was VERY FUN. I recommend it highly.  I wrote about it in SAIL magazine (Dec 2003). The article has some pretty good itinerary advice (how long it takes and that kind of thing), so if you keep back issues, look it up. Unfortunately, that was before they posted stuff online, so it's not on the web. I'd love to do the Circle sometime and I think doing it in stages would be a good idea (rather than waiting until retirement) especially if you can find another boat to share the fun with.

BLACK FRIDAY- THE FINAL SAIL OF 2009:
   The day dawned windy, raining and cool but I had inside information that it would clear and be a great day to sail "Koinonia" up to the marina for a saturday 0800 hrs haulout.
   Dennis, my sailing buddy and fellow co-conspiritor in construction, met at Long Key Marina where "Koinonia" has spent the last month. Miss Nissan started, as usual, on the first pull; no electric start here. I backed out of the slip wondering if I could ever shed my image as "Pinball Wizard" but this time I backed out in contrary winds and touched nary a piling.
   We motored out of Waretown Creek for the last time for the year and headed out into the cold, deserted Barnegat Bay. No other sailboats out and hardly a powerboat at all, save for a TowBoat who was trolling for a kill. "Begone, foul shark!" I shouted. "You'll get no business here!" He shrugged off, searching somewhere else for his prey
   We headed up, unfurled the jib only and proceeded NE under a grey sky and North winds blowing 15-25 mph gusting to 30. The 23 seems to like just having her jib out when it gets gusty and when the water is cold with no apparent help around, I sail a bit more conservative than in the middle of summer. No beer on board at all.
   After a few tacks, we headed straight up the Forked River, started up the Nissan 8, rolled the jib and headed west towards Townsends Marina where Jim will haul her out Saturday morning. It was a short sail but a sail nonetheless. I really don't keep score, giving one sail more or less points than another. I try to enjoy just being out on the water in a beautiful ship. It's a good way to refresh the soul.
   All in all, it's been a great year of sailing even though I did not complete the one long trip I had tentatively planned. I sailed in fog, sun, rain and some recalcitrant winds and it was all fun. I kept the ship safe in the worst nor'easter we've had in 17 years and got to take as many friends out for a sail as possible. "Joining" loves to show off!
   Of course there are winter projects planned- a built-in head/portapotti. Folding nav table. Foiled rudder which I hope to make out of wood- NACA shaped blocks and sheathed in mahogany plywood. Dorade box with cowl vent. And the ever present sanding and varnishing.
   Till we meet again by way of the Internet,
Bob23, your loyal correspondent in NJ.

Good stuff Bob! Really enjoyed reading your sailing saga.

Milt

Well, as I get ready to hibernate here in NJ with my winter pj's on, the valiant Capt Bob23 basks in the torqoisse waters of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Well, he certainly deserves a rest and I'm sure he'll come back with a new tan. Rumor has it he's been flirting with the young Mexican guide on the whale watching trimaran he went on today. How do I know these things? Well, we Compacs just know. It's all been done in good taste, I'm sure. More later,
s/v Koinonia

   The last we left the brave Capt Bob23, he was downing his second Margarita aboard the sunset dinner cruise boat "Rissalena". After a 35 year break from Tequila, he has finally rediscovered this wonderful staple. I don't think it Will ever replace "Gosslings Black Seal rum" as the main provision aboard, but it's good to have a backup.
   You may remember that the intrepid Capt split the Northeast for a week to do some on site reporting from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It seems he's forgotten his assignment and instead spends his days snorkeling, eating, and whalewatching and his nights stargazing in the unpolluted air of southern Baja. Between all that hard labor, he still makes time to stay hydrated with beer and Tequila. What a multi-tasker. We now have a statement coming in from the Capt himself:
   "In some of the more wasted days of my wayward youth, I was conned into drinking mucho Tequila in a very short period of time. After meeting Montezuma personally and getting to know him well, I swore off the stuff forever. Even the smell of it made me nauseous. But it took a visit to Cabo to set me straight: this wonderful food is meant to be sipped not guzzled. I'll make sure I return with a bottle of the good stuff because it looks like a long, cold winter in NJ."
   Well, as you can see, the good Capt seems to have forgotten that he's on a journalistic work assignment and is too busy having fun to work. As long as he gets his butt back here to make good on his promises of some nice winter upgrades. I know he's been looking at some other sailboats while down there ( as well as dancing and flirting with some of the local ladies), but his heart is true. At least it  better be. Or else!
   As we approach Christmas, let me be the first vessel to with you all a blessed Christmas!
s/v "Koinonia"

You can gloat all you want, it makes no difference. I'll still be envious.

mel

   Being a water addicted guy, I plan on doing some rowing this winter in my very old but new to me Alden Ocean shell. I might even toss the Force 5 in the water to help get a sailing fix. How do you all other fellow Compac-ers deal with sailing withdrawal?
Bob23

I do the CPYOA site. And brackish's commit about wood reminds me that winter is boat building class time.

Thank you Koinonia, for the update.  Arion, destined to spend the winter in the very cold, but not frozen waters of the mid south longs for these occasional updates.  I'll pass it on to her.

As for your good Captain, you dog you.  Basking in the sun in a sea of salt water with a splash tequila, rum, and cerveza while the rest of us soldier on shoveling snow or raking leaves and venturing out occasionally to brave the insane holiday traffic. 

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

As far as sailing withdrawal, one of my other passions is woodworking.  Time to get in the shop and finish some of those half done furniture pieces the Admiral has been anticipating.  And when she is not looking, sneak in a few boat projects.  Where I am it is a certainty that a few winter days will be good for sailing, so not much withdrawal here.

To all:
   Tha last we heard from Capt. Bob23, he was indeed basking in the Mexican sun, soaking in the Sea of Cortez, sampling repeatedly Margaritas and other hydration tools, and just generally having a tough time of it. But we should pity the old guy. You see, his Saturday flight back to NJ was cancelled due to the blizzard/Nor'easter there and he had to endure yet another day of perfect weather, friendly people, crystal clear watersand, wel...you get it. He finally arrived home last night at 0130 hours to about 2 feet of snow. Talk about climate change! Something should be done about this!
   Conditions here don't look good for a Christmas day sail about the famed Force5, "Linda Gale". Heck, the Capt. didn't even get his Christmas lights up yet and with 2 feet of the white stuff on the ground, it's not looking good. I be Christmas will arrive just the same.
   Right now, I'm cozy-comfy with my canvas winter pj's on. The way the Capt has set up this winter cover thing, nothing touches my perfect body. Just some 2x4 framing on deck to support the mast as a ridgepole, more 2x4's atop the stanchions and a array of pvc tubes set up like hoops to support the cover. Embarassingly, I look mor like a covered wagon than the beautiful Compac 23 that I am.
   Considering that I'm about to hibernate for the winter, I'll probably let the old Capt himself take over this thread. I'm really sleepy and I do need my beauty rest at my age. In a week or so, I'll be 25 years old! Like fine wine, I just keep on getting better with age! G'night! 
s/v Koinonia
   

Bob, 

My sister from Nebraska was visiting a couple of weeks ago and had the same situation - cancelled flights and a blizzard.  She wanted to take the flight to Omaha - and the 2 hour drive home from there.  I told her she could do that or spend a couple of days more on the beach--  Quick study that girl!

Merry Christmas Bob ----   Matt

Goes to show.

When you have time to spare. Go by air.

With my luck, when my ship comes in...I'll be at the aeroport!

I would rather wait in the aeroport then become a smoking hole in the ground because the plane fell out of the sky in a blizzard.

Motor vehicles are much worse. Every seven and a half minutes someone in the U.S. is killed in an automobile accident.
Many more injured. About fifty people a day are shot to death. One per state per day.

It's amazing! NASA' s 2007 Land mass Satelite Survey finds only between 2% to 3% of the fifty states is paved in someway. Roads, malls, parking lots, swimming pools, driveways, runways, side walks, and buildings on foundations with roofs.
That leaves a lot of fly over country.

skip.

Bob--  Welcome back to winter.  Try Patron Silver or Don Edwuardo for hibernation.  I think you'll like them!


BTW, Happy Birthday, Koinonia!!!

Yeah - it had been rainy the whole time she was here -but on the last day of her delay it was 78 and sunny - We ran the AC on the way to the airport - more for bragging rights.   She got home two days later to two feet of snow and a snow blower- I swept the leaves of my drive way. 

Merry Christmas All   Matt

I came back with a bottle of Jose Cuervo Reserva 100% Agave Extra Anejo. Apparently real Tequila falls into 4 catagories: Blanco- aged less than 60 days.  Resposado- aged a minimum fo 3 months. Anejo-aged for a minimum of a year. Extra Anejo-aged a minimum of 3 years. Of course, there is so much more to it than this but I read up on Tequila before I bought. Just like I read up on sailboats before settling on a Compac 23.
Tequila falls into 2 main catagories: Mixto which by law has to contain on 51% distilled Agave. And 100% Agave which, well, is made from 100% agave.
Life is too short for ugly sailboats and cheap wine, beer or Tequila. I'll keep you posted on the Tequila tasting as soon as I crack open the bottle.
Bob23...sailing sober

Men:
  At this writing, Koinonia sits patiently under her winter canvas cover, waiting for the sometimes lazy Capt. Bob23 to start her winter projects. The plans for this winter are: try to build in the porta-potti just forward of the starboard bulkhead. I hope it fits.
  Install a dorade box with cowl vent on the foredeck. I have the stuff but am having second thoughts- will it be too big for the foredeck? I can't bear to ruin the good looks of the boat.
  Maybe redo the main sheeting from end of boom to mid-boom via a traveller and track mounted on the bridge deck.
  High hopes here, men. Sometimes I have more ambition and not enough persperation!
Bob23   

"Install a dorade box with cowl vent on the foredeck. I have the stuff but am having second thoughts- will it be too big for the foredeck?"

I'd forget that. It's just something else for the headsail sheet or big % lapper sail itself or something the skipper can trip over.
Why screw up the foredeck and chance a leak. How much 'sun time' do you spend below deck?

Be mindful that ventilating air flows from fore peak to exit at drop board grillage, which nobody usually has. Otherwise it's fighting nature making hot air go down.

skip.

Bob,

I have the 3" low profile pvc Nicro cowl vent from Marinco installed on the foredeck of my 16, without the dorade box. I don't have a hawse pipe, so I run the anchor rode down through the cowl vent into a bucket. If there was ever a drip or splash to get down the vent, it would be caught by the bucket. In a heavy rain or a heavy chop, or when leaving the boat stored on it's trailer, I rotate the vent so that it is facing the stern. I have never had a problem with water getting down the vent. I could always pull the vent and put in the deck plate if I felt the need, but never have.

The cowl vent has such a low profile (4 1/2") that the jib sheets or headsail never come in contact with it, so snagging is not a problem. I think a dorade box would be a nice addition to eliminate the worry over leaks, but then I wouldn't be able to run my anchor rode down through it. The vent affords pretty good ventilation down below and helps to mitigate the stuffiness and the problem of mold. I feel that it was a very helpful addition to the boat and it looks very 'salty' up there on the foredeck. Even though the fore deck on the 16 is small, I have never felt the cowl vent was in the way and have never had a problem working around it. For $35, it was one of the best investments I made on this boat.

I can't really comment on changing the sheeting setup for the main sheet, although bringing it forward from the end of the boom to the middle seems like it would put it more in the way of things in the cockpit and the companionway. It also seems that end-boom sheeting would offer a better mechanical advantage over mid-boom sheeting because of the extra leverage effect of the full length of the boom.

Milt

I went for a compromise Bob. I put one of those solar vents in that space. Ventilates the boat fine, but I do not stumble over it when I am on fordeck. I would put the traveller in first- that should make a big difference in your boat handling...

Bob, When I bought my boat it had one of those low profile cowl vents (rubber cowl, plastic flange base).  Four seasons old the cowl was split and the base was crumbling.  This boat was not winter covered, stayed in the water, so that impacts longevity.  Since I already had a hole in the foredeck, replaced it with the smallest nicro solar vent, with a stainless cover.  I think it looks better, and certainly it ventilates better, at least when the sun is shining.

My current ventilation situation is thusly: I have a Nicro solar exhaust vent mounted on a custom teak box scribed to the sliding hatch. Looks great and works. Problem is forward- I installed a passive vent, thinking this would work as an intake. But seems to me that as air flows over the forward vent, it tries to exhaust it out. Keep in mind my boat is moored so there is always air flow.
But you guys are right: that giant box on the foredeck would be too large. Maybe just the cowl vent. "Koinonia" says: You just keep your clumsy ideas off my shapely foredeck. It's just fine the way it is.
So be it.
And, yes, Newt, the traveller should be first. By the way, how was your Cabo trip? Do share, bro-we all want to know!
Bob23

The decadence of my trip down to the Mexican Rivera- riding the Mariner of the Seas instead of my own boat- is not something I am proud of. Can I say that my wife twisted my arm because she wanted something the whole family could go on (including my mother in law)? Anyway- I kept a close eye on sea state and shoreline with a attitude of returning as a real sailor. My family enjoyed the nightlife and the great food...wait was that me in the middle of them?
Cruising in a cruise liner can be so confusing!
Your on the sea but 50 feet above it!
You have someone cleaning your yacht 3 times a day!
And the captain is not interested in your running fixes...
I kept on waiting for a situation that would demonstrate that there were sailors on board (besides the staff) but it never came up.

Newt:
   I've never been on a cruise ship and have no intentions to doing so. While I was at Cabo, in between Margaritas and swimming, eating and taking naps on the beach, I could not help envisioning myself aboard "Koinonia" sailing on the torquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. That would be a vacation to be remembered. I began wondering how long would it take to trailer her from NJ to Mexico. If time and resources allowed, it could be done. But I either have the time and no $, or the $ and  no time. For now,  Barnegat Bay  in NJ will have to do.
   Like you, I prefer to be closer to the water. I prefer to be a part of it, not just use it for enjoyment. I did enjoy the people and the opportunity to be a part of a different culture, at least for a short time.
  Bob23

   Well, spring is coming soon and with spring- launch time! Except I can't find my mooring. I put a float on the chain in the fall but some underwater gremlin untied it and now all is hiding on the bottom of Manahawkin Bay. So, having a nice blow-out low tide today and some time off from work, I rowed the old Walker Baya out to try and find it. Clamped and extendo onto the Admirals garden rake. Now, understand that I only have a vague idea of where the chain has slept on the bottom all winter but, hey- how hard can this be?
   Turns out, plenty hard. I rowed and raked and rowed and raked and actually had it once, but it slipped away back down to the murky depths.  Oh well, next blow out tide I'll try again. In any event, it was nice to be out on the water, even just for a short row. One won't set any speed records in a Walker Bay 8 footer, but it makes a nice tender for the yacht.
   More later, friends. Springs is in 26 1/2 days! Yay!!!
Bob23...off to row on the Concept 2

Bob- I do an occasional dive, and my neighbor is a divemaster. If I was there- I would get on my trusty dry suit and get it for you! Is there a closeby diver that could do it cheaper (counting airfare?) I bet it would only be 20-40 bucks and would save a lot in the frustration dept.

Good point. I don't know any divers but if the water was warmer, I'd snorkel down thar meself. Before I read your post, my idea was to comb the area with a giant magnet. Goes like this: Anchor the dingy from the side, hoist the magnet over the stern and slowly row. Pull the anchor line in a foot or so and repeat. Sounds easy, doesn't it? If I give it another attempt, you guys will be the first to know. HEY, WAIT A MINUTE: I have a 28 year old son who surfs in the winter, is in incredible shape and has a killer wetsuit. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Bob23...off to make a Dark and Stormy.

Tell him "I've got an incredible challenge for you" and follow up with "How would you figure this one out?" Yeah, thats the ticket!

Good reason to mark the mooring with a GPS as a waypoint.    Next time...

Salty:
  Before I had my GPS, I lined up my mooring with a skylight on a house and a piling in one direction, and a telephone pole and air conditioner in another. Both houses were renovated recently! When I find it, a waypoint it will recieve.
  Meanwhile, my son is onto my tricks. He'd never fall for either of those lines but will agree to help me because he wants to. Or so I assume. I'll let you know. For now, it's rain and snow in the forecast so the mooring chain can continue to sleep on the bottom.
Bob23
(ps 2/24 update: Man, more snow in the forecast? 6 to 12 inches? Is this someones sick idea of a joke? I was hoping to row this weekend but, instead looks like I'll spend some time reading whist tending the old woodstove and concocting new ways to drink Pusser's Rum. While dreaming of sailing. And shoveling more snow! Looks like a busy weekend.)

   ***EUREKA! I FOUND IT!***
   Upon arriving at one of my bayfront jobsites yesterday, I noticed an abnormally low tide, clear water and light winds. Good mooring chain finding weather. I grabbed the dingy with custom garden rake extendo, and rowed out determined not to fail.
   Not being the most patient person, after 45 minutes I began to get agitated, sorta like when you're stuck behind someone driving45 mph in the left lane of the interstate. Then I found it...managed to hook it with the rake, took some cross bearings and began to pull only to discover that I hooked it too low and couldn't bring it aboard. Curses...foiled again!
   Dropping the elusive rascal, at least now I knew exactly where it was but having stirred up the water, it was now a little murky. I had to work by the braille method only.
   Still undaunted, I continued but that old agitation began to step in again. Finally, I decided to give it one more sweep and enlisted the help and knowledge from Above. (I do concede to not knowing everything). Finally, again I snagged it, began to pull and, voila!, there it was in all it's slimy glory, gracing the floor if the dingy. Attaching the float with a triple some-kinda-knot, and some zip ties, I bid it farewell till spring as it sunk to the miry depths of the Manahawkin Bay.
   Soon I'll be deploring the mooring balls and associated tackle and all will be right with the world. At least, this small part of it!
Bob23
   

Quote from: Bob23 on January 22, 2010, 09:42:35 PM

I began wondering how long would it take to trailer her from NJ to Mexico. If time and resources allowed, it could be done.

  Bob23

It might be easier to sail from NJ to FLorida and then the Bahamas or the Caribbean.

Stops in Cape May, Delmarva on the inside.  Then the inside route along the ICW or if you can deal with multiday sails, the outside route.  Outside route might be a bit risky in a CP23 with the unpredictable NC weather.  You'd need to be real careful about picking a weather window on the outside.  OTOH - no drawbridges.  It should be possible with some time and patience to hop along the coast.

Getting there *is* the fun.  Nice dream anyway.  I hope at least one of us gets to do it.

Curtis

Congratulations!!!!!  I know you're happy about that!

THRILLED!! So thrilled in fact, that I'm declaring it spring here at the Bob23 household. This week, I'll install the auger mooring for the dingy, bottom paint it, and put her it! When you have water-withdrawal, even a row in a plastic Walker Bay 8 provides some temporary relief!
Bob23

Boy you shake off the winter blah's in a big way!  The drag of it here is, I had the Admiral talked into going with me this Saturday to put the boat in for the first real sail of the year.  It was supposed to be sunny, mid 60's and breezy.  Then the forcast changed and it went to thunderstorms, temps mid 50's, and 18 - 22 mph winds.  The winds I could do but don't want to take the Admiral out for her first sail ever in that!  Ah well, another day............

Good call, Cap't. It's funny how women don't like sailing in thunderstorms. Maybe they know something we don't? At least your Admiral will go sailing with you. Mine just barks out orders all the time! jk.
Bob23

   The Koinonia rudder project is coming along. Somehow, a few highly classified photos were leaked to a few of the Compac-ers here and someone had the audacity to post one here at the site. No names, please.
   I played hooky from church today a put on a coat of epoxy (207 hardener) on each side and it's looking pretty nice. I may apply a second coat this week. The West System is performing just as they said it would. That's the good news.
   The bad news is that while reading the West System user manual, I learned that epoxy takes about 2 weeks to cure fully. That's right folks, 2 weeks. That means I cannot start applying varnish for at least 2 weeks. At this rate, I won't be in until Memorial Day weekend. The good news is that I have 2 more weeks to finish up the other projects I started. I removed the sink (too small anyway) and am building a pull out chart table where the pull out sink was. Under the chart table will be another slide out extension which should provide a comfy reading station.
   That's about it for now...she's itching to get in the water.

Bob23

Launch date is set: May 22nd in the year of our Lord 2010 at 1300 hrs.  Jim at Townsends Marina in Forked River, NJ is the one I've been trusting "Koinonia" to since I bought her, or should I say, since she bought me in 2005. If weather permits, It'll be a direct sail to Surf City, home port or if weather does not cooperate- a temporary slip at Long Key Marina, Waretown, NJ. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the launch and also the alleged rudder project.
Good day!
Bob23

Go Bob Go!!!

Thanks!
   I managed to get out on the water in our Force 5 named "Linda Gale" after my wife Linda Gail. It felt good to get out sailing and the weather here in NJ was warm, with warm,clear water. I'm still on schedule for a Saturday launch of the intrepid "Koinonia" so hopefully this summer will see more days sailing the fine yacht that I am priviledged to own.
   Being self-employed in the construction business, things tend to get a bit stressful these days. There is nothing quite like some time on the water to cleanse one's soul. It seems to help me keep things in persepective.
Bob23

Bob,  Good luck with your launch! 

Don't forgot about the note Koinonia sent me regarding polishing and waxing her up this year.    She, afterall, deserves the best!

Thanks...glad you reminded me!
Bob23- the forgetful.

   Koinonia got the best waxing of her life with the new Harbor Freight buffer. Good thing it was overcast today...I might have been blinded by the reflection.
   She's ready to go in tomorrow morning. I have spent the last 3 saturdays soley on getting her ready for her 2010 grand appearance. The new rudder is mounted and ready to go. My friend Dennis advises me to remove it from the ship every time I'm done sailing. Thinks it's a thief target. If I ever caught anyone stealing that rudder, well, let's just say they'd beg to be waterboarded! jk....not I'm not jk.
   While I was driving to the marina I noticed someone tailgating the boat. Now I can't stand tailgaters, really. I used to have the bad habit of locking up the handbrake on my old VW bug- no brakelights to warn 'em. I've mellowed out a bit. Now I just slow down. Anyway, here's this guy tailgating me. Then it dawned on my- sure, he want's a closer look at my lady. Not the first guy I've caught staring at her transom. It is a sweet boat, even if I do say so myself.
Bob23...the photo-posting challenged.

NEW RUDDER REPORT:
   Well, we launched today, in light rain at about 0930 hrs local. (EST). After Vince Jr. from Long Key Marina, with his expert travellift talents lifted "Koinonia" from her trailer, she took her first dip in the water. We walked her back and tied up to the dock next to the travellift tracks. First thing I noticed was that the rudder floats! Yep, you heard me right- it floats on it's own accord. "Catastrophic" I can hear you say. "How in the world will Capt. Bob23 sail with a floating rudder? What will become of him and will the rudder become a coffee table?"
   Not to worry. By my shear engineering genius and forethought, or some stroke of dumb luck (you choose which one) while buildling the rudder, I designed and installed a simple down haul system that could work on anyones Compac. Pushing the rudder down and pulling on the downhaul was all that was needed to keep the blade in place.
   We decided to motor out in the bay a bit to test the rudder against motor-helm. The old one exhibited very  excessive motor helm. The new wood blade- none! I'm expecting performance under sail to be impressive. I plan to sail the boat to Surf City tomorrow afternoon after work. I'll issue an updated report then.
   Till then, this is Bob23, your correspondant in NJ signing off. Good Day!
   

Congratulations Bob.  You'll be the envy of the neighborhood with that beautiful rudder.  I was also surprised to find that both of the rudders that I foiled would float.  I wish you good winds on her test sail.

Mike

How did you hold your rudders down, Mike? I know you built something!
Bob23

Bob,

I found that simply tightening the bolt a little more held both rudders down all day.  I know some of the guys have installed a shear pin to ensure it stays down, but it doesn't seem necessary so far.  If I start having trouble with it moving then I will probably install the pin.  I know you will be just as happy with the results of your foil as Brenda and I have been.  It is nice to have a light hand on the tiller instead of gripping it against the weatherhelm.  Some day we are going to have to take a trip out your way and talk you into taking us out on your beautiful 23.

Mike

   No talking into necessary. You have a standing welcome aboard anytime you make it back east. I tried the shear pin with the aluminum blade...didn't like it. Instead I went the downhaul route. If I can't post photos here, I'll email 'em to you.
   Thanks for all you help and encouragement for my rudder project. You, Doug, and others played a real significant role.
   I consider this rudder a test platform for the next one. It will be interesting to see how it looks by the end of the summer. Maybe I should pull it off every month, photo it and keep records. Or maybe I'll just enjoy sailing with it.
Bob23

ANOTHER NEW RUDDER REPORT:
   Wednesday I motored the ship down to her summer home port in Surf City, NJ. Not much wind and is was on the nose. First thing I noticed is that she no longer wanders when the tiller is lashed while motoring. She stays on a pretty true course while motoring.
   When I finally reached my home waters, I decided to raise sail and really try out this rudder that has consumed much time and $$ and I have to say I am quite happy with the new blade. Yes, kinda like power steering but BMW and not Cadillac power steering- I can still feel the road, If you get my meaning. I still have some weather helm, a bit more than I'd like but I didn't expect to completely eliminate it. A few reasons:
   1. With the outhaul system I devised, I move the pivot point of the rudder aft 5/8"- it was necessary, believe me.
   2. The body of the blade somehow got much bigger than in my plans. Funny how things don't quite work out perfect sometimes. This amounts to more wetted surface at the rudder blade and in my engineering mind, could induce weather helm.
   3. My main is kinda blown out. I'm gonna try Hideaways's idea of changing it over to a loose footed main. Maybe I can eek a another year out of it.
   All in all, I'm happy with how the project came out. I'm hoping this weekend to sail in some highr winds and really give it a shakedown cruise.  I'm considering this rudder as a test platform for future wood rudder blades.
   That's all for now,
Bob23
 

I have read the thread but basically kept out of it till now. A true sailing test report is assuring and interesting. The foil vs blade results show an over all improvement with a foil. The 'power steering aspect' of having a bit of blade under the transom [balanced rudder] is the main enjoyment I have from my foil.

I don't think a pivoting blade is necessary as generally the rudder sticks no further into the water then the bottom of the keel. I do have a 'keel Boot' protecting my fiberglass from the Door County rocks that I sometimes find. My rudder is bolted down with a snowblower sheer bolt. Just in case. And I do keep the aluminum casting locking bolt and handle tight to keep the blade from rattling.

One night I was sailing along the sea wall at Stone Harbor Resort and happened upon two couples in wedding garb and I hailed them with a 'Good Evening' greeting from five foot away...one gal let out a cream and they all jumped. The boat is very quiet.

skip.

Skip:
   Actually, my rudder sticks down an additional 10 inches or so. When I first boaght the boat, I thought this might not have been a factory rudder so I emailed a photo to Gerry, who wrote back that it was indeed thier rudder.
   For my next rudder, I'll make it shorter and a bit narrower.. also I'll shift more of the body forward to lessen the weather helm.
   I've done away with the lever handle to tighten the blade in the rudder head. Due to some corrosion (I sail in salt water) I had to drill out the 3/8" hole to 5/8" so I just put a bolt in thar. My downhaul keeps the rudder down...good thing, too- it floats pretty high. All wood and foam, she's made of!
Bob23

THE FOG!
  After work Wednesday afternoon, I decided to go out for a sail. Sunny, warm winds from the SE about 10-12. In other words, perfect. After rowing out to Koinonia and performing the usual pre-voyage rituals, I was ready to go. As aside here: Some say that I have a way of overcomplicated just about everything I do. It takes me about 20 -25 minutes to set up for a sail. Yes, all the extra lines are necessary! Now back to our story.
   I decided to sail North along the ICW in Barnegat Bay up toward Lovedladies, turn about and tack back. It was a good plan. Upon reaching Harvey Cedars, looking back, I see a fog bank approaching. Now I don't have any accounts at fog banks so this was bewildering. Just as I was enjoying the bewilderment and getting ready to come about, the fog swallowed me up. Yup, visibility went down to 50 feet in the time it took you to read that the visibility went down to 50 feet. Also the wind direction seemed to have changed a bit, necessitating motor sailing back. Of course, my depth sounder has ceased to work at all.
   Anyone reading this and not familiar with my local waters should know that  with an average depth of 2 feet out of the channel and Koinonia's real draft of about 2 1/2', there seems to be a conflict. Yea, indeed, me interested in avoiding such conflict, known as grounding, enlisted the services of my trusty Garmin, a gift from a friend a few years ago.  The Garmin map 182 is an onboard companion, used only up till now as a knotmeter but now he would have to earn his keep. I guess now 's the time to see if the charts inside that mysterious black box really do work.
   To make a long story longer, I steered to home port under instruments alone, carefully watching the moving chart and keeping her in the channel. Still, it was disheartening to see the markers suddenly appear out of the fog, just where they should be. Sort of. Fortunately, there were no other fools out on the water that afternoon to come in contact with. After an hour or so, I reached home port, secured the ship and then realized I was soaked with fog-rain and cold. I was so engrossed in the experience that i didn't realize I was cold.
   All in all, it was an interesting sail. They all are, aren't they? Isn't that of of the unique things peculiar to our sport- no 2 voyages are ever the same. Even is we sail the same waters, say after day, the journeys all have something different to offer.
   Now the more astute reader may be wondering why a traditionalist like myself would resort to a space age GPS instead of compass headings and paper charts. Not one to divulge secrets easily, I leave you to guess where my charts were not when I needed them! Till then, I wish you all fair winds, clear skies and dark rum!
Bob23 the unlost.

That sounds pretty exciting.  Do you think you could have found your way back without instruments?   Just curious.

Looks like Bob gets his instrument rating...

Mike:
   I could have found my way back but with my charts sitting home in my office, a grounding would probably have occurred. Considering the tide was falling and night was approaching, I didn't really want to risk spending the evening aboard with no food and, HORRORS- no coffee!
I sail these waters all the time but it's wierd how familiar waters are foreign in the fog. I guess if it were daytime, I'd have given it a go.
   If you have access to charts via the NOAA site, look at chart #s 12324 and 12316 to get an idea of the water depths we deal with here in the South of NJ.
   Newt: Thanks for the IR. Hope I don't have to use it again.
Bob23

Bob23, I have to agree about familiar waters getting strange in fog!  I made an inadvertant detour on a trip to Canada once when a thick haze rolled in.  I really didn't intend to go to Middle Island, but I did.  Just a little detour, and the haze lifted once the wind came back. 

RUDDER UPDATE:
   You may remember that upon completion of my foiled wood blade, I may have made mention of ways to protect it from the UV rays. There is no varnish on the rudder, only clear epoxy and that has no UV resistance. I probably will make a small bag for it to protect it from the sun when the boat is moored but aside from that, it's gonna be exposure to the elements.
   I feel this is a test platform for the next wood foiled blades that I'll build hopefully next winter.
My plan is to sail this thing and not baby it like I'd be tempted to. Remember this cost me a lot of time and $$ so my tendency would be to protect it. Well, time to grow up, rudder and earn your keep. So far, the performance is pretty good although I feel in making it a bit bigger than originally planned, I've created a rudder with more wetted area than I wanted to. This, I feel, detracts from perfomance a bit. That being said, the boat points higher, goes faster  and also motors straighter than ever.
   If there is anyone out there willing to sell (or even better, donate) thier unused stock aluminum plate rudder, I'd be more than happy to take it off you hands.

Bob23

To make a long story longer, I steered to home port under instruments alone, carefully watching the moving chart and keeping her in the channel.

Way to go with that instrument rating.  I too had cause to sing the praises of my SH 180i with up to date chartplotter software.  No fog, perfect visibility but on the B.E.E.R cruise last week, single handling, I had to make a number of approaches to the various anchorages.  Each anchorage in the Santa Rosa sound  had a few deep spots close to shore interspersed with a lot of shoals and bars less than 2'.  I asked the other BEER cruisers about the approaches and got answers like just head for the water tower, etc., but many of these folks had WB boats that drew about 10".  With the chartplotter, I just eased in around the skinny water.  There is no doubt in my mind that without it I would have been calling for help to push off the sand a bars on a regular basis. 

Arion is now a "salt".  More on the cruise later.

Brack:
   I look forward to hearing your account of the BEER cruise. A CP 23 is quite a deep draft boat for that event. I have not attended personally but back when I subscribed to Small Craft Advisor, I read about it...sounds great.
Bob23 

Bob, I saw your request for a rudder blade. Heck, with all that artistic talent you got, why don't you make one from scratch? I bet you could make one from fiberglass with a pipe in front, or even a pipe with some metal wands welded off it and incase the whole thing in fiberglass....

Hmmm...Newt- you might have just jump started my grey matter, no easy feat I can say. If I could find a rudder head that had a 3/4" space, I'd make the entire thing of wood. 3/4" marine ply is incredibly strong. Then I could move more of the body forward, make the whole thing narrower than mine came out and further reduce weather helm.
    I touched bottom with the new rudder for the first time on Saturday with no damage. That is encouraging. I was able to tack up a rather narrow channel, into an oncoming tide and never missed a tack. I couldn't do that with the old blade; the boat sometimes would stall. Considering the expertise of her skipper, the new rudder is performing wonderfully.
    I guess I should name this new rudder...anyone have any ideas? Boy, I just realized what I just opened myself up to with that offer!
Bob23

I will be watching this- I would like a rudder blade shorter, more streamlined and one that balances the boat just right....
Sounds like you are on the right path grasshopper..:)

   Thank you, Miyagi.  It's been a while since I heard any references to Kung-fu. You are dating yourself, Newt. What's next- references to "The Avengers"? Weren't we all in love with Emma Peale?
   I don't know about your rudder, but mine is now almost 10 inches longer than the keel. Comes in handy now that my depth sounder has bit the dust. I'm too cheap to replace it so I'm gonna fly blind this summer.
  Man, I just gotta learn how to post photos. What a procrastinator I am!!
Bob23
   

Quote from: Bob23 on June 14, 2010, 05:51:25 PM
 
 Man, I just gotta learn how to post photos. What a procrastinator I am!!
Bob23
 

Hey Bob - If you just add this quote to your forum profile you won't have to keep typing it EVERY time.


Mike

It's nice to know I'm not the only SA around here. But to quote the famous Goldie Wilson from Back to the Future: "Now, that's a good idea."
Bob23- back in time.

Emma was much to good looking to be running around with that hack in the tophat. If she had come to my house- well we would have taken her out for a soda and doughnut or something. BTW-
My name is Mark and I work for U.N.C.L.E. (or so I wrote on all my second grade papers)

Mark:
   Your'e not gonna believe this: I did the exact same thing. I don't remember if it was second grade but I do remember writing that on my papers. I'm sure I drove my teachers crazy. 
   Good thing TV was somewhat wholesome back then considering the impact it apparently had on us.  And who can forget "I Spy"?
Bob23   

LOL thats funny. Things were alot more innocent back then (sigh)...

Rudder update:
   Well, as most of you guys know, Koinonia recieved her new rudder this year and it continues to amaze me. As you 23 ers know, they don't really perform well with just the main up but yesterday I took my daugher and her dog out in 15-18 knts wind. 20 knt gusts. Seeing how this was the dogs first sail and not knowing if he would freak out, I didn't want anything extra to do so intially we just raised the main.
   With the old blade, coming about under main alone was just about impossible. She's stall almost everytime. Yeah, the main is a bit blown out (original 1985). But every tack I took yesterday was effortless and successful. And...I'd forgotten to raise the outboard. So this rudder is a complete success and it looks great, seeing a foiled mahogany blade sitting back there. Koinonia deserves no less.
Bob23
   

Bob,  really glad this is working out for you.    I was really dissapointed in the boat (CP16) before the foiled rudder and new sails.    Which is why I commented that all Com-pacs should have them--easily the best modification you can make to the boat.

Are you loose footed yet?  The mainsail, I mean :)

On this same note, since the helm effort is now considerably less (dare I say VERY EASY?), my brother made both of us nice walnut tillers that are 33" long, about 11" shorter than standard.  Just need to make a cover for it.  When done, I'll install and post the results. I'll put a Forespar TFP adaptor on it for an extension when needed.  He's already installed his and loves it.  Both of us have the IDA full assembly w/ kickup and kickdown naca 0012 foils.  Should make tacking with a full crewed boat easier, and moving from side to side when single handling a breeze. The only downfall I predict is holding the tiller while raising the sail.  Generally I use both hands on the halyard and my knee or leg on the tiller when single handing.  This will be a little tougher to do, but probably not that big a deal.

   I still use a Davis self-steering thingy in my tiller. Doesn't do a great job self-steering but works ok as a tiller lock- like when you're raising sails.
   I have not converted to loose footed main yet, although in the wasted days of my wayward youth, I was pretty foot-loose. Another story for another time. I have the slug, just haven't gotten around to it yet. I need to get a jump on some of the varnishing. Normally, this is winter project time but last winter I blew off all those jobs and, thus, got a late start. I did make a great slide out chart table where the sink used to be.
   Back to the rudder. Yesterday I was able to tack through 100 degrees....with just the main! With the jib she'll do at least 90 degrees. Pretty good, I think, considering that these 23's are not known for pointing that high. While reading an article on rudders during dinner, I wondered if anyone has converted a 23 to a blade rudder forward of the transom. You know, built around a shaft through a sleeve that comes up into the cockpit itself. Not that I'm gonna do it. I think it would produce a terrible lee helm.
    It aint easy when your mind races at such high speeds like ours do. It seems to get mere mortals upset.
Bob23

90 degrees ain't too shabby!  That's about where Island Time is close hauled.  It seems almost tighter than that though, based on the direction of the cassette tape streaming off the shrouds. Then again that is apparent wind and I'm not the best at judging this.  But with the main up only, I don't think I'm pointing to 100 degrees.  More like 110 as a guess, and you have to work it to get it there.  It will fall way off on tack w/ mainsail only, requiring some time and careful trimming to make any upwind progress. My sails are in pretty good shape.

I had (still have in a drawer) the Davis tiller tamer.  Hated it. Line always in the way. Also not easy or fast to quickly loosen it.  There are plenty of shifting winds here and it caught me by surprise a time or two on the 16.  I'm using the forespar extension but have yet to mount the coaming boxes.  For now I just let it rest against the crockpit bench on the leeward side when I need to let go for a moment or three. Works fine if you take a few seconds to fine tune it.  Then with steady winds and a broad reach, it will sail itself for quite some time (until winds shift or the need to tack). That may not work as well when raising the halyard..guess I'll give it a try next time the admiral stays home.

Moving to loose footed this week. I just needed this part, item # 601164
from defender for $2.57 which arrived.  Will use 1/8 Amsteel line (very high strength) to fasten to the clew.

(http://www.defender.com/thumbs/601164_t.jpg)

Bob, your making me very jealous of your exploits. I will make a foil rudder my first priority after haulout...

For now I just let it rest against the crockpit bench on the leeward side when I need to let go for a moment or three.

That's what I do.  drop the ball on the bench.  I'm sure the coaming boxes because they lock in both directions work better, but I've been able to get by this way and decided not to get them.  I have a Davis tiller tamer, brand new, never installed, came with the boat, PO didn't install it because it would not let them use the tiller cover.  I'm not planning to install.  I have a Raymarine ST-1000 for when I need more time.  Used it a lot on BEER.  Well worth the investment, particularly if you single hand a lot.

I'm also going to loose footed.  Looking at blocks to get the outhaul easily adjustable this morning.  Becket to the block on the sail clew, back to the block on the boom and back to the cleat seems to be the right formula for me.  Another opportunity for a double braid eysplice.

LOL, crockpit is now an official CPYOA term.:)

I wondered if anyone has converted a 23 to a blade rudder forward of the transom. You know, built around a shaft through a sleeve that comes up into the cockpit itself. Not that I'm gonna do it. I think it would produce a terrible lee helm.

A neighbor slip boat, a mid-70's Chrysler 22 or 23 has this setup.  Looks painfully ackward, it's right where your knees and legs will be.   It's in pretty nice shape for being so old, and a nice couple owns it, but even the admiral commented on how awful the tiller layout was. Dare I say a wheel would be better?

Brack--take a look at Harkens' website.  There is a .pdf catalog to download.  Within the first few pages are a diagram on a nice 4:1 outhaul system with camcleat for quick adjustment.  Will be putting this on hopefully before the Carlyle Rendezvous.

Newt:
   While it is true that I haven't learned how to post photos here, I do have the technology to email pictures of the rudder building project to you or any of the other Compac scallywags that might be reading this. While, previously, this was highly classified information, recently it has been made available to the public. Let me know, I can download the photos into a crockpit file.
Salt:
   Yes, while I was writing that, I remembered how intrusive those tiller-in-the-crockpit arrangements can be. May I be forgiven? I don't really love the Davis either, but it's there so there it shall remain.
   To all: I'm still convinced that if I can move more of the rudder body forward, I can further lessen the weather helm and thus attain even higher speeds. Remember, when I fabricated the down haul, I moved the rudder pivot point back 5/8" thus theoretically contributing to weather helm. But much more of the blade is forward so the helm is much more balanced than the original
   Am I splitting hairs here?   
Bob23

When I saw the "crockpit" I thought OH *#%$ its broken again, and I started going back into the innards of the forum. The next post kept me from going very far. VERY FUNNY guys! Although crockpit does describe the area i navigate from when sailing....You know, the area where all the sheets go to and that ornery old crock is on the tiller...

Sorry, Newt. We do appreciate all the work you are doing for the site so the rest of us freeloaders can have a place to hang out.
Bob23

Yes, while I was writing that, I remembered how intrusive those tiller-in-the-crockpit arrangements can be. May I be forgiven? I don't really love the Davis either, but it's there so there it shall remain.

Of course...thinking outside the box is an area I enjoy wandering in and feel a very important attribute to have.    Otherwise we would all be sailing mini-ships with wooden blocks and hemp sheets!

Will you forgive me for using (soon) a very short tiller?  When the rudder is truly balanced there is very little effort to maintain control. Even in stronger winds.  At least that's my experience with the IDA.  So why have the extra length in the way all the time?  out of the box...

Good point,  Mike:
   If you don't need a long lever, why not use a short one? Maybe I'll toy around with that one on my boat sometime. It does make sense.  My friend Dennis (1970 Morgan 30) has an extremely long tiller on his boat, on a shaft that enters the cockpit near the rear. This boat has an almost neutral helm so the 4 foot tiller really gets in the way sometimes.
   My only reason for staying stock is that I use a tiller extension sometimes when alone and a shorter tiller would not allow me to sit as far forward as I can now.
Bob23

To all:
   There is no great news on the Koinonia front. She weathered the fierce Hurrican Earl well other than a horrible scratch from a protruding nail in the dock that was meant to protect her. Damn...I hate that. I have had more damage from docks and pilings than anything else...so glad I'm on a mooring.
   There are a few cruises planned for the fast approaching fall here in NJ. We get more than our  fair share of North winds and clear, dry weather. The changing colors of the mainland deciduous
trees stand in contrast to the pines and cedars so sailing here in the fall is very colorful. The reflection off the seemingly darker bay waters is absolutely stunning. Also, lots less traffic as most of the tourists have returned to thier home states.
Bob23...more later...

That is interesting what you say about a Dock. I am thinking about putting up a few moorings myself, esp. for my larger boat. It seems you can sail away easier and there is a lot less temptation for others to "borrow" things off your boat. Of course a disadvantage is convenience, but it seems you can overcome that with just good seamanship. (rowing out, cleaning her when you are at a courtesy dock, etc.)

   That's exactly how I get to her...row my Walker Bay 8. A big plus to being on a mooring is to be able to sail on and off...it really helps build boat handling skill- I've only motored off once this summer and on twice.
   Sailing into an opposing current and going about 1 knot, it once took me 20 tacks to go about 500 feet...but, being the stubborn guido that I am, I was determined. Of course, there will always be those who will just start the motor and be in way ahead of me. But I did it anyway.
   As far as dock damage, nothing major. Got the anchor hung up on a piling-twice. Applied the aforementioned scratch and got the starboard toerail caught under a fuel dock. I think that's about it.
   Another plus is that Koinonia, beautiful vessel as she it, gets to show off her figure at every sunset. She has been called "the prettiest boat in the harbor".
Bob23

Well the short tiller is working out real well.  Just short enough to keep away from passenger knees and oneself when moving about.  It does force you aft somewhat but with the tiller extension it can be steered from forward in the cabin, and left along the coaming for self-steering.  The quick disconnect tiller extension is nice.   Give it a try, Bob, I think you'll like it.

Edit: meant to say can be steered from the forward in the COCKPIT, not cabin. Sorry about that.

Salty:
   Just how long is your tiller? Mine does not protrude into the crocpot very much and I do have a removable and adjustable tiller extension..a Ronstan me thinks.
   On the Koinonia scene: She's still at her mooring in Surf City although some of the other boats have been pulled out. Why just yesterday I pulled the "Linda Gale" (Force 5) out and am getting her ready for her winter home on the trailer.
   Soon Koinonia will move to her fall home at Long Key Marina and strut her stuff in the Barnegat Bay. It's a chance to sail some different waters and enjoy the conveniences of a marina although I much prefer being tied to a mooring! I plan on sailing into November although last year I think I kept her in till December 1st. The main problem with that is less time for winter projects. The year before she came out in August to make room for a September rotator cuff surgery.
Bob23

Koinonia- you old crockpit you! How did your master fare with his surgery? Never did hear about that much.

Newt:
   There must have been some kind of communication breakdown. I had the last rotator cuff surgery done in 9/2008 and it's healed quite well. I have something going on in my right knee that the doc wants to correct...says i'ts not nearly the rehab time as the shoulder. I've been putting it off but now that I'm slow at work, maybe now's the time. Can't wait!
    I figured I'd save some money and while I was under for the shoulder, maybe they correct the obvious brain problem but when I came to, I was disappointed to find I was just about the same. "Too old to get parts for and even used brains were becoming a rare. I fixed both shoulders but you'll just have to run that old brain 'till she gives out, then junk the whole thing." What a guy...I couldn't fault him for his honesty!
   Someone suggested I was getting old but that can't be right- that's just for old people!
Bob23

LOSS OF A DEAR FRIEND:
   Like most of you, I get to use tools in the maintenance and improvement of our Compac. Early on in my life, I developed a love for fine tools. As an air-cooled VW mechanic trained by German and Italian mechanics, I got to use and purchase some fine German made tools, many of which I still own today althouth they might be a bit scattered here and there.
   As you may not know, the Vice Grip was invented by a Danish machinest who came to America.  I think we'll all agree that it is one wonderful and versatile tool. I keep one aboard in Koinonia's tool box at all time. At least until last Saturday.
   I was aboard installing a pair of anchor brackets on the bow rail. Yes, I carry an anchor on the bow pulpit, ready to be deployed but being a belt and suspenders kind of guy, I wanted a second anchor up front. Besides, I like 2 anchors out- reduces swing.
   I used the Vice Grips to squeeze the bracket together so I could install the bolt. As I was tightening up, the Grips slipped off and good old gravity took them to thier final resting place in the miry depths of the Manahawkin Bay.
   "Farewell, faithful old friend. Oh, the cruelty of life that you, all well oiled and polished should end your days thus and not passed down from generation to generation. Oh, the unfairness of it all! Not having a magnet, I commit you to the depths to join the rest of your brothers, tools dropped by sailors of days gone by. May you find solitude and peace among the creatures of the deep!"
Bob23 

and the vice grips are thinking "did you see that, that old guy that kept us locked up in that rusty old box, for a split second was not focused on keeping a tight grip. I saw my chance and I took it. I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeee!

You guys need therapy- you know that don't you??? Personally, I would have dived after them- then I would have not only lost my grip, but also come home with pneumonia.

   You would not be the first man to say I've lost my grip! Maybe I should send my therapist down there after them. Oh...almost forgot- my therapists name is "Koinonia"!
   Not being one who accepts defeat easily, I'm gonna borrow my son's big magnet and do some probing. Hopefully the next installment of this story will be entitled: "The Prodigal tool returns home". Stay tuned or is that stay tooned!
Bob23

Quote from: Bob23 on October 11, 2010, 11:06:35 AM
   You would not be the first man to say I've lost my grip! Maybe I should send my therapist down there after them. Oh...almost forgot- my therapists name is "Koinonia"!
   Not being one who accepts defeat easily, I'm gonna borrow my son's big magnet and do some probing. Hopefully the next installment of this story will be entitled: "The Prodigal tool returns home". Stay tuned or is that stay tooned!
Bob23

Well when you find the grips, then you can come down here and help me.  I've got at least three sail stops down under.  I find the curvature of the 23 deck and the shape of the sail stop is perfect for a one bounce launch to Davey Jones locker.  No magnets here, those things are stainless.  From now on, push pins on a lanyard.

Did spend several hours diving for a pair of expensive and well liked sunglasses I dropped over.  Found them.  Of course I now wear a floating neck strap on the stems.

LOL...yes the deck on the 19 is also designed specifically for one-bounce track stop launches into the deep. 
Two for two so I would say the design is pretty efficient. 

Bob, the short tiller is 31" overall and 25" from vertical top stern edge of cockpit to foreward end of tiller.   The 25" measurement is what you'll want to shoot for.
Definitely would not do this without a foiled rudder as it reduces leverage ( I need one to two fingers on the tiller with an IDA rudder so leverage does not matter).  But the shorter length does allow for company in the cockpit to have plenty of knee/leg room as well as clearance for the skipper to move about.  I really don't see any negatives unless you like to scoot way forward often while sailing.  I believe this is right around 12" shorter than standard, maybe a tad less.

I keep at least two of every small thing that could jump overboard when launching, retrieving, or tuning the rig.  Two pair of vice grips.  Two pair of needlenose pliers.  Plenty of screwdrivers, not sure why.  Extra cotter pins, cotter rings, clevis pins.

Also a good idea to get some 1/8 inch line and tie a short lanyard to each tool.  I've used the same rusty vice grips and needlenose to adjust the stays for about 10 seasons and the spares are looking good having almost never been taken out of the tool box.

Still, not everything goes perfect.  This year I forgot to bring the ladder when retrieving.  Makes it a bit harder to board and take the mast down once the boat is on the trailer.  Even harder getting back down.  If I were still in my early twenties I'd just jump but that was quite a few years ago.

Curtis

   I always thought about tying the tools off with a small piece of line but "I never drop anything overboard" was my rationale. I don't plan on letting those V-Grips disappear without a fight, though. In the event that they do, however, I am comforted in the fact that, while they were here, I gave them a good home.
   I never have dropped a sail stop over. Dang! I never should have said that! I do keep a rather complete box of spare rigging parts on board- cotter pins, clevis pins, clothes pins (but no bowling pins) as well as spare shackles, blocks and whatever else I think I might need but really know that most likely I'll never need.
   I also keep a box of electrical parts, wire, etc on board. I buy those divided boxes by Stanley at Home Depot...you know, the ones with the little yellow sub-boxes inside. Quite durable and you can remove any of the little yellow sub-boxes to get at the particular part you  need without waking the others.
Bob23...I'm going sailing today!...and V-Grip hunting!!!

Quote from: Bob23 on October 25, 2009, 05:31:01 AM
    around Cape May
Bob23

Hey Bob23, not sure if the recommended route has changed in the last ten years, but you might be better served by using the canal across the tip of that cape. Best, ralph

Yes, Ralph, the canal saves a lot of time and is defintely safer. I hear that going around Cape May and up into Delaware Bay can be rough at times.
Thanks,
Bob23

Wow! How my suggestion on the Canal ended up attached here is amazing to me. I know that I tried to post it after a comment Bob23 made much earlier about taking a trip to the Chesapeake. Certainly not related to losing anything over the side. Hmmmm, I'll be much more careful with future posting. Sorry folks.

Quote from: rip on October 28, 2010, 09:04:37 AM
Wow! How my suggestion on the Canal ended up attached here is amazing to me. I know that I tried to post it after a comment Bob23 made much earlier about taking a trip to the Chesapeake. Certainly not related to losing anything over the side. Hmmmm, I'll be much more careful with future posting. Sorry folks.

Not to worry rip.  With casual inspection you will notice that this particular topic tends to meander with the boats themselves often jumping in to offer opinions that may show a complete lack of respect for the actions of their captains.  Plenty of room for drifting off on tangents on this one. 

You have to take a sail stop out to reef and I've managed to drop one.  I keep a spare in the sail slot just above the gooseneck and one in the toolbox.

If you have a spare things don't jump overboard because what's the point in doing so.

Curtis

   I never remove a sail stop to reef. A previous owner installed pieces of 1/8" line between the sail slugs and the sail up to the level of the first reef. As the sail comes down and is detentioned, this line slacks and the sail is able to pull away from the mast so reefing is not problem. I'll try to get photos of this as my description is probably a bit confusing.
   I only remove the sail stops twice a year. Once on commisioning and once in decommisioning. I guess that's why I've never lost one.
Bob23

SAILING NEWS:
   There isn't any...I haven't been out in over 3 weeks and I'm starting to dry out. Things like work, super high winds, rain, my mother in law taking a fall and finally the passing of my father in law have prevented me from sailing. Yesterday, I at least rowed out to "Koinonia" to have a look-see. "Hi, stranger", she greeted. "Do I know you from somewhere?". She's got a great sense of humor...wonder where she got that from? There was only a hint of sarcasm in her voice; she knows what I'd been going through and was there to provide solace in her own way.
   I was greeted also by a spider web in my starboard shrouds. A bad sign indeed. Not having time to sail, I sat on the foredeck, feeling the cleansing wind at my face as the boat headed straight into the wind, still tied to her mooring. The wind is cool this time of year but the lowering sun casts a new light onto familiar surroundings bringing a freshness of view. Although I've sat here a hundred times before, yesterday seemed new so I stayed for a while until I had to return to the "real" world to continue my running around.
   Seems that even sitting on our boats is therapeutical in it's own peculiar way.
Bob23

 Seems that even sitting on our boats is therapeutical in it's own peculiar way.
Bob23

Know what you mean.  While the sailing weather has been nearly perfect here, I've had little time to participate.  The Admiral, who has rather advanced glaucoma, has had to have a number of procedures and follow ups to try to keep her vision, so my time since the LeConte climb has been spent on many 400 mile round trips to the Vanderbilt Eye Institute.  Ironically, on each trip I pass within a mile or so of my boat.  

I did go up a week or so ago and installed a push pin on a lanyard to act as a sail stop so that I would not continue to add to the inventory of that item in the briny deep.  Took longer than planned, so no sail that day, but I ate lunch on the boat and then took a short nap.  A very calming experience.

But I may go for a sail today.

Hey Brack,
I work in Nashville, if you ever get down that way and need anything, call me (931) 237-0926.  That's my cell when I don't forget and leave it on the dresser at home.

Bob D

Quote from: Bob23 on October 30, 2010, 04:06:41 AM
   I never remove a sail stop to reef. A previous owner installed pieces of 1/8" line between the sail slugs and the sail up to the level of the first reef. As the sail comes down and is detentioned, this line slacks and the sail is able to pull away from the mast so reefing is not problem. I'll try to get photos of this as my description is probably a bit confusing.
   I only remove the sail stops twice a year. Once on commisioning and once in decommisioning. I guess that's why I've never lost one.
Bob23

Bob,

I have a sail stop underneath all of the sail slugs.  When I raise the sail, I just pull on the halyard and up it goes.  No putting sail slugs into the slot.  When I reef I have to get rid of that sail stop and then put it back in.

I really don't get it.  When I normally lower the sail I don't want the sail slugs to pop out so it just goes back up when I take the sail cover off with nothing more than a pull on the halyard.

Curtis

Curtis,

Have you tried loosening your downhaul to let the boom ride up a little higher?

First time I reefed I had to take out the sail stop to be able to get the reef point onto the hook. After that I let the boom ride higher and I can now reef it without taking out the sail stop. This assumes you can still tension your sail with the halyard with the boom up a little higher.

Shawn

Shawn,

I can't let the gooseneck go up into the cutout in the mast sail slot.  I reef so that the cringle is tight to the boom and the only way that can be done is to take all of the sail slugs below that point out of the mast sail slot.  I don't use the reef hook on the gooseneck.

Here is a photo with the first reef tied in.  I was setting up the reef lines at the time after mounting the hardware on the boom.

(http://www.faster-light.net/remote-access/image/20030718-reef-points-02.jpg)

You can see where the cutout in the sail slot is and where the sail stop is just above the cutout after the slugs were let out.

If the cringle at the mast is up high and you tighten the aft cringle, using it as an outhaul, a lot of stress is put on the lower sail slugs that would otherwise be taken by the forward cringle.  I don't think the plastic sail slugs are very strong.  With no reef tied in the outhaul stress is taken by the SS pin just above the gooseneck.

(Are we hijacking Koinonia's thread.  Perhaps she will be OK with that since it is about taking good care of her sisters.)

Curtis

I am terribly offended and I'm not gonna play with you guys ever again!- Koinonia
I'll have to get some photos of my arrangement...all I know is I never remove any sailstops when I reef. Maybe I should be clearer. The 1/8" line is one continous line that threads through the first 3 or 4 slugs. As the sail comes down during a reef, it is able to pull away from the slugs, which remain above the stop and fold up on the boom using the reefing hook of course.
Bob23

Quote from: rwdsr on October 31, 2010, 09:27:46 PM
Hey Brack,
I work in Nashville, if you ever get down that way and need anything, call me (931) 237-0926.  That's my cell when I don't forget and leave it on the dresser at home.

Bob D

Thanks Bob, I really appreciate that offer.  We do have some support up there, one of my sons lives in Hendersonville, works down town.  On follow up visits the surgeon has been very accommodating because of the distance in that she offers us a 12:30 PM appointment when we wish.  Makes it possible to do a long day up and back.

Quote from: Bob23 on October 30, 2010, 04:06:41 AM
   I never remove a sail stop to reef. A previous owner installed pieces of 1/8" line between the sail slugs and the sail up to the level of the first reef. As the sail comes down and is detentioned, this line slacks and the sail is able to pull away from the mast so reefing is not problem. I'll try to get photos of this as my description is probably a bit confusing.
   I only remove the sail stops twice a year. Once on commisioning and once in decommisioning. I guess that's why I've never lost one.
Bob23

We do need a picture.  I understand exactly what Curtis is saying as that is what I experience, but am confused about how the line works to eliminate the need to remove the top (above the slug removal slot in the mast) sail stop.

Here is what I did for a sail slug stop after I got tired of dropping sail stops overboard.  The sail is lifted up for the pictures but the slugs sit on the push pin.  It is a 3/16" pin with a 1.4" working area.  When you reef, you just pull it out, drop the sail the number of slugs for the reef and then push it back in.  McMaster Carr, about four bucks.

(http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af200/brackish_photos/ImprovementsArion029.jpg)

That is very slick!!
Bob23

That is slick, I'm gonna remember that!

Bob D

All in favor of Brack winning the Slick Dude of the Day award say "Aye"!

Brack,

That is brilliant.  Bob has me thinking that maybe a line through the sail slugs would help keep the slugs in order and easier to put back in when shaking out a reef.  Combine that with the Brack Easy Reefing Sail Stopless Slug Stopper (TM) and sailing reefing might just be even easier than it is now.

Now if Brack worked for Davis they'd be selling those things for about $50 each.  Put a Harken logo on it and maybe $100.

Curtis

LOL,

That is a fancy version of what was on my Columbia 8.7.  That boat had nothing more than a heavy cotter pin for a sail slug stop.  Hole was drilled in one side of the mast slot at about a 30 degree down angle, and you just pushed in the cotter pin till the other side stopped it.  Worked perfectly, the down angle and slight pressure of the cotter pin being barely open kept it from popping out when the sail was up or off.

No lanyard on that one, just always kept a spare cotter pin on board.  I've had my CP 23 for eighteen months and had lost three sail stops.  Had that Columbia for 16 years and never lost the original  twenty cent cotter pin. :)

Quote from: brackish on November 02, 2010, 08:51:16 AM

No lanyard on that one, just always kept a spare cotter pin on board.  I've had my CP 23 for eighteen months and had lost three sail stops.  Had that Columbia for 16 years and never lost the original  twenty cent cotter pin. :)

Wow.  3 in 18 months.  I only lost one sail stop in 10 years.

I did lose a pair of needlenose once.  Maybe a screwdriver, they can roll.  Or maybe I lost some other small tool, can't just be one.  Other than a cotter pin now and then that's about it.

Oh yeah - I did lose a non-critical peice off the top of my furler that didn't cost much just took a few weeks to arrive.  That wasn't my fumbling that time.  If fell to the deck and bounced and then splashed.  And a pair of boat shoes, but lost that off a stationary dock.  ... oh - and a cell phone went mysteriously missing after a sail about 10 years ago ... maybe I have dropped a few things.

Curtis

   "Man, am I bored. Bob23 hasn't been out sailing me for about 4 or 5 weeks. I know he's had his hands full but that's no excuse. Here I sit, all alone in the chilly NJ bay waters with this dang north wind blowing 20-25 day after day, it seems. I know he's waiting for the right day to sail me up to Forked River where a friend, (PeterG I think his name is) graciously offered his dock space to me till I'm hauled out for my winters hibernation.   BTW, my big sister "Beagle II", a CP 27 usually lives here but she came out ON TIME! HINT, HINT, BOB23??
   Maybe someone here can talk some sense into him. I hate to do something drastic, like break loose to get his attention but if I have to stay here much longer, I might just cry. And you don't want to make a grown woman cry, do you?"
Koinonia

   Tomorrow, Dennis and I will motor/sail Koinonia up to her November home at PeterG's house. He has graciously offered his dock to us until haul-out time on November 29th or 30th. On the day after Thanksgiving when everyone is going mad with thier Black Friday Sales, hopefully, we'll be out on my version: Black Friday Sail! Where would you rather be? In a mall full of sales-crazed, coupon-clutching housewives or on the Barnegat Bay close hauled in a vintage Compac 23 while sipping hot coffee?
   A full report will follow for those interested and those too bored to read anything else.
Bob23

   As promised, Dennis and I set sail 0930 hrs on a northerly course into a nnw wind 15-20 knts. Actually, we set motor for the first couple of hours we motored into said wind. We then made it over to the mainland where the wave action was less. After reaching Flat Creek, we unfurled the jib and tacked over to the ICW where we intersected at marker #53. Then in was more motoring up the ICW until at last reaching marker #48, we gave Miss Nissan a rest, raised a single reefed main and jib and started to sail. We had lots of deep water due to an abnormally high tide so grounding was not an issue.
   Now in Barnegat Bay, we continued to tack into nne wind on a wonderful sail. The wind subsided a bit so we shook out the reef in the main and unfurled the jib to it's full size. Soon our destination was in sight, the lagoon entrance that ultimatly would lead to the home of the gracious Capt. PeterG. We decided to sail in rather than motor in until reaching lagoon #7 on the right, dropped all sail and motored up to his dock where we tied up at 1530 hrs. And amazingly, I did not, repeat, did not hit anything docking. Yes, it does happen occasionally!
   Koinonia now sits proudly at her bigger sisters home port awaiting just a few more sails until haul-out on November 29th or so. Stay tuned for more adventures!
Bob23

"One picture is worth a thousand words."
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia708.jpg)
Koinonia at rest.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/almostdone01.jpg)
THE rudder!
Bob23

 That is a beautiful work of art.  I do not believe there is another foiled rudder like that in existence.  It belongs in a museum. 

Up until now none of us thought it existed and now we're all jealous of Bob's fine varnished rudder.

Bob - fine looking vessel and an attractive background as well.  I like the riding sail.

Curtis

WOOOHOOO is right!

Can't wait to see more pics of Koinonia!

Thanks, Mates.
   There would be no pictures here but for the encouragement, prodding, and general teasing by you fine gents. Last night I sat down at my HAL 9000 and, following Tim's instructions, I was finally able to post photos. I had had a photobucket account all along but never messed around with it. Thanks for all your help, mates, but I'm afraid the site will never be the same!
   Next, I'll try to program my DVD player!
   In a way, the rudder does belong in a museum. While it looks great and I'm quite happy with the change in performance, I think I made the body of the blade too wide and that my contribute to the still present weather helm, although it's much reduced. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. It's still a vast improvement over the flat blade and even though I've kissed the bottom a few times this past summer, no damage at all.
   More, I repeat, more photos are inevitably forthcoming!
Bob23

I don't believe it!  There really is a Koinonia, I've finally seen her with my own eyes!  The rudder looks good too!  Good work Bob!  LOL

Bob D.

We've created a MONSTER

IT LIIIIIIVVES!

TG

Quote from: Tim Gardner on November 19, 2010, 08:06:58 AM
We've created a MONSTER

IT LIIIIIIVVES!

TG

You're right about that!  He's learned how to do it and is now unleashed!  It is the end of an era!

Kidding Bob, boat looks great and rudder looks like a work of art.  Keep 'em coming.

MWOOOOOHAAAHAAAHAAA!!!! SOON THE WHOLE WORLD WILL BE MINE!!!!! Oops... sorry. Kinda went to my head.
   Here us a shot of my father in law at age 88 in his kayak.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Otto1007.jpg)
    And here is one of my favorite shots of our cove showing Koinonia off to the left, to her right is my son's Irwin 21 FreeSpirit "Gannet" and to extreme right his sunfish.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/swancove707.jpg)
Bob23

Beautiful sunset Bob. Your the man.

My time in the water is coming to an end. The fearless albeit sometimes exageratitive Capt. Bob23 is planning the last sail of 2010 for this Saturday and a haulout on Monday, 11/29. I'm ready for a good long winters nap.
Soon I'll look like this:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/pvcribs90801.jpg)
Then, like this in my winter pj's:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Fishercover1.jpg)
G'night, All!
Koinonia...zzzzzzzzz

Bob23,  All I can say is that you take as good of care of Koinonia as I did of my first Admiral.  I thought I did a real good job like you, however she left me. 

Miss your long narratives since you have learned to post pictures, but the pictures more than make up for it. 
Enjoy your last sail of the season, and may it be a good one.

David

   A picture might tell a thousand words but I'd rather write a thousand words than post a picture. I just had to put to rest the rumor that I was so technologically inept that I couldn't post photos. But, it was the truth...I owe it all to you fine gents, coaching me along so I could learn that it was actually possible.
  Lemme see, what photo can I post today?
Winch, portside:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Portsidewinch.jpg)
The Admiral and I in Cabo San Lucas, last year just around this time:
   (http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/LindaandI.jpg)
Cheers, All!
Bob23

Bob 23,
Beautiful clear water and the lens on that camera must have cost a bundle.  I believe you are a year older than me, but I look old as he_ _ looking at that picture of you.  Maybe it is because you drink that hard to find beverage.  I may have to try and find some of that.   
All your pictures are of excellent quality.  We are all glad you learned how to post a picture right after I learned how.  Keep those pictures coming.

David

Thanks, David.
   I'm 57 but feel 157 sometimes. The Admiral, on the other hand, doesn't seem to age all that much. The nice thing about sunglasses is they make one look younger. Maybe.
  The camera is a basic Fujifilm Finepix Z33 WP (waterproof) point and shoot. 10 megapixels, I think. I bought it after my old Fuji got wet as I fell out of a kayak while out with my daughter.
It's a good, durable underwater camera that is not expensive. My son found reconditioned ones for about 100 clams. Comes in colors...mine's green- my favorite!
  More pictures and stories are in the works!
Bob23

   

LAST SAIL AND HAULOUT:
   This past Sunday saw Koinonia and I out for the last sail of the season trying to tame winds that approached 7 knts. Needless to say I had to fasten my seat belt! Although it started out cold (30) the temp soared to 45 so no gloves needed. It was an uneventful but pleasant sail. Started out the 3 friends were signed on as crew but one by one, they all dropped out- must hae been the terrifying conditions!
   We came in early, me wanting to take advantage of the nice weather to drop sails and begin the fall decommisioning ritual, which I did.
   Next day, Monday saw a healthy layer of frost on the decks so some careful footing was required to keep from sliding into the drink. I removed the rest of the stuff the motor over to the waiting travel-lift where she was hauled, powerwashed and plopped onto my trailer. The mast lowering went ok- no damage or injuries. My pirate buddy Dennis and I have done it so many times that it's a "no brainer". Yeah, right. We usually forget something. This year it was the hinge for the boom vang. No problem, mon.
   While I'm buttoning her up for the winter, I'm reminded that I'd better get going on my winter projects- it's only 4 1/2 monthis 'till we sail again!
   The  Last Sail:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/lastsail11282010.jpg)
   The BI turning bouy insid e Barnegat Inlet. To the right you can just see Barnegat Light:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/BIturningbouy.jpg)
Cheers from NJ!
Bob23
 

Hey nice pics Bob23. As they say, "you've come a long way baby". So living down south in Jersey you sailed a week after they forced me out. But that brings up an interesting question(interesting to me at least). I thought if I had a trailer I could stay in on a mooring or anchor until decided to go dry. But you tell me they hauled Koinonia(being careful with her bottom ;) I hope) and sat her on your trailer. Hey, can you explain to me why you don't use a ramp? If a good trailer isn't going to give me that capacity, for example to take and launch boat wherever, I might as well get a clunker just so I can put my boat in my yard for the winter. Any and all input welcome from all the regulars of this thread.
PS. Those sails look mighty slack, guess that was a lull in the 7 knot breeze... ::)

So Bob23, noticed in an earlier post to this topic, you had a picture (glad you learned to do that) of Koinonia with a riding sail.  How does that work out?  After spending a couple "active" nights aboard at anchor, I've been thinking about trying one.

Rip:
    I have a marina that lifts my boat with thier travellift for 30 clams. Same in the fall except more $ for powerwashing. She jsut stays on her mooring all summer. For the cost of trailer bearing maintenance and/or replacement, I'd rather pay my marina guy his clams. Plus I get to hang out and bs with 'em. To use a ramp, the ramp fees would be more than the marina costs. Plus I'd have to work around the tide.
   My trailer is not a clunker but it was when I bought the boat. I did a lot of work on it to make it roadworthy.
Brack:
    The riding sail reduces mooring swing to less than half and mine is an old design. Check out Banner Bay Marine for the newest designs. I would not moor or anchor wothout one. Not only is it more comfortable at anchor, it takes a lot of strain off the boat and mooring tackle. I've been on my mooring from zero wind to 60 mph with no problem except my nerves at that high wind speed! Hope this helps.  Mine being plain white is just begging for some graphics!
Bob23 

Nice pics Bob.

Rip: To continue what Bob said, it's cheap insurance against future maintenance issues. I've paid as much as $200 each way and feel that's better than a break down somewhere in Mexico. Salt water is hell on trailers.
Fresh water is different, we splash and retrieve via ramp here in Colorado. Although when possible I will put $50 on the tab for the yard guys and have them use the tractor. This year the water dropped very fast and we lost use of the ramp. We had to pay for the crane day and have the boat placed on the trailer.

Bob,

I see you have reefing kringles on your jib.  Ever use 'em?

TG

I BEG YOUR PARDON! I MAY BE GETTING OLD BUT MY JIB AND KRINGLES ARE MY BUSINESS!!! lol.
No. They were there when I bought the boat and I suspect that the sail was originally a hank-on and the kringles are left over from the hank-on era.
Bob23

OK! Thanks guys. So just to follow up on your advice, if i am going to travel 50 to 100 miles to get to freshwater lakes a couple of times a year, and maybe 150 - 1500 miles to saltwater once a year, I should buy the Com-Pac trailer. When at freshwater OK to dunk the trailer. At saltwater either use a lift or wash the trailer thoroughly after any dunking.
Boat will be staying in what i think is(apologies to our fellow member)brackish water most of the time here a hundred miles up the Hudson.
Is it wishful thinking to consider trailering down to the Keys from up here? You know, like missing winter and camping on the Com-Pac for a season.
I have made the trip down the intracoastal(NY - Miami) in a boat that didn't go very fast or point very high in November, but it was a heavy 35 footer. Any wisdom about trying it in my 23? You know, as an "adventure." I have lots of time :) 
I probably should move this to the lounge but I don't want to lose anybody.
BTW Bob23, up here haul is 76 clams with tax , launch is similar...and I have been retired a long time. I repeat - :)

Bob23

Do I understand this right?  It costs more than  30 clams to launch a boat at a ramp with your rig??  Only a couple of years ago we could launch at any county ramp for free.  Now its about 7 bucks total in and out.  It doesn't cost anything to launch at our sailing club but the ramp is truly from hell and we have storage fees all year here.   Matt

No Matt:
   They haul it out with the travel lift...I don't use a boat ramp. And in the Spring, they pluck it from the trailer with the lift and plop it in the water. No bearing maintenance for me! Did I mention that I sail in salt water?
   Thier season ends on October 15th so I usually end my sailing season with a post season slip at the marina. I pay my fees with beer...a better currency than greenbacks!
Bob23

"I have a marina that lifts my boat with thier travellift for 30 clams."

Wow! When I called about having my 23 lifted out the first season I was quoted about $250 for it. I used the local free ramp.

Shawn

   Granted, my little 23 is a very small boat for them. There are a lot of large sport fisherman type boats and smaller powerboats. In fact, mine may be the smallest boat they handle. I get along great with the owners of this small, blue collar marina and usually pay in greenbacks. I think they make most of thier money from slip fees and hauling and winter storage of these larger boats.
   They are in the process of a total bulkhead replacement project so I don't know if "the deal" will last much longer but it's close to my house (8 miles), the owners (father and son) are real good, down to earth, I-don't-stick-my-pinky-out-while-drinking-beer kinda guys. You know, the kind that hang out at CPYOA!
   I bought the boat at Fair Haven Marina in Fair Haven, NJ on the Navesink River. Jon Bon Jovi has a house right across the river from the marina. I paid about $240 clams for that haul and Bon Jovi never asked me over for coffee. Good thing- I can't stand him!
Bob23

Quote from: Shawn on December 03, 2010, 08:20:33 PM
"I have a marina that lifts my boat with thier travellift for 30 clams."

Wow! When I called about having my 23 lifted out the first season I was quoted about $250 for it. I used the local free ramp.

Shawn

Yeah, that is a good deal, my old Columbia 8.7 (29') used to cost a $125 plus another $50 if you wanted it pressure washed in the slings and that was fifteen years ago.  You got three days on the yard with that to do your bottom before the daily charge kicked in.

The ramp at my marina is free for tenants and it is the best ramp I've ever seen.  Wide, long, straight, not too steep, but water gets deep quick and I don't have to use my extension; concrete is appropriately scored for traction; good floating dock adjacent for line handlers; and since it is not open to the public, never a wait.  However, my slip is $98 a month with an annual, advance pay contract.  I would save some by going month to month, pulling for the winter and storing at the house, but, since the self appointed overseers of conduct, taste, and value, (The homeowners association) have managed to install a covenant about that I leave it in all year.

Half a dozen additional ramps on Bay Springs Lake all good and Corps of Engineers maintained, if I needed to use one I think it would cost me $2.50 at the "honor"box with my senior federal parks card.

Quotesince the self appointed overseers of conduct, taste, and value, (The homeowners association) have managed to install a covenant about that I leave it in all year.

Hey Brackish, Bet ya can't hang out your clothes to dry either. Hope I'm wrong. Tis a wacky world.

   When you live in a state that's known for over-regulation, it's a breath of fresh air to find people who have some common sense. Pretty soon here in NJ, we're gonna have to get a permit to fart! I used to live in a community where they told you what you could and couldn't do. I had to split that scene...I don't want to have to get some numbskulls permission to put up a mailbox, plant a garden, or keep a sailboat on my property.
   Maybe New Hampshire's got it right: "Live Free or Die".
Bob23

  "Koinonia" is at her new winter home in Surf City, NJ. At present, she's uncovered and not very happy. She's made it clear that she doesn't like the cold and wants her winter pj's on now. So, tomorrow and Sunday, the canvas coverwill be put on and she'll be tucked in for winter hibernation.
  For the first time, I've pulled my standing rigging for a thorough at-home inspection. I suppose 25 years is enough but they all look great except the bobstay which has obvious corrosion at the lower swage fitting. Time for a new one. I've used Sta-lok fittings on a customers SS lifeline railing system on thier condo...I may try it on the bobstay. They are very easy to use. Maybe I'll rig a test wire and try to pull it apart with the trusty Tundra. Hope I don't pull the rusty frame apart...that would suck!
Bob23
(ps: off to make a Grog!)

Bob- my advice about a Bob-stay would to have it professionally swagged and then seal it with something. it is always getting dowsed and that whole area probably needs to be done in 316 SS and inspected often. If you are going to do a Sta-lok, coat the wire and connection with 4200 or something similar before you assemble it.

Good advice, Newt. I'll probably have Defender make it. The original is still intact but has visible rust on the lower fitting. 
Bob23

Well, Koinonia has her winter pj's on now and is all tucked away for a long winters nap.
It starts with this:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/pvcribs90801.jpg)
And here's her pj's:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Fishercover1.jpg)
and I'll be dreaming of these:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Februarysunset.jpg)
Sweet Dreams, Koinonia!
Bob23

   A few short posts ago, I mentioned that I'll be replacing my bobstay and Newt had good advice about having it professionally swagged. In talking to PeterG, who, after a few drinks, has a great eye for detail, and he had a great suggestion: Chain. Yup, you guys heard me right- chain. I'm gonna do it. I'd like to use bronze but can't seem to find any. Stainless steel would be nice and I don't mind spending the bucks. But I do have a lot of galvanized lying around and it would be easy and cheap to change out every year if it rusted. ( I sail in salt water.)
   I think it would look very salty...now if I can find a small mermaid figurehead...I'll get PeterG working on this one!
   Another idea I have that I'd like to complete is a teak or mahogeny number board. I have some mahogeny lying around and it would only take a few hours of carving and some gold paint. If I do it, you guys will see it first!
Bob23

HI Bob23
Great idea...wish I could find a mermaid as well. Thought I would show you what I mounted on top of my bow light. I rescued "Ducky" from a yard sale in Noanc, CT. When I found out she quacked if it got wet I decided to us it for a "water over the bow" warning system. Now it tells me when I'm about to get soaked !!!!  Have to figure out how to replace the batteries now, she just about lost her quack at the end of the sailing season.
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee505/Allure2sail/Mascot.jpg)

Bruce:
   Ducky looks great and should be required equiptment and all Compacs! I'll keep a look out for another one...he (or she) is not quite a mermaid, though.
Bob23

Bob, I think chain is a good idea- I just gave away chain that would have been about the right size- It was extra on my big boat and i wanted it off the dock....
Question- when you take down your mast, what holds your bowspirit up? Mine is kinda shaky, and I would worry that chain would bend it when transporting....

Newt:
   When I take my mast down, I loosen the bobstay in order to remove the forestay. I'd remove the chain before transport just for good measure. When not under the tension of the rig, it is kinda shaky...I wouldn't walk on it. My bowsprit has a stainless steel frame that surrounds the wood bowsprit and is bolted to the front of the boat at the hull/deck seam. You can kinda see it in this photo:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/51907launch02.jpg)
You can also see my stainless steel anchor that I bought at a nautical flea market for 10 clams. It has the rare, Euro s-shaped shank. It was originally a straight shank like every other anchor out there but yours truly sometimes has a hard time backing out of boat slips and tries to bring pilings with him.
Bob23

Yeah, yourse is the same is mine. I don't walk on it either :)

This has to be the Com-Pac record for longest thread! How fitting the the 2nd word in the title is "continuing"!!!

May it never end!

   Koinonia news: Nothing. She just sits under her canvas cover enduring snowstorm after snowstorm. First was the blizzard of 12/26. Being a frustrated storm chaser at heart, I was tracking it on the NOAA site and it looked more like a hurricane to me. After that, we had 2 little mini-storms of 5 inches each.
   I can finally get to the boat, open the cover flap, go down below and start dreaming. As soon as we get some warmer weather, I'll start my teak refinishing work. I'm ashamed to say, I've let her teak go a bit so it's on top of the list.
   I'm thinking of relocated my battery more amidships. That would help balance the boat a bit and give more storage room in the starboard locker.
   Last year I removed the sink, which was too small to be of any use and built a slide out chart table in it's place. It's about 40 inches long, white formica on top and trimmed in mahogeny. The body is just 1/2" AC plywood and has held up well. This year, I'll build a matching one for the stove which will enable me to pull it out further and provide some countertop space. I have some scrap 1/4" white Corian for that project.
   All it takes is time!
Bob23

  tomorrow is a trip up to John Eggers Sailmakers in Perth Amboy, NJ to discuss a new suit for "Koinonia". The over the phone quote was comparable to North sails Direct and these are custom made sails made on site. We'll see how it goes. More tomorrow night.
Bob

can't wait to hear about it. You going loose footed? Full Battons? Reef points in the jib?

   Had a great meeting with Dave Eggers today. I learned more about sails in one hour than I knew before I walked in his door.  He was familiar with my boat-he'd done sail repairs for the PO.
As they layed my sails out on the loft floor, his assistant ( I didn't get her name) politely remarked that "These sails haven't looked good for a long time". Kinda like me!
   I had a number of questions for Dave and it was obvious that this guy knows his craft through and through. And he's honest to a fault. Bottom line is that he uses a 6.62 oz cloth with a very tight weave, I'll probably order a main with 2 reef points and a 130 genoa without sailcover material- I'll go with a sock instead to improve sail shape and minimize weight. He did not recomend a loose footed main or full battens because of the inherent problems with each.
   But the best is yet to come: Dave told me he would not make my sails until he checked out the boat they'd be made for. That means a 3 hour round trip drive for him. This is standard procedure. He really desires to please the customer and build the best sail he can. And, yes, the sails are made right there in his loft not from some overseas loft (not that there's anything wrong with that.)
    I'll probably call him MOnday and giuve him the go ahead. Am I spending mre? Yeah, but not a whole lot more. And I'll be getting more for my dollar because this guy stnad behind his work. It was very refreshing to meet him- he has the same business philosophy that I have: Serving the customer is first and foremost. See Proverbs 22:1 "A  good name is to be more dresired than great riches." (Please note: This is not religion but rather my business plan from the beginning- 1984.)
Bob23   
Here's the address:
  http://www.johneggers.com/

what did he say the problems w/ the loose foot full battons? ALso,
6.2 oz huh?
My main and 110 jib are 5oz and my 150 genny is 4 ozs.

I have a bolt rope at the foot and reinforced tack & clew and in lighter days I pull the rope out and heavyer days I but the rope in the slot on the boom.

Hey Bob- glad to hear you are going with Eggers. I had a full suit of offshore sails made by them and was extremely pleased with the quality, performance, customer service, and durability. Have also taken my repair work to them and was again pleased. If you are planning on keeping the boat, Eggers sails are a sure bet. I've had the foreign built sails made for some boats, and they looked good and performed well for a very reasonable price, but I would not have had the comfort level with them in an offshore or big weather situation as with the Eggers products. Good choice.

Good luck with the new sails!

I'd be interested in his take on loose footed and full battens as that is the opposite of what I have heard from several sail makers.

Thanks,

Shawn

The comments on loose footed main caught my eye also. What is his reasoning?

   6.62 oz. because Dave is familiar with Barnegat Bay where we have consistent high winds. He doesn't like full battens on this boat because, in his words, it puts a lot of pressure on the forward part of the sail. He didn't mind a loose-footed main although it would be built different than a standard mainsail- it would have a loose-footed shelf cut in. Also, I'd need to upgrade my outhaul and be prepared to adjkust it when needed.
   After reading the Pardey's book "The Capable Cruiser", I was interested in thier take on a battenless mainsail but again, I'm relying on Dave's experience here. In the end, the basic layout of the original sail is ok, it's just a lighter weight material and it's old and blown out-like me!
   Billy, I guess on our small, non-racer boats, using a regular main as a loose footed main would be ok. Unless it would place any undo strain on the sail. I have learned to treat a sail properly or you can ruin it rather quickly.
   Like I said, I'm gonna trust his integrity and experience. After looking at my bed sheets, he did not, repeat did not pressure me to buy his sails. In his words, "Your old ones will move the boat."
   I'll keep you all posted when he comes down to do the measuring. I may talk to him about a traveller and track for mid-boom sheeting for the main. Hey, why  not just spend all the money!!!
Bob23
 

   Well, I done gone and did it. I met with Dave today from John Eggers Sailmakers and wrote out the deposit check. It is his policy to measure every boat he builds sails for so he drove down the 1 hour from his loft to my house to measure the boom and roller furler. Then it was off to Surf City to climb aboard and measure the genoa track location, length of the mast, distance from the mast step to the bow and a few more that escape me right now.
   Dave has noted that the performance gain in a loose footed main would be minimal so I'm leaning toward a regular footed. I know that's not the proper term but you guys know what I mean. I think if I ran the original sail loose footed it would make a big difference because it's so mishapen.
   My current (original 1985) jib is a 110 and we're going with a 130. Dave knows the Compac 23 well so I'm relying on his expertise and reputation for building excellent sails. They should be ready by mid April but I  won't be ready by then. Koinonia is gonna get a Pettit Protect epoxy barrier coat job this spring. That, and the few minor projects I have in mind will take me into late May or so to complete. So I'll be hitch hiking a ride with PeterG and Dennis.
   more later,
Bob23

Hi Bob,
   we are in the process of buying the compac 23 that is for sale at shore point.. not too far from you.   We are new to the area ( we live in pa)  but we were down this past weekend and did some exploring.   I have enjoyed reading your posts - we have a lot to learn about the boat and about sailing in the area.   we will keep the boat in jersey and get down as often as we possibly can.   I look forward to reading more good information on your thread, and it would be fun to touch base at some point to check out your boat..  jason

I'd be happy to meet with you and show you around. Any photos of the ship? Best,
bob23

you would think that we would have taken a picture - the camera was in the car.  I think that we were just a little too excited about getting on the water to remember it.    Of course, there were lots of questions, and now that I am at home, there are lots more questions.  The former owner still has a boat at the marina, so it is good to know that a resource is close by.   But, it would be fun to meet with you at some point and to hear about some of your experiences..  I will be in touch..

Jason:
   What marina are you at? Maybe you can plan on attending the famous Tice's Shoals Ron-Day-Voo 2011. International dignitaries, famous celebrities and criminals out on parole may be attending...there is a thread started on this somewhere...maybe the lounge...I'll update it and narrow the dates down soon.
  Bob23

good morning, Bob.  we are at shore point marina in bayville.   the previous owner mentioned tice's shoals as a possible destination.   i found the thread that you mentioned, and i will keep an eye on it regarding a date.   in the meantime, if we have a chance when we are in the area maybe we could get together to check out your boat..  i look forward to meeting you! jason

ok, so i am spending way too much time on this site.. but it certainly is interesting..  i was reading the thread about building a dingy, and i saw your post about buying the book on the gloucester dory..    i love that boat.. i built one about 5 years ago with my son.. still have the molds if you are serious about building one..   you may be familiar with all of this, but  phil bolger passed away not too long ago, and i just read that dynamite payson died within the past couple of weeks..  we used to live in new england, and during one of many trips through rockland, maine, i stopped and called dynamite's home to see if i could pick up the plans for the dory.  he was not home, but his wife invited us over and entertained us till he arrived.. then he showed me his shop and discussed the boat...  and , after all of that, he said that he did not have a copy of the plans!  but he took my check and address and they showed up in the mail a couple of weeks later.   the guy did not finish high school ( until he was in his 60's) , but he was a first rate teacher.. 
    i have been mulling over whether the dory would make a good dingy - it is a little on the large size, but that is exactly what phil used his for, and he wrote that the dory got more attention than his sailboat!    it rows very nicely - as with most dories, the more weight the better..  maybe i can bring it down to shore point once most of the boats are in the water and there is a place to keep it on the trailer when we are not there..  i imagine that it would be helpful to tow a small boat behind..  what is the best system for towing a dingy?  jt

Indeed, Harold left this earth at age 82 on March 23rd. I always enjoyed reading his, Phil Bolgers and Robb Whites writings in "Messing About in Boats" magazine which, in my humble opinion, is one of the finest rags around.
I plan on building the Gloucester Light Dory or something very similiar this summer. Maybe. If I have time. If I'm not sailing "Koinonia". Lotsa maybes, huh?
bob23

   "Koinonia" returns home to my driveway from her winter home in Surf City, NY in the next few days. Shame to say, I've done nothing to her this winter but I do have a list of things that need to be done- teak maintenance, possible battery relocation forward, new hausepipe to replace the one that lost it's cover somehow, and maybe a new depth sounder. Of course, a good cleaning is in order. And a barrier coat/new bottom paint project must be done.
   I won't be in very early this year...the old girl needs her make-up. Oh, almost forgot- her new suit of sails should be done in a week or so; I'm really excited about that.
   An old photo:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia708.jpg)

Hi Bob,  it sounds like you have some work to do before the boat hits the water..   I have yet to make it back down to Toms River since we finalized that sale on our boat, but on Tuesday evening I devoted most of the night to reading through your post with a chart in front of me..  what a good way of becoming familiar with the different areas of the bay!   And, maybe it is the next best thing to being there..   I am hoping that the winds and storms that we have experienced in northeast pa the last couple of nights are not quite as bad on the jersey coast..   i have not heard any distressing news from the marina, so I imagine that all is in good order..  .  I am on my way to vt to visit my daughter this weekend, but , if the weather cooperates, I may be able to make it down to jersey next weekend..  i have my fingers crossed!   good luck with the spring preparation..  jt

J:
   Personal message me if you are gonna be in TR this weekend. Saturday morning I'll be heading up to South Amboy to pick up my new sails so I'll be going right by TR. "Koinonia" is getting beautiful although at a slow pace. Work gets in the way of the more important things in life sometimes. Teak is getting refinished...the list goes on.   
   Bob23

   Well, seeing how Bob23 is being very lazy these days, I'm taking it upon myself to tell all of you what a slacker he is. Here it is- May 16th- I've usually been in the water for a month now but no- he thinks he's got to work all the time and ignore me! Honestly, sometimes I don't know why I put up with this! I was starting to wonder if he was seeing another sailboat!
   He has just this past week started on the teak refinishing project. Gee! He knows I like my teak nice a shiney but why wait till the last minute? Most of the items on his winter to-do list have been crossed off. Not because they're done. They have been eliminated from the list.
   Maybe I should cut him some slack- he did go out and get me brand new custom made lingerie. When I do make it out on the water, look out, ladies- I'm gonna be one sexy babe! You best keep ane eye on your skippers! And with new sails, just try and catch me!
   And my topsides got a good scrubbing this past weekend. I should be grateful for that. And my cabinside trims got sanded to bare teak and finished with Cetol. I prefer Flagship varnish but I'l settle for Cetol on the narrow little trims.
   Plus, he did remove the mast and inspect all the standing rigging this year. And the outboard gets special attention every year to make sure we get back safely. Gee, maybe I'bve been too hard on him. I know it's been a tough year for him. I guess if I'm patient, we'll be sailing soon. I can hardly wait to feel the salt water under my keel and see the spray flinging off my bow. And I so especially like when he spills some beer on my cockpit floor. Oh, the tast of Dos Equis with lime! C'mon summer!!!
"Koinonia"   

Good progress is being made:
  Repair to the keel has been made and all bottom paint touched up
  Last coat of varnish on all the teak was applied last night. I'll reinstall it all this week.
  While the electric bilge pump checks out ok, the manual one which I rebuilt 3 years ago, doesn't push a drop of water. That stinks. Well, no, it actually doesn't.
  Last on the list is a good cleaning on the interior...a vinegar and water mix. Then a thorough scrubbing of the exterior deck area.
  I also will make up new mooring lines...yeah, I could reuse last years lines, but it's cheap insurance for a boat that's moored for 6 months in the tumultuous seas of the Manahawkin Bay.
  The topsides will receive their customary cleaning and waxing before she goes for her first swim.
  With the nice weather here, and new sails waiting to be bent on, I'm gettin' anxious!!!
More later...maybe with photos!
Bob23

Dear Koinonia,

I'm sorry to hear that your captain is slacking this year.  Truth be told, he's been busy trying to drum up new business and take care of demanding customers.    

Here in the flat, farm-filled midwest, we have been sailing a few times a week since May 1.  Don't be jealous...it's just a lake and not a very big one at that.  No salt to taste either.    Captn Mike got motivated this year and attended to all the pre-launch work on time. Even worked half the night one weekend to get it done.  I especially am pleased with the new roller furler and sails as well as new standing rigging. He even matched up the UV cover with the rest of my fabric..so thoughtful!  Of course I am all shiny and waxed like last year and I'm sporting a new boom vang.  He didn't do varnish this year as his special concoction of finishes is holding up great.  Not good enough for me though, so I made one of the rails leak profusely so he had to remove and rebed them.  Figured he would revarnish too but I haven't seen that happen yet. A little bird saw him buy some varnish the other day so my hopes have been renewed of a touchup.  He didn't get the Bebi LED lights installed or finish some wiring I asked, but the wire strippers, tape, heat shrink tubing and connectors are right here in the starboard locker, so I know he's got it on his mind. I heard him mumbling something about an extension he needs for the 12v soldering iron so maybe, just maybe he'll take care of this soon.   Just yesterday he was doing quite a bit of measuring and writing things down after he brought me safely into port after a very strong windy sail.  I think he has a bow and cockpit awning on the drawing board based on what he was measuring.  Well, I guess I'm Ok with that.  A little shade at the dock would be nice--just don't cover me up completely. Like you, I love to show off.  Being the prettiest boat at the marina can be challenging, as you are well aware, but the attention more than makes up for it.

BTW there is a new CP16 a few slips away from me now.  Captn Mike has been waiting to talk to her captain, but never sees him. I hope it doesn't just sit there growing slime on the bottom all season. Again he was mumbling something about how the rig was very loose, mast tilted back, no cotter pins in the rigging and no bobstay off the sprit.  Sounds like a newbie, and captn Mike is worried she will loose her rig.


I hope Captn Bob gets you splashed soon.   Sounds like you'll be looking better than ever!!!
Your younger sister,

Island Time

How does a sprit not have a bobstay??? This could be very dangerous!!! Some people don't deserve to have a Com-Pac.

And I want to hear more about this bow & cockpit awning.

Billy,  I presume the captn is new to sailing based on the setup of his boat.  Then again, who knows. The mast is titled about 8-10* aft...about 15* off where is should be!  Yep, there was no bobstay at all.  But there is a very thick chain acting as the stay.  It's loose enough that the sprit would be pulled out or damaged way before the chain would take up tension, so it's really of little value.     I imagine is sails like a pig in it's current form. 

I'll try to be gracious about it and offer some help if I ever see him.  Afterall, we've all been newbies at one point too. 

As for awnings...still in the drawing board stage but getting closer to reality.  I want to design two awnings, one for the bow, one for the cockpit.  Ideally would like to not use battens and be simple and quick to attach/remove.    For the bow awning--which I'm sewing first, I am considering running webbing under the fabric on center (from mastring to forestay) and on each side (from each upper shroud to forestay) for support.  Attach these points with webbing hooks (aft) and velcro loops around the forestay (actually a roller furler). Webbing would be sewed underneath the fabric to lift it up yet it's flexible so I don't have to assemble or stow fixed battens.   Sew in 1/8 line around the perimeter for strength should the awning flap in the wind (which you know it will!).  Sew webbing loops for attaching lines to the sides with small hooks to the lifelines.  Not sure if I should use shock cord or lines--leaning towards shock cord.   While all the fabric on my boat is sunbrella "aquamarine" color, I bought some "Linen" color Sunbrella for the awnings.  Thought process there was lighter=cooler.  I will trim the linen fabric in aquamarine to give a custom matching look yet still retain the cooler effect of a lighter fabric.   

Same theoretical design for the cockpit awning, but I may need to use a batten or two.  Would hang from the main halyard and tie off the rails and lifelines.  Considering using collapsable fiberglass tent poles.    Same color fabric and trim.   I have not yet fully figured out the best way to do the cockpit awning without using battens but I'm still thinking about it.  Ideally would like to make it expandable, or better said to have the ability to attach netting walls to it at some point down the road.  Since netting material is dirt cheap, there would be little cost to expand it. 

Figuring out the pattern and attachment design is really the tough part...sewing it hopefully will not be a big deal.

Quote from: Salty19 on June 02, 2011, 04:20:55 PM

As for awnings...still in the drawing board stage but getting closer to reality.  I want to design two awnings, one for the bow, one for the cockpit.  Ideally would like to not use battens and be simple and quick to attach/remove.    For the bow awning--which I'm sewing first, I am considering running webbing under the fabric on center (from mastring to forestay) and on each side (from each upper shroud to forestay) for support.  Attach these points with webbing hooks (aft) and velcro loops around the forestay (actually a roller furler). Webbing would be sewed underneath the fabric to lift it up yet it's flexible so I don't have to assemble or stow fixed battens.   Sew in 1/8 line around the perimeter for strength should the awning flap in the wind (which you know it will!).  Sew webbing loops for attaching lines to the sides with small hooks to the lifelines.  Not sure if I should use shock cord or lines--leaning towards shock cord.   While all the fabric on my boat is sunbrella "aquamarine" color, I bought some "Linen" color Sunbrella for the awnings.  Thought process there was lighter=cooler.  I will trim the linen fabric in aquamarine to give a custom matching look yet still retain the cooler effect of a lighter fabric.   

Same theoretical design for the cockpit awning, but I may need to use a batten or two.  Would hang from the main halyard and tie off the rails and lifelines.  Considering using collapsable fiberglass tent poles.    Same color fabric and trim.   I have not yet fully figured out the best way to do the cockpit awning without using battens but I'm still thinking about it.  Ideally would like to make it expandable, or better said to have the ability to attach netting walls to it at some point down the road.  Since netting material is dirt cheap, there would be little cost to expand it. 

Figuring out the pattern and attachment design is really the tough part...sewing it hopefully will not be a big deal.

Salty - We'll take a set in off-white.  Thanks in advance!

Mike and Brenda

can't wait to see it!

Mike,
I'm sure he will trade you for a dingy......

lol..never considered a trade.  Could be a consideration!

You know, we should start a new forum for swaps and trades!

Island Time:
  You are looking and sounding good, girl! And yeah, being the prettiest girls at the dance isn't easy...it takes grace. But you know that! You just get used to all the attention after a while.
  bob23 is almost done with the projects but just today, he discoved that the Rule automatic bilge pump doesn't shut off.. So it may need a rebuild or replacement.
  Exterior teak is all done...interior teak varnishing is almost done. New depth sounder installed but not tested. Keel repair done. Bottom paint touched up. Rudder recieved a coat of epoxy after a few soft touchdowns last season.
  Target launch is this Saturday, 6/11. We'll see...still a lot of work to be done. More later,
Bob23

THAT'S IT! IV'E HAD ALL I CAN TAKE!
   I've taken over Bob23's computer and I will not give it back until he finishes my projects and sets me free to sail! I swear, if he spent half the time fixing me up that he spends on this forum, I'd have been in the water 2 months ago. So...
   You will not hear from him until I'm in the water with my new sails up. Sure, I'm all cleaned up, varnished and lookin' spiffy. But I'm not giving in this time.  I'm not lettin' him near this computer until I get launched.  I may check in from time to time out of shear boredom.
"Koinonia"

GOOD NEWS!
   Koinoina has been launched! I can sure identify with Shawn about too many projects and I didn't do anything major. But as they say, "this too will pass" and as I perservered, through all the interior varnishing, keel repair, wrestling match with the bilge pump, teak removal, refinishing and installation and a host of other excuses, finally I reached the point where I pronounced the boat good enough to launch.
   I realized 2 things: First, we are never really done with "the list". Second, as Mungo Jerry so brilliantly wrote all those many years ago: "Life's for living". And sailboats are for sailin'. Thanks Mungo! I needed that. Sure, I could spend another month putting on her makeup and making sure everything is just so. Rather, let's hoist those new sails and set course on a wonderful beam reach on a sunny day in NJ, cold beer close at hand. Oops- not supposed to drink and sail...better wait till I drop anchor.
   Hope to see you out there...I monitior channel 16 while sailing. Here are a few photos of the old girl, all prettied up but without her sails on yet:

(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/2011launch2.jpg)

(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/2011launch1.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/2011bowsprit.jpg)
Bob23...back on the scene!

Bob,

Congratulations on the launch, looking good.

Have fun!

Shawn

She sure is a looker!

Thanks, Gents but she's kinda dirty right now. Did you catch the bird poop on the bow pulpit? Yeah, I should've removed it before the photo. When I refinished the pulpit originally, I inlaid strips of white oak....to mimick the teak and holly cabin floor.
First sail tomorrow...yeee-haw!!!!
Bob23

hi Bob,
   it has been a while since you posted here..  of course, i saw your other post about getting the boat in the water..  have you been out recently?   it looks like the weather is going to be agreeable this weekend so we will be headed down on friday night..    i think that we may have some friends visiting on sat. but we are going to try to make it to waretown on sat night.   

any interest in an early breakfast on sunday morning?   we would be happy to come down your way..   

I expect that we will be on the water on saturday, but i don't know how far out in the bay we will make it..  we will have to gauge how much our friends actually like to sail!    jt

JT:
   Due to some recent and unexpected family issues, I won't be sailing north this weekend. Eventually, we'll get together and gab over a cold one or two.
   Wednesday after work I went out for a glorious sunset sail. My brother has an O'Day Mariner which he keeps near "Koinoina" and when we sail together, there is always an informal race and water cannon battle. He wins the race almost every time. Our 23's aren't built for speed.
   Wednesday was hot, and after working all day in it, I was dying for a sail. The wind was flukey, from the west and blowing anywhere from 10 to 20 knts so after work, I rowed out, did my usual set up and sailed off my mooring. Although I have a wonderful 1988 8 hp Nissan 2 stroke, I prefer to sail off and onto my mooring whenever safe and possible...builds up my skill.
   My brother went in early and I had the entire Manahawkin bay to myself while watching the wind subside and the sun begin her retreat toward her western home. There is something magic, something just right about ending a day that way. It feels like home-sweet-home.
   Have a great weekend...
Bob23
(ps: Love to do a Sunday breakfast sometime...this Sunday won't work. But thanks for asking)

sorry to hear that you are tied up this weekend..  but no problem -  i know that i will be making another trip down in a couple of weeks..  and then, sad to say, it may be time to put the boat away for the season..  i am really conflicted about that, but  once school starts, it may be just too much of a distraction to have it in the water and to be dying to  spend one more weekend down there!   see you soon.  jt

DON'T DO IT!!! LEAVE HER IN THE WATER!! We'll make a point of getting together the weekend you're down.
bob23

hey Bob,  thanks for the heads up on the boat show in toms river..  we actually planned the trip down this weekend around it.  we visited the museum earlier in the summer and put the date of the show on our calendar..   it is kind of late now, so i will update the adagio page tomorrow.. bottom line - the weather was beautiful, and we had a great weekend!  jt

   The heat wave finally ended here in NJ around Sunday. We had some nice wind yesterday so I issued a judicial decree: Forget this crazy work thing and go sailing! Wind and weather too nice and the boat was calling.
  As I was setting up, I noticed an attractive young girl on her standup paddle board paddling over toward my boat. "Must be my stunning physique or my debonair silver grey hair or my one of a kind Tilley hat that attracts all these ladies", I thought to myself. "Nice sailboat" she says. "Uh, yeah, thanks...that's a nice paddleboard". We kibitzed for a bit about standup paddleboarding- something I never have tried, the weather and the wonderfulness of being on the water in general:
  This is one more thing I like about my 23: It really is an attractive boat. The boat is proportionally correct (even if her skipper is far from it) with just the right amount of teak. I know if I sailed a Clorox bottle that girl might have said: "Man, that is one ugly boat! The two of you go well together." Ok, so I need a boat to keep my ego from being crushed...what's so bad about that? Some geezers drive Corvettes for the same reason.
  Actually, I ditched my ego a long time ago...haven't seen it since. Life's a lot more fun without it!
Bob23

Hmm - No Ego, ergo erratic errata emoted by an erstwhile eminent erector. 

tg

Yeah, Tim- That just about says it all!! Once I deciphered it.
Turns out she was an attractive young lady.
Bob23

Hi bob,
  it looks like i will be coming down to the boat on monday of next week .. coming back on thursday.    if you happen to be sailing and would like someone to crew, give me a call..  I can be very flexible..   jt

Here are a few Koinonia trivia facts:
Official Beer: Pabst Blue Ribbon in bottles. An American classic since 1882 and a Gold Medal winner at the 2006 Great American Beer Festival:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Tices%20Shoals%202011/OfficialbeerofKoinonia.jpg)
Official Beach Chair. A good old wood frame and canvas one. Found a pair of them in the trash last year. One stays on the boat and one in the truck as a lunch chair. Very retro!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/officialbeachchair-1.jpg)
Official Mascot and Chief navigator. Yup..a good old yellow rubber duckie. I don't remember where I found him! We never get lost:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/themascot-1.jpg)
Official Tequila: Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia. This is the Cuervo family's finest Tequila, extra anejo (ultra aged) in barrels in the familys private cellars. Each bottle is numbered and dated. I bought this while in Caba San Lucas around Christmas 2009. Enjoy in moderation, my friends!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Tices%20Shoals%202011/OfficialTequilaofKoinonia.jpg)
Aside from these few unique features, she's just a plain old, well cared-for 1985 23/2. With a few upgrades and modifications by yours truly:

(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia.jpg)
Bob23

Mr. Toad:
   The solar panel is front and center. Of course, me being a wood guy, I had to make a frame of Cumaru (Brazilian Teak). Lower left is the Garmin GPS antenna which I realized after I put it there  is not a great location.
   The 2x4 frame is part of my winter storage cover system. I have more detailed photos of that but hopefully none of us are thinking about winter storage yet.
Bob23

thank you, sir

mr toad

My pleasure, sir.
HOW MANY DOCK LINES CAN ONE FIT ON A COMPAC 23?
At least 15! That's how many I used to secure "Koinonia" to her boat slip during the ferocious Hurricane Irene. I laughed at myself when I stepped back to admire my work- she looked like a sailboat caught in a spiders web! But if we got 100 mph winds like they forecast, I wanted to treat the lady right and make sure she survived.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/AfterIrene1.jpg)
Bob23

Impressive - I put 10 on my 1985 23' in New Bern, NC on Thursday evening - I could not figure out how to secure that many - putting another 5 lines on an identical boat is amazing. 

Good news is that I received a phone call this morning that she was floating with no apparent damage.  I will be making the trip for the coming Holiday weekend to do a complete check - I hope everyone else on this site that were in this storm fared as well as we did. 

Today I am blessed and thankful.

Well, truth be told, it was only 14. But I tied a linemans hitch in the middle of a 5/8 line, secured it to the bow cleat and each end was led to opposite sides of the boat. So I'm counting it as 2.
I really got into a line lashing frenzy. I'm sure most of the powerboaters there think I'm nuts. Now, where in the world would they get that idea?
Bob23

Fall news:
   Koinoina will be hauled a bit earlier than usual. I'm planning to rebed the stanchions, bow and stern rail and cleats and the genoa tracks.  The teak was all rebedded when it was reinstalled this spring. She really doesn't need this things...no leaks but I'm trying to keep her living in the manner to which she's become accustomed. Planning to rebed with 4000...any advice? Seems like 5200 is overkill.
   She'l also get her fall maintenance coat of Flagship varnish on all the teak. Next spring planning on barrier coat. If I don't get sidetracked sailing!
Bob23

and how early is early?    Adagio is out of the water, but i still need to make a trip down to cover her up and to pick up the engine and some other things to work on over the winter...     this guy has some very definite opinions regarding bedding material as well as other things marine related..   what he says seems to make sense to me..  let me know what you think.   http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware

i was wondering about doing the same thing at some point..    the barrier coat idea sounds interesting too..   i will actually get my first look at the bottom of the boat when i get down later this fall..  (  ok.. i  admit,  i did not have the boat pulled for an inspection when i bought it in the spring..)    i have my fingers crossed, but  i have no reason to suspect any problems..    we will see!      i will let you know when i make it down.   jt

   Do let me know. It's true- I say early but I've been known to keep sailing into December. I was thinking of early October this year but if I know a few guys are coming down, maybe we can do a group sail. I met Marty of Compac 16 fame on Saturday and we'd like to get together. Most likely it will be the first weekend in October or the weekend of October 15th or sometime during the week. The weekend of 10/07 is the sailboat show in Annapolis and we like to make the pilgrimage each year.
   About not having your boat pulled for a pre-sale inspection, I did the same thing with Koinoina (then named Septembers Love) Yuk! I never saw the bottom, the sails, or heard the motor run. I took a gamble based on Compac reputation. First time I gambled and won.
   Thanks for the rebedding link. I think I saw that before but forgot it so your timing was, uh, timely. I will definitely incorporate some of his ideas in my rebedding plan. In other news, has the Susquehanna subsided at all?
Bob23

I love the comment in the link about the 'Devils Glue" aka 3M 5200.   So true.

This stuff should be avoided on all repairs except perhaps reattaching the deck to the hull, or on something that you truly will never remove EVER.   Folks use it when chaulk should be used to the dismay of whoever had to remove the part in the future. 

I'm actually installing a nice fat eye this evening for a tether.  Will be using DAP 232 sealant (no silicone).  Great trick about beveling the holes!!

hi bob,
  the first weekend in oct i have duty here in the dorm at school, and the 15th we have a long weekend.. there is a chance that i will head to NH that weekend to help my son out with some building projects..  but, if not..  that would be a good weekend to make a trip to jersey!

thanks for asking about the river..  it is amazing how quickly it can  go down, leaving so much destruction in its wake.    i have actually not left campus since we returned on sunday..   so i have yet to see any of the problems first hand.   i guess it is time to do that. 

i saw that you met up with Marty - that is great - it would be fun to get together with a group.. if not this fall, certainly next year!    i have a few ideas about some improvements that i would like to make before putting the boat in the water next spring, and i am sure that i will have a lot of questions for you before i tackle them.   i hope to see you sometime soon.  jt

Looks like Koinonia will be hauled out for her winter hibernation on the week of 10/17. That gives me one more week and one weekend of sailing. Of course, this could change depending on the weather and her skippers mood. But I do need to stay on top of the rebedding project and doing it in cold weather ain't no fun 'tall.
   When I get the boat home on her trailer, it usually takes me a day to clear all the cushions out, remove, sort and clean all the lines, pull the electronics, and, and...you get the idea. Plus I need to get wax on her topsides before she's buttoned up for the winter.
   I took my canvas cover to Fisher Canvas in Burlington to have him cut it in half. I originally had him make this cover in one piece, which he did, but either it's getting heavier or I'm getting weaker because I could barely get it up and over the mast (ridgepole) last year. This year, it'll be easier with a grommet and lap seam in the middle.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Fishercover1.jpg)
   If anyone is in the market for a last-a-lifetime cover, I would highly recommend Fred Fisher in NJ. No more poly tarps for me! Plus I love the smell of real canvas.

Bob23

Plus I need to get wax on her topsides before she's buttoned up for the winter.

What do you use, Bob, and does it make the decks too slick?

  On the decks I use some kind of traction wax...don't remember the exact name. Truth be told, I am very lazy about waxing the non-skid decks. More truth...I'm quite lazy about waxing above the rub rail. But I'm fanatical about the sides of the boat. Go figure?
  On the topsides, I use 3M paste wax after using some light compound. Applied by machine but removed by hand.
Bob23

Today was Koinonia's sail up to her fall home at Long Key Marina in Waretown, NJ. She was the last one left at her home mooring in Surf City:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Lastone2011.jpg)
Twas a wonderful sail with WSW winds 18-25 with higher gusts, clear weather and no boat traffic. Temps were in the 60's somewhere so a sweatshirt was nice to have. Under single reefed main and 1/3 of a 130% genoa out, we still hit 6.6 knots over the ground. She seems to like this kind of weather...seems to have been built for this. I was quite glad I wasn't sailing in a clorox bottle as we did get hit with some gusts broadside numerous times.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/lookingforward10162011.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/lookingaft10162011.jpg)
Now it's fall sailing in the Barnegat Bay. I was planning on taking her out early this year but then I remembered..Carpe Diem. Sail on, friends!
Bob23

Your sailing with the head sail partially furled? As the sail becomes smaller it rides higher, like the Royals on a clipper ship.
Must work OK?

skip.

   Only ok. I realize it's called roller furling and not roller reefing. Normally I'd just have the main up and single reefed but I wanted a bit of extra horsepower and to balance the boat a bit more. When I had the sails made, Dave at Eggers Sailmakers suggested a foam luff pad. Seems to help the 130 maintain better shape when it's not out all the way.
   I'd have been way overpowered if the 130 was all the way out. Trust me.
Bob23

Hi Bob!

I noticed on your recent photo the interesting "lace-Up" sail slides on the reefing section of your main.  I think I understand how it works, but one of your fine Capt Bob23 "why I thunk-it" dissertations on the subject seems to me to be the appropriate next step in this continuing thread.

Thanks in advance for your detailed, considered reply.  tg

Tim:
   My original sails had that detail and I requested it on the new sails. My sailmaker had a name for it...of course I don't remember what it was called.
   Behind the white piece of duct tape on the mast is a sail stop which always stays in it's place. When reefing the main, those glides stop on the sail stop (duh) instead of sliding out of the slot in the mast. As the sail comes down, the lacing loosens and allows the sail to flake down on the mast while the glides stack up on the sail stop. Does any of this make sense? All I know is it works great.
   I guess it would be pretty easy to retrofit those lines onto an existing sail.
   Hope this helps,
bob23

hey bob - i take it that koinonia is still in the water?    we may be making a trip down this saturday to  cover adagio and get her ready for winter..  any chance of getting together for some time on the water?   let me know what you think..  jt

JT:
   I think it's great idea but Saturday is my son's wedding. Maybe I can get him to change it but don't hold your breath! Sunday I'm taking my daugher out, who is flying up from sunny, funny Punta Gorda, Florida for the wedding.
   Saturday morning looks like a potential-client meeting. I'm sure if we keep at it, we'll get together for a sail.
   I was out on Sunday with an old friend...wind started out light and then piped up. A thoroughly pleasant day on the Bay!
bob23

hey Bob,   we are going to try to get out of here by 6:30 or so tomorrow (sat) morning.  that would put us in  toms river around 9:45..    i will give you a call at some point just to see if that is a good hour for you for breakfast..  looks like some good weather this weekend.   i wish that we could stick around to go out on Koinonia, but we need to get back for our drama production tomorrow night..    jt

Ok...we'll talk.
In other news: KOINONIA BREAKS SPEED RECORD!
    My son and I went out yesterday morning. When we arrived at the marina, there was no wind so we debated but gambled on the weather guys being right. They were.
    As soon as we got out into the bay, the wind piped up nicely out of the NNE. We gab alot while we're together and soon noticed the boat heeling due to more winds so a first reef was tied in. We continued tacking North, winds continued to build with accompanying waves so I took in some of the 130 genny.
   Winds still building and waves now about 3 to 4 feet (remember this is a small bay) so we were now having fun! I now took in the genny and we sailed under single reefed main alone and the boat leveled out nicely. Planning on only to be out a few hours, we now decided to head for the barn and turned her to the SSW. At this point, we were surfing down the waves and sailing with the main swung out to the port side. I got to try out my new improvised boom preventer and it worked great.
   Keeping an eye on the GPS, we were consistently hitting speeds in the high 6's and we eventually reached our goal of 7 knots. Fun but a bit white knuckle as we went into the marina under mainsail and Nissan.
   I was so glad we went out together...it was the first time out sailing for him this year...although he did get out on his Sunfish alot before Irene visited.
  That was probably Koinonia's last sail this year unless I get my work done early today. In any avent, Tomorrow, I'll take her sails down and begin the 2011 decommisioning ceremonies. It's been another great season of sailing but the last sail is always a somber one and I never look forward to a winter being land-locked.
Bob23
   

Seven knots! That's pretty cool. Delightful has seen 7 mph, but not 7 knots. Maybe we should start a speed record thread next year and describe the conditions. Sadly, Delightful left the water for her trailer today. Pleasant dreams of sailing 'till next year.

I know what you mean. Today I removed the sails, all lines and electronics in anticipation of a fall haul-out this week. I usually go through some minor depression when the boat has to come out. But there's always fall rowing!!!!! And time to start making up my winter to-do list. Before we know it, spring will be here!
Bob23

Bob,

My heartfelt display of sadness at the ending of your sailing season is not visible to you - Good thing because of the outright glee it's showing because I sail all year round here in VA.  It is cold sometimes but I'm still out there, as I was yesterday.  If you need a fix, come on down, or pop in the CD of the Carlyle Voo.

Chuckling, TG

What is this fall/winter haulout thing?:)

Watching the wind conditions this week.  May be just right for a full moon, fall overnight cruise on Bay Springs Lake with the foliage prime.

"What is this fall/winter haulout thing?"   "...  Good thing because of the outright glee it's showing because I sail all year round here in VA..."
wow - these guys are downright insensitive!  :)

sorry to have missed you on Sat. Bob.   we put the cover on Adagio, and I brought the motor home, along with the rudder and tiller which need some work over the winter season.   we had a nice breakfast at Shut up and Eat,  and we even had time to stop at ocean grove for a walk on the boardwalk up to convention hall at the north end of asbury park.    it is always nostalgic to spend time in ocean grove, even if just for an hour.. 

so time for rowing..  are you familiar with  Firefly, a rowing design by ken basset?   http://www.tsca.net/LostCoast/BuildingFirefly.html
i bought the plans years ago, and every once in a while i pull them out -  maybe after i get the house finished, i will be able to turn those plans into reality.  of course, i am not sure that i really need another boat, but you know how that is!     good luck with hauling Koinonia..  keep in touch.  jt

   The FireFly reminds me of my CLC Annapolis Wherry. Although CLC says it was designed to be sliding seat rowed, I found that the hull shape kinda fought me with the power available with a sliding seat. I more enjoyed rowing fix seat with 6'6" Spruce spoon blade oars.
   The Firefly looks to be a bit faster. The Annapolis Wherry was kind of a blend between a shell and a Whitehall. It was not great in any kind of rough water but it sure was a looker!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Wherrysternport.jpg)
   I now row an old Alden Ocean Shell with an Oarmaster 1. I can maintain almost 5 knts on a long row.
bob23

hi bob,  that is a nice looking boat!   too many projects going on right now, but one of these days I am going to break out those plans for firefly and build her.   so, we got to meet marty this past weekend..  lots of good chat - mostly sailing, but some volvo stuff as well..     he certainly seems gung ho about getting together for an overnight around berkley island..  that might be a good first overnight adventure for us as well..  let's try to make it happen next summer!     we are also looking forward to visiting the folks at SUAE  at their new location in toms river..     i am looking forward to  a steady supply of your insightful comments throughout the winter..   take care, jt

7 knots you say? Reefed?  Fantastic!  Who said an old girl can't dance?

Ahhh...sailing year round.  Sounds great...us yankees will have to slide on hull skates and outriggers to come close.  But...brrr!!!

JT:
   I'm afraid I'm all out of insightful comments but I'll do my best to improvise! We will definitely plan an overnight next spring and/or summer. Maybe a bunch of us can converge for breakfast at Shut  Up! A fitting place for us Compac-ers plus we could make it world famous with just a few photos here at the site!
   I kinda miss my old Wherry but it wasn't that great a rower...more of a looker than anything else.
   Koinonia gets moved to her winter home at my father in laws house in Surf City this weekend. Then the winter cover ritual begins followed by the winter to-do list followed by my usually high level of procrastination followed by spring launch after I get hardy anything done on the list!
   Primary on this years list is the straightening of the mast. Somehow, I aquired a gentle bend in the mast- she points forward! I don't remember hitting any bridges sailing backwards so I'm thinking either it was like that when I bought her or I induced it while using the mast for a ridgepole for the winter cover, which is a fairly heavy canvas cover. Either way, I'll get it straightened out.
   Yup, Mike- 7 knots. I was pleasurably terrified. It was a great final sail and to do it with my son was icing on the cake.
   No year round sailing up here in NJ but I am looking forward to our trip to Florida in either January or February to visit our daughter. I hope to meet up with a few of the southern lattitude Compac-ers here at the site and maybe, just maybe if I behave myself-they'll invite me out for a sail!
bob23
 

   Koinonia is safely tucked away for the winter. I put her canvas cover and associated framework  on her yesterday while listening to some favorite radio programs- "Ain't Misbehaven" and Car Talk". Ain't can be heard on WYRS. org or if your'e in earshot of Southern Ocean County, NJ try 90.7 FM on Saturday at 0800 EST. It's  a mix of bluegrass, folk, singer-songwriter stuff but you might find a surprise thrown in! As they say, 2 hours of good clean fun and a solid education. Car Talk needs no intro.
   I had the Fisher Canvas cover cut in half with matching grommets installed. The cover will last a lifetime but each fall it seemed to get heavier...couldn't be me getting weaker, could it? Nah, I didn't think so. Now its a bit more managable. I've tried tarps, even the heavy duty ones....don't like em and they only last at most 2 years. Considering that I really don't like needlessly loading up the landfills, I went for the canvas. Plus I like the smell- lightly tarred canvas smells great. They should make a cologne!
   On the list for this winter: Remove all below waterline through-hulls. Teak general maintenance and remove and strip the teak bow pulpit...it's ready for a total strip-down. I may reconfigure the stove installation. On the starboard side a built a chart table which is about 40" long- just slides under the cockpit seat when not used but when it slides out, there is a lot of table space. I may do the same thing of the port side for the stove. It was easy and cheap- I have most of the wood lying around.
   For now, it's just planning and getting ready for Christmas. HOLY SMOKES!!! IT'S IN 3 WEEKS!!!
Bob23

MAST STRAIGHTENING SYSTEM:
  Long time readers and those with good memories may remember that for some reason unbeknownst to me, my mast has a gentle bow toward the bow. Or is that a bow to the bow? Anyway, it's not straight and I've no reason why. So, as part of this winters to-do list, I've dared to go where no man has gone before: The Straightening of the Mast.
  Using approved parts and methods, the system looks like this:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/maststraighteningsystem.jpg)
  The mast is layed with the bow up across 2 approved sawhorses and is held in place with 4, count 'em, 4 Compac Mast Stabilizer Blocks:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/mastsupport.jpg)
  Then, a Compac approved cement block made from the exact same concrete as in the keel of the boat (or maybe not) is tied using some spare line, thus completing the first stage of the straighening operation:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Customblock.jpg)
  Now, all we do is wait and check it in a month. See you in  30 days!
Bob23

Bob, love the com-PAC issued stabilizer blocks! Be careful, a month is a long time, don't want to bend it too far.

I would be glad to have you as company on my 19 when you come to Florida in a few months. And can we see any pics of your chart table?

Billy:
   A month is a long time. I just checked the mast after only a week and saw a difference. I've just taken some interior photos of the yacht so I'll post 'em here in a bit.
   After I'm done with the Mast Stabilizer Blocks, I'll donate them to the International Museum of Compac Things.
Bob23

Fellow 23ers:
   Here are a few shots of some changes I've made to Koinonia over the years, at her request of course:
   I removed the sink and built a slide out chart table. Here it is in:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%20interior/charttablein.jpg)
   Here it's pulled almost all the way out:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%20interior/Charttableout.jpg)
   Here's another shot with the Chief Navigator looking over the chart:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%20interior/charttableandnavigator.jpg)
   The table is about 42" long, if I remember correctly with a white formica top. It will slide out enough to eat on or as a book stand for reading while sitting on the starboard berth with my back against the bulkhead. It was made with hardwood that I had lying around. My goal with all these improvements is to spend no or very little money but without compromising the project.
   Why is it that we sailors are like that? Talk about coupon-clipping housewives, we are the most frugal bunch on the planet.
Bob23

Should be able to pull that 'bow' out of the mast with just the standing rigging next season from the front hatch when laying on the vee birth looking skyward.

A really bad 'bow' like when the semi driver plows the end of the mast into a building need a big tree with a sturdy 'sling~shot' vee for a trunk and two hefty men.

skip.

I tried tensioning the bow out of the mast using the standing rigging but no-go. So I removed the mast and am straightening it out as above. So far, it's working. The mast is straighter than before but still has a bit o'bow.
bob23

More interior shots of Koinonia improvements:
   The storage area under the foredeck where the anchor lines go has a lift off panel just like yours:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%20interior/forwardstorage.jpg)
   I built this simple wood divider that gives me 2 separate areas for 2 different sets of lines. It's removable and replaceable without tools. Kinda hard to see what it is in this shot:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%20interior/Anchorlinelocker.jpg)
   In the foreground of this shot is 200' of 5/8" line. Behind, where the chain is, 100' of 1/2" line is stored.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%20interior/Anchorlinelocker2.jpg)
   More coming soon...bob23

I never liked the lift-off panels for the storage areas below the shelves on the side of the boat so I made these sliding panels using some translucent fiberglass left over from a job. The frames are made of Cumaru (Brazilian Teak) which also was left over wood from a house I built. There are 2 panels per side and they bypass each other. All in all, the project worked out well and the only expense was the ss screws and bolts needed to fasten the frames.
Open:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%20interior/slidingdoor1.jpg)
Closed:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%20interior/slidingdoor2.jpg)
Bob23

   When we last heard from the courageous Bob23, he was in the middle of bravely attempting to  straighten the mast on his intrepid Compac 23, Koinonia. Happy to report, the gentle bow that was in the mast is gone forever! Using hardly-ever-heard-of state of the art techniques, a few months time, and near endless patience, he has removed the bow that was present for likely the 7 years he has owned the boat.
  As a reminder, pictured below are secretly obtained photos of the process that were previously posted.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Customblock.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/maststraighteningsystem.jpg)
  Next on the list are addition of LED bulbs to the nav lights, maybe relocation of the battery and the endless, but rewarding varnishing of the teak. Also on the improv horizon is a positive ventilation for the bilge, improved vent on the foredeck, and a larger slide out frame for the original equipment Origo 2 burner stove. Great stove...heats enough water for my 3 cup French Press in 8 minutes. Fresh coffee is a main staple about Koinonia.
 Bob23
(Tentative launch date: 5/14/2012)

Koinonia update:
  " Well, the well intentioned but lazy Capt Bob23 has spent another winter working too much and working on his 23, that'd be me, too little. Nonetheless, I know he'll get me in fine shape for a May launch. He has successfully straightened my mast, installed a custom pvc pad under the stainless steel mast foot. Pictures to follow if I can get him to shoot some. The pad will eliminate the possibility of water intrusion into the structural fiberglass deck that has plagued some sailors on this site."
   Aside from the ventilation project listed above, there are no plans for any major improvements this year. Hey, if it works, don't fix it, right? Of course, a new Raymarine depth sounder may be in order, LED bulbs will be installed in all nav lights, and a Davis Spar-fly wind gauge which was a gift from PeterG, will be installed on the mast head.
   The plan this year is to sail, sail, and then when I'm done- sail. Of course I must leave time to row. This year I'd like to row the length of Long Beach Island, NJ (18 miles) in the ocean. I hope I can make it. Any bets out there?
bob23

It'll be a Dark & Stormy night if you do.

TG

Sounds like a bet to me. If I fail, I'll buy you a D&S. If I succeed, I'll be too tired to drink one.
b23

hi Bob,  i would be interested in hearing more about the led bulbs that you intend to install.   i would like to put some in as well.   i do not have an all around light at the top of my mast.. that is another addition that would make sense before stepping the mast this summer...  jt

JT:
   I know others have installed these also. I will be getting them from Superbright LEDs. Previously, I installed an anchor light at my masthead. I wish I had put in a tri colored light but seeing how the original Perko nav lights on my 23 work just fine, I saw no need.
In other news:
   It's no secret that we've had virtually no rain here in the Northeast. We also had virtually no snow (3 inches in 2 separate dumpings). Everything is so dry and we've had some local fires that were a potential problem. So, the question is: How to get it to rain? A raindance? No, don't think so. Cloud seeding? First you need clouds and it's probably expensive. But, not to worry: I have found the secret: Uncover your sailboat. All winter Koinonia sat in her canvas PJ's protected from snow that never came and rain that didn't show up either. I uncovered her this past week for her pre-launch spring prep and just noticed that we are forecast to get between 2 1/2 and 5 inches of rain in the next 2 days. What a revelation!
    So, let's end this drought, skippers. Let's get those boats uncovered today! The water table is depending on us!
bob23

Koinonia's winter pj's are off and she's home in the driveway for spruce-up before her spring splash. Here are 2 secret spy photos of her mast foot, clevery designed and built by her humble skipper, yours truly. Although I never had any water intrusion into the cabin via the mast foot screws, just a sealed stainless steel plate against glass didn't seem the best route. I made a pvc pad inserted between the foot and the fiberglass, sealed in 4200. It hasn't been painted yet so gimme some slack, will ya?
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/DSCF1393.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/DSCF1394.jpg)
bob23

wow, that block of pcv looks thick , like a fat klondike bar. Now do you have another 2 inches
height to your mast ? When I added a big mast plate from garhauer , I added a 1/4" of height.
  It is large in overall dimensions also , like 9"x 11" , so I wonder if that will help with the pressure
   exerted from raising the mast. I tend to worry about pulling too hard on the mast deck area
when raising the mast - as I had to do a big repair on it from PO's leaking/warped conditions at the fiberglass cabin
top, the inbedded backing board and the deck mounted board . 

Because those shots were secret spy photos, they are blurry. The pad is only 3/4" thick and I plan to cut 3/4" off the bottom of the mast so there will be no changes to the standing rigging. I may have added a slight amount of area to the mast foot to spread the load a bit but my primary reason was to achieve a watertight seal. Even if the stainless steel mast foot were to work loose, there should not be any leaks into the deck.
Bob23

STANCHION REBED WARNING:
   Do not use black, sticky butly tape to rebed your hardware. Like the kind you can get from a glass shop. Not knowing the difference, I bought a roll from my glass guy. Using it in hot weather is like being in black bubble gum hell. To say it is sticky is the understatement of the year. Sure, it will work fine but it was very messy to use. Fortunately, the excess (there was much) came off with acetone but it makes a real mess. Couple that with a hot, humid afternoon and you have a recipe for new curse words to be invented. I'll seek out a roll of grey or use Lifecaulk as suggested by Mac on another thread. It pays to listen to the experts!
   In other news, the re-varnishing of the teak bow pulpit is coming along with the 3rd coat of Flagship varnish being applied tonight. I'll probably go for 8 coats. I did 7 coats originally and got about 7 years out of it before I ground it down to bare wood last week. Not bad, huh?
   More other news: I'm doing a barrier coat bottom job this spring before launch. There are no signs of blisters but she's 27 years old and she's worth it.
bob23

Rebed update:
   Ignoring my own advice above, I rebed the 3 remaining stanchions using the black butyl tape I had acquired. The project went smoothly and I decided to wait to scrape the ooze-out (new word) until a cooler day. It really isn't all the bad to work with...I just picked the wrong one to start with and on too hot a day.
   Using the original bolts and nuts, it's a good idea to rethread them to clean up the threads. Mine must've been cut off flush at the initial build so the ends of the bolts were ragged, to say the least. I think this contributed to my frustrating first stanchion nightmare. I filed each bolt end smooth, running the file to a 45 degree angle then after applying a little oil, ran the bolt through a die clamped in my vice. After each one, I put a nut on each one to make sure all was well.
   Where I could, I used a new stainless steel fender washer for added strength. This rebedding should be the last the boat ever needs unless it lasts 50 more years in which case, I'll be sailing with my Pilot so it'll be the least of my concern. More news as it unfolds!
Bob23

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR BOAT'S BEEN OUT OF THE WATER TOO LONG:
   I'm sure there are many ways but yesterday, as I was below pondering my plight of being overdue for a sail, I saw a wasp looking to make a nest. Really? C'mon...the boat hasn't been out of the water THAT long, has it? I know that wasps and bees like to nest in abadoned sailboats for some reason but did he really have to rub it in? I'm only overdue for my spring launch by a month or so. Some years I'm in by April 15th but here it is, May 28th, and I'm still working. Having the weekend off really helps and I got a lot done. Rebuilt my chart table using some rift grain white oak flooring for the stock. Wonderful wood and I like the light wood/ dark wood contrast with the teak and cumaru down below already. I removed my forward passive vent from the foredeck in prep for the dorade box/cowl vent project. Today I remove and rebed the bow rail. The bottom paint removal project may start today. I really don't need to do this but it just seems that after 27 years a barrier boat project might be nice.
   Another problem with the wasps is that I'm allergic to thier stings. It could  kill me which would mean that Koinonia would be available for sale but you'd have to finish what I didn't. I just got my Epipen prescription but haven't refilled yet. Guess it's time, eh? My wife says that if I die from a bee sting, she'll kill me. Sometimes, it seems you just can't win.
   Other projects are: new depth sounder (Raymainre ST-60 series) to be installed this week sometime. New gold striping below the rub rail. Repaint the boot stripe after the bottom job is sone,. And of course a thorough cleaning and waxing before launch.
   See you on the water!
Bob23

my little yacht sat for a year at a local boat yard - it was a mess inside - we found one wasp nest, a large one in the front - but the dirt/mud dobber was the bad guys - we counted 21 different nest - some as large as your palm -
very difficult to clean - not good

going to west marine today - waiting on repair from signet marine - "mr toad" back into water next week

mr toad

Bob, my boat stays in the water and rarely goes more than two weeks without use.  I still have to hunt down and remove the wasp and dirt dauber nests and mud huts in the late spring/early summer.  Last week I chased off a few wasps from a fresh nest, then went out.  When I returned the wasps were back to continue adding to the nest.

I've heard that Pennyroyal (not sure spelling is right for that) oil left in a tin near hatch covers will keep them away.  I haven't tried that yet.

Thanks, Brack:
   I'll hunt the oil down and try it out. Being on a mooring all summer, I don't seem to have a problem with wasps/bees getting in the boat. Of course, there's not a lot of ways in either. Until I change my venting system that is. If all goes well, I'll have 2 cowl vents in for this summer- plenty of room for those stinging varmits to enter.
bob23

please keep us informed of cowl vent installation
photos would be nice

thanks - mr toad

Bob23,

It is definitely good idea to get the epipen and have handy.  I share your affliction to wasp and bee stings.  The only time I have had to self inject was about 10 years ago when I put my hand in the cowl vent of my then CP16 that was dry moored at the lake.  A wasp was in there just waiting for me.  I asked the marina attendant where the nearest hospital was and explained why.  She offered to have a Park Ranger take me.  I had already injected so drove myself, but in hindsight should have taken the offer, just in case and for the safety of others if something would have happened while driving the 10 miles to the ER.  So in this case the Admiral is right, get the prescription filled.

Your fellow allergic sailor
Tom

BOTTOM PAINT REMOVAL UPDATE:
   A good friend recommeded Peel-Away#1 as an efficient, inexpensive way to remove all the bottom paint. I commandeered some and, on a hot saturday afternoon, began applying it. The thing is with PeelAway is that you can't let it dry, hence the reason for applying the paper over the sauce immediately. However, the hull was hot, the air hot and dry so it began to dry before I could even get the paper on. In talking about this with my buddy Dennis, who recommended the stuff, he noted that he did his in the late fall. Hence his success and my failure. Bottom line: It's great stuff but choose cooler weather.
   The bottom line is, I've made quite a mess and also discovered another feature of PeelAway: It dries to the consistency of 4000# concrete and is almost impossible to get off. I'm seriously considering having the bottom soda blasted (at considerable expense) then proceeding with my barrier coat/ new bottom paint project.
   I'm also considering having my head examined for starting such a project during sailing season.
Other news: The new Raymarine ST-60 depth sounder came it so it'll be installed after the bottom paint is removed. Varnishing, cleaning, striping and painting continue. She'll be real pretty when she finally gets wet. Hopefully soon.
bob23...land bound and not happy about it.

   Well in attempting to deal with the above mentioned layer of "concrete" on my boat, I did what any true-blue American would do: I fired up the powerwasher. The idea came to me in a revelation this morning and this afternoon, after a nice 8 mile row, I hit it. Of course, it removed all the PeelAway and the bottom paint that was loose, but lots of the original bottom paint remained.
   As of this writing, I'm probably gonna touch up the bottom paint, finish my projects and get to sailin'!
   Epipen update: When I went to pick it up, the nice CVS girl noted that it would be $200.00 with my insurance. That's $100.00 per pen. I told her, fugedaboutit, and I'm looking online for a cheaper source...maybe Canada? Last time I bought these they were about 50 bucks for the pair. If this madness continues, I won't be able to afford to keep myself from dying from a wasp sting!
Bob23

GREMLINS IN THE BILGE ...and other repairs.
   Well, Koinonia is nearing her splash date, so I did what I do every year: test the bilge pump. All went well. I filled the bilge with the hose and waited for that sound: the sound that never came. For some reason, during the winter I suppose, my pump decided to head south and ain't been seen. So some quick phone calls found a replacement- Rule RM750. The base is glued to the bottom of the bilge using the dreaded (by some) 5200.
   Varnishing is going well but everyday I discover something more I'd like to varnish so, a-varnishing I go. At this point, I've added about 12000 pounds of paint and varnish to this boat making her the first Compac 23 counter-ballasted with varnish.
   When I first bought her, there was a mysterious piece of hardware that no one could explain. The Grand Pooba of Compac, Gerry Hutchings reassured me that it most certainly wasn't original equipment. Here's a shot:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/eyebolt1-1.jpg)
A very ugly, non-stainless eyebolt with a 3/4" bolt diameter. Not sure who put it there but I endured it until now. Out it came and I replaced it with this:

(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/corkinstern.jpg)
Yep! a gunuine cork from a genuine bottle of Italian Chianti. Eat yer heart out, MacGyver- let's see you yard guys do a repair like this!  I reached it when I cut the hole in the rear deck for the aft cowl vent:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/aftcowl2.jpg)
  Speaking of vents, I decided to go ahead with a forward dorade and cowl vent. I cut the box down a bit and tapered it to appear more level. It should provide some constant air flow through the boat while on her mooring:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/dorade2.jpg)
So, new Raymarine depth sounder installed, 2 new coats on the boot stripe, Flagship varnish on the face of the board with the cabin step on it...don't know the proper name, new gold stripe, 6 new coats of Flagship varnish on the bow pulpit, and I can't remember everything I've done to the boat this spring...except sail her! I think I hear her yellin': "Stop prettying me up and let's get to the dance!" Patience my sweet, patience.
Bob23 

LAUNCH DATE was supposed to be today but I'm just not ready. The anchor and steaming lights need to be tested, mast and boom waxed, and a nice coat of 3M was on her topsides. All the varnish that's gonna get done is done.
   Took the outboard out yesterday to start her up and boy was I disappointed. She usually starts right up on the first pull, even after a long winters nap. Yesterday, she kicked a bit on the first but started right up on the second and purred like a kitten. As long as this motor runs this well, I will never even entertain a new 4 stroke.  Gave her a new set of plugs, new premium fuel with stabilzer and we are ready to go!
   It looks like Tuesday June 26th is the day. More to come and photos will follow.
Bob23

BREAKING NEWS:
   Against all odds, and despite the weather and rigging gremlins were hard at work trying to thwart our progress, Koinonia touched the water this afternoon to officially begin her 2012 sailing season. I know there may be doubters and naysayers lurking about so here is photographic proof:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Inatlast.jpg)
   It took us a ridiculous amount of time to raise the mast due to the fact of some standing rigging issues that are as yet unexplainable. My ever so patient friend and sailing buddy Dennis assisted me in this fiasco and combining our 2 intellects, we were finally able to defeat said gremlins and rig the boat.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Dennisatwork.jpg)
   At about 1300 hours local, she was hoisted in the slings by no less a marina owner then Vince of Long Key who agreed to let us hang there while we touched up the bottom paint. We then meandered over to the Lighthouse Tavern to enjoy a cheeseburger and a Guiness while the paint dried. Then, in the water she went and over to her temporary home in slip #56. Hopefull tomorrow we'll sail her down to her home mooring in Surf City. Before we throw off the lines, we'll make sure that all gremlins are banished from the boat.
   Looking forward to the BBB 2012 where Dennis plans to make a cameo appearace in his Morgan 30. Ciao for now!
Bob23

Well it's about time!! The sailing season is about over (well for me at least, 100f+ temps and no winds) although I'm considering a July tow to the coast to find some wind and salt water.  I would be one of the doubters, considering you might have used last years picture, however I see the new dorade/cowl so probably not.  Although you have mastered inserting pics in your posts, so maybe photoshop on last years pic..........:)

Congrats and fair winds from the Greene's.

Congrats, Koinonia!   Captn Bob may have waited too long and missed half of the season, but you can't rush perfection can you?

No, you can't rush perfection. And you can't rush Capt. Bob either. Must be his age; it even takes him longer to make up excuses!
K (Happy to be in the water) oinonia

Congratulations!

However... Serenity is pissed that she isn't in the water yet. To make matters worse she is currently gutted from bow to stern on the port side.

The hull/deck joint looks like it was leaking. In theory that will be back together in a few more hours....

I'll do the other side, just in case, next year.

Shawn

Wow. And your 23 is newer than mine, right? Koinonia is a 1985.
Hope you're in soon. Although I'm in the water, I've yet to sail. Work and this horrible heat wave are conspiring against me. Maybe today she'll be moved to her home mooring.
bob23

Bob,

Yup, Serenity is a '92. After I took it apart I saw a previous leak repair attempt around the chainplates with silicon. I saw a little water staining at the joint near the back of the quarterberth and when I had it opened up the adhesive looked loose in there.

Splitting the joint the entire way to scrap out the old adhesive seemed the way to go to try and be sure it doesn't happen again. Glad I used fast cure since it is raining today. If it clears up I will try and launch today. The last few things I want to do I can do on the water.

Shawn

Bob,

Glad to hear she's in the water! I'm sure that you are anxious to hit the bay. It amazes me that you have so much patience... the results show in your effort. Pegasus has gotten her bottom wet 4 times so far this season. Twice on the Delaware, once on the bay and once on Mercer Lake. Having a boat on wheels sure makes a difference!

Looking forward to BBB-2012!

Marty K.

Today she and I went out for the first sail of the season during the move from Long Key Marina down to her home mooring in Surf City. She sure seemed to enjoy finally getting underway as she was most well behaved. I had a chance to  play around with outhaul and boomvang controls to experiment with sail shape.
Here's a shot of her underway:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/Underway.jpg)
  Not much of a shot, I'll agree...I was having too much fun sailing to take many photos. Wind was out of the SSW so I tacked from the marina up to marker 49A in Barnegat Bay where the channel turns to the SW so from then on the wind was on our nose and heading into an opposing tide which meant motoring:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/Motoringintoaheadwind.jpg)
No problem...little Miss Nissan didn't miss a beat. The last hour was spent under power and I pulled up to my mooring about 3 1/2 hours after I threw the lines at 1050 hrs local. She is now snoozing away in Surf City and anxious for more adventures, not the least will be the BBB 2012 in 4 weeks.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/Athermooringfinally.jpg)
In retrospeck, I can't believe that it's taken me so long to get her in the water and  sailing. Lot's of other things going on in life, some good some so-so. But my Compac 23 is a haven of sanity in an insane world.
bob23

   I finally got out for a few shakedown cruises, first on the 4th of July about 0830 hrs local. But old Koinoina was in a cranky mood- As the wind increased from a wisper to sustained 20 knts, I couldn't seem to find a good sail combination. Then she played one of the meanest tricks on me that a sailboat can paly: I went below for something and heard IT! The sound of the bilge pump running. That is the one sound you don't want to hear. Fearing the worst, I pulled the potti and other assorted junk out from over the bilge, expecting to see a leaking transducer, which I recently installed. All was dry and I determined the problem to be a malfunctioning pump. Nice try, Koin! Like to scare the heck out of me! But she wasn't done yet. Before checking the pump, I dropped sail and set (I thought) the anchor. While down below, I didn't notice that the anchor had not set and the tide and wind was indeed blowing me toward shallow water. Hmmm...caught it in time, pulled the anchor up which gave no resistance, hoisted sail and headed back.
  Now I normally like to sail off and back onto my mooring, using no motor assist. And that was my intention that day. As I contemplated the conditions, I realized that I'd have one chance and if I missed, the wind and tide could conspire to blow me into, you guessed it- the shallows and some quite immovable docks. I thought I saw a small red sailboat with horns perched on my left shoulder saying "Go ahead, you can make it, what can go wrong? Your'e not chicken, are you?"
On my right shoudler a small white sailboat with wings whispered: "Are you crazy? listening to the idiot? What can go wrong- you can wreck our boat, tha's what. I'd motor in."
  I turned to Miss Nissan, who was looking unusually beautiful that day and we motored rightup to the mooring. Moral of the story: Don't listen to little red demon sailboats. Don't jepordize the ship.
  Yesterday I also went out, winds were lighter so I decided to sail under the causeway bridge to Long Beach Island. Unlike JT's experience with the bridge tender, this bridge has about 60 feet of clearance so no problem there. I motorsailed through on a port tack with a favorable current.  Tacked down to markers ICW 75 & 76 ina very narrow channel and seeing what looked like fog coming in, decided to turn back. I got stuck in a fog a few years ago that came upon me in mere minutes. Not fun...I know how you New Englanders feel now.
  Had a delightful sail through the bridge going north into an opposing current. All in all, she behaved herself quite well. Like any prankster, I guess she just needed to get it out of her system!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/approachingthebridge.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/bridgetolbilookingeast.jpg)
bob23

great pics, bob..   nice to hear that you are getting out on the water!    i think that i will head down to jersey the second half of this coming week.   i can't imagine that it was much fun there this weekend.. just two hot!    i think that the temps are going to moderate just a bit in the next few days..   I will get a little more done on the current house project  and then reward myself  with a trip to the marina!    jt

   Gimme a call if you head down...I may have a light work load the second half of the week. I just calibrated the new Raymarine depth sounder yesterday so I plan to do some south-of-the-bridge sailing this summer. A quick look at the chart shows some real skinny water down there. I remember grounding a Sunfish in those waters back in the day.
   Maybe we'll finally get to Shut-up!
bob23

well done, and thanks for the many photos

mr toad

Well, it's been a while since I posted here but that doesn't mean Iv'e been sittin' around, landlocked. Quite the contrary, I've been getting out on the water. And Koinoina's been much more well behaved.
   On 7/22 I finally fulfilled a promise made to an old friend- to take him sailing. Ed is a man of incredibly high integrity that I'm honored to know. Men like him are indeed getting rare and, as he's 85, they may be getting rarer. I'd been telling him for more years than I care to admit that we'd go sailing but either I'd forget or, more shamefully, I'd ignore my promise. July 22 brought us great weather and favorable wind and tide and at around 1300 hrs local, we embarked from the Surf City boat ramp for a 3 1/2 hour sail. It's only the second time in his life that he's sailed!
Due to the fact that he's 85, walks slowly with a cane and is a really big guy, it took a bit of doing to get him in the boat but with some help, we were soon on our way.
   We headed North, around the Harvey Sedges Islands, up Limestone Channel a bit and then back into the ICW where we headed for the barn. Interesting side note on Limestone Channel- it's not really a channel and there is no limestone in the area. Hmmm...makes you wonder what those old timers were drinking!
   Along on the trip was my good friend Bob. We share the same birthday and year and are both leftys as well as having a similiar twisted sense of humor. Bob sails an O'Day 17 Daysailor and, due to a recent forced retirement, has more time to sail. He is a serious ham radio guy as well as starting, owning and maintaining a local 24 hour radio station. Another man of honor and integrity.
   A couple of shots from that day:
  (http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/Edatthehelm.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/Bob-MrRadio.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/Edenjoyingtheday.jpg)
Cheers! Bob23

   Well, today it happened again. As I was readying the boat to sail off her mooring this afternoon, I noticed an older gentleman in a powerboat watching and as he motored closer, he said: "Beautiful boat." I thanked him. I'm not making this stuff up.
   This afternoon started out with a very light wind. I was zipping along at a whopping 1.5 knts, pushed mostly by the incoming tide. The wind was so light that I was overtaking it! In an hour or so, it freshened up but never got above 12 knts or so and at one time, driven again by tide and wind, we hit 4.5 knots. I'm aways amazed how well the 23 performs in light air. Must be the new sails! It was a wonderful afternoon sail, wish I had remembered my camera...you'll just have to imagine!
    More soon...looking forward to the Barnegat Bay Bash 2012 version 2.0 in 3 weeks.
bob23

WHO PARKED THAT CHANNEL MARKER UNDER MY BOAT?
   Last Sunday, in a rare sailing appearance, my wife, the benevolent Admiral Linda decided that she wanted to go for a sail in the intrepid Koinonia. Now, understand- she never, never, never wants to go sailing with me so this was wierd. Nonetheless, 2:00pm saw us on the boat, raising a single reefed main in NW winds of 18 to20 knots and sailing off the mooring. We had a great time, the weather was warm and as the wind lightened a bit, I shook the reef out. The boat was on her best behavior and cruised along nicely at 4.5 to 5 knots.
   Sometime during the sail, I remarked that my winch handle was a floating one. Linda asked if I'd ever tested it out but I hadn't. I shouldv'e known this conversation held a clue as to what was to come. We tacked here and there, enjoying the day and decided to head back to the home mooring. As we approached, Yup- you guessed it, I dropped the floating winch handle overboard and, yes it does indeed float! Being red, it was easy to see. It took 3 drive-bys before I was able to snag it aboard and then I heard a strange sound- couldn't quite figure out what it was. The boat was slowing a bit and I heard the rudder downhaul line stretch. It was then that the green maker popped up from where he'd been hiding under the starboard side of the boat! Yup, while I was to intent on getting my handle back, I'd taken my eyes off the marker and he decided to go for a dip under my boat! The nerve!
   They must be made of foam of some kind 'cause it had a large crack in it when it popped up. As in most of my tales, alls well that ends well. No one got hurt, the boat didn't sink, and we enjoyed a great sail together. She still doesn't love it like I do, but it's a start.
   After we tied up Koinonia, which takes about a half an hour due to all the redundant lines I have doing redundant things, we rowed the Walker Bay in and headed over to the Dutchmans Brauhaus for some onion soup and a cold one. The is the onion soup that defines all other onion soups round the world and they have a great beer selection.
   Really, does a day get any better than this?
bob23

hey bob.. nice to hear that Linda joined you on the boat..  interesting story about the winch handle..    i lost my hat overboard twice during the BBB weekend..  lost it the second time..  that is the second hat that i have donated to neptune in  barnegat bay!   

we sailed past a buoy  with a big chunk out of it..   they do appear to be made of styrofoam..  that is a good thing as far as Koinonia is concerned.   Glad to hear that you and Linda had a dry experience with the walker bay  :)   

Yesterday i was covered in dust from head to toe after a few hours sanding drywall,  and i spent all day today working on the in-law's apple farm..   good honest work, but i would rather have been sailing :)    jt

   You'd rather be sailing than sanding drywall? Are you nuts? I'd pay anything to have that wonderful dust in my eyes, hair and nose. It just doesn't get any better than that! Yuk! One of my least favorite jobs.
   We had a great sail together, probably one of the last we'll take this season. Last night, my friend Bob and I went out night sailing on his O'day Daysailor...beautiful full moon and not another boat on the bay! We got in about half hour before the rain started. I may try and go out night sailing on my 23. Hope I don't hit anything!
   Any ideas of when you're coming down? We'd love to get together with you and Janet.
Bob23

   Today Koinonia was sailed to her fall home at Long Key Marina. She will hang out there for a few weeks or hopefully more before being pulled out and set on her trailer. Winds were out of the SSW at 18-25 knts with gusts to 30. For me that meant a dead run all the way so I opted not to raise the main, sailing under genoa alone. It was interesting...I'd never sailed with just the headsail. Weather was sunny, with just enough coolness to don my wool sweater which I keep on board at all times. As we progressed northward and into the deeper water of Barnegat Bay, the swells began to kick up and I realized that Koinonia likes to surf almost as much as I did back in the day.
   The trip was 9.2 nm which took 2 hours and 10 minutes- a respectable time for the old girl! I decided to sail into the entrance to Waretown Creek which leads to LongKey and had no problems. Even Miss Nissan was in a good mood. I entered the slip without incident (rare), tied up and called the Admiral who volunteered to come get me. What a girl!
   This sail every fall is always bittersweet. I know that the end of another sailing season is coming to a close but I'll keep an eye on the weather. If it's nice, I may delay my haulout. Fall sailing around here is quite enticing as you can see the changing colors of the deciduous trees contrasted by the pines and cedars on the mainland. Maybe I'll take one more, yes one more overnight over at Tice's Shoals, scene of the famous Barnegat Bay Bash Splash 2012 version 2.0 of which I still need to do a write up.
   Enjoy your fall sailing, mates!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/bob23.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/2012end02.jpg)
bob23

Bob,

What's growing out of your head?  ???

Marty K.

That's his idea tulip!
Heh Heh TG

Quote from: Tim Gardner on October 15, 2012, 11:52:39 AM
That's his idea tulip!
Heh Heh TG

+1 Karma for the laugh Tim.

Mike

Ya know, ya know, ya know....
   I didn't see that until I posted the photo...somehow knew I'd get some feedback on that one.
I'm gonna let you guys decide what that was:
A) Small alien ship following me while I was sailing and admiring the boat. We all know that     aliens don't make great looking sailboats.
B) Pressure regulator for my brain. As you can see, the relief valve is missing.
C) My first attempt at balancing an empty shot glass on my head while sailing. Notice that the glass is empty.
D) The aforementioned idea tulip. Don't lauch...could be.
E) The globe of a Home Depot landscaping light that is supported on a pvc staff behind me. The light is missing because I knocked it off into the bay last week.
   Cast your votes carefully, mates. If it were me voting, judging by the goofy grin on the face of that goofy skipper, I'd vote C. No one could look like that sober.
Cheers!!!
Bob23   Hic-up!

   Koinonia was hauled out at 1400 hrs local on Saturday October 27th in the year of our Lord 2012. The first thing I do is to look for growth on the bottom. Dunno know why, I just do. As she rose out of Waretown Creek with her port side facing me, I was pleased to see only slime but, except for the lone and rare barnacle, no growth on her bottom. After she was plopped on her trailer, I backed the rig over for the ceremonial mast lowering, determined to use a version of Admiral Brenda Greene's system. Upon walking around the boat, I noticed considerable growth but only on the starboard side under the section aft of the keel. And when I scrubbed her yesterday, I also noticed that the scum on the waterline on the starboard side was present up and over the bootstripe but that there was NONE on the port side. VERY WIERD.
    She is moored in salt water in the same place every year and I've never seen this before. Are the bottom paint gremlins playing with my mind or does anyone have a logical (or otherwise) explanation? I'll be the first to admit that I'm not gonna lie awake at night trying to solve this mystery but it sure is strange. Although, it did just occur to me that old Konoinia is quite the prankster and I wouldn't put it past her...
Bob23

despite the fact that you are on a mooring and swing with the wind and tidal flow, I'm sure there is a prevailing wind and one side is going see more sun than the other.  This could be a reason for the difference in the growth of slime.  Addiitionally, the prevailing wind may cause a slight list to one side causing that side to sit lower in the water and causing the slime to be higher on the waterline. 

My boat is tied to a dock year round and the starboard side which is normally shady and the side with the mooring lines and fenders is always the dirtiest and has a higher line of growth than the port/sunny/normally windward side.

Glad you got it out ahead of the storm.  Be careful up there.  Worried about my Son and family in Philly.  Looks like they are in the direct hit line.  Good chance that if he loses power his basement will flood because of the questionable drainage in the area.  If he keeps power, the sump pump should keep up.

Bob23, How did your CP23 weather Sandy?

Yes Bob- tell us as soon as you get back online. Worried people want to know!

hey guys,  i just talked with Bob for a few minutes.  all is well in his neck of the woods except for the loss of power and internet.   it is pretty unfortunate that the same is not true a few miles from his home on the barrier islands!  it may be some time before we realize the full extent of the damages along new jersey's coastline.    I know that when he does log back on to this page, his heart will be warmed by your kind thoughts!  jt

Yes I'm also have been concerned for all you eastern seaboard sailors ; please let us know hoe you kept your selves and compac's safe from the surge and surf !

THANK YOU for all your thoughts and prayers. We have escaped relatively unscathed but, as JT mentioned, the barrier island (Long Beach Island) has sustained considerable damage. I tried to go over today but the birdge is closed for 5 to 10 days. I may row over tomorrow- the Admiral is trying to talk me out of it but as I expained to my daugher: I row...therefore I am!  I have many customers over there who are anxious to hear if thier houses are still there. I hope I have good news for each of them.
   Koinoina was hauled out on Saturday at 2:00 pm.  We dropped the mast (not literally) did a quick button-up and trailered her home just missing the Admirals curfew by a half hour. Fortunaly, she was not in a court marshalling mood! The boat on her trailer weathered the storm just fine...lots of leaves on the deck and some water below, but that's par for the course.
Many thanks to Vince jr. at Long Key Marina for squeezing me into his schedule. He started hauling at 4:00 am that day and really looked beat as I paid him at about 6:00 pm as he was enjoying a well deserved Yeungling.
   My house, although only 9 miles from the Island, is about 120' above sea level... a nice place to be during a hurricane. We have 2 large maples, a blue spruce and some very tall white pines...all stayed up! Roof didn't leak, siding didn't blow off and no trees fell on cars. A few streets over, things didn't look so good as many trees are down and power is still out on the next street over.
   Little Miss Honda generator really came through! Although small at only 3500 watts, she did our house, and both neighbors on either side. She's getting a well deserved oil change and cleaning this week.
   Work is quite up in the air. We have a few projects in progress but don't know the status until after I get over there. We may be very busy mopping up after Sandy. Maybe I'll even manage to make some money!
   Well, again, thank you all...I've lived to blab another day!
Bob23

Glad you, the Missus and Mistress (Koinonia) came through this OK!

Amazing how folks affected...heck it hit us here in Ohio!! No major damage though. We save that for tornados and ice storms!

Well..let's see. Last week we had the hurricane of the century. Today, it's snowing. Wonder what next week will bring?
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/firstsnow2012.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/snowywinch.jpg)
Cheers! Bob23...getting out my LL Bean boots from storage! Where are my cross country skiis?

hey - how pretty!   we don't have any snow here yet, but we may get a little in the poconos overnight.   you can start looking for your x country skis, but it will be a while before that foot is up to putting the boots on!   be careful out there on the snowy sidewalks..  jt

Here are a couple unusual accessories most of you might not have: A Compac 23 napkin holder!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/Compac23napkinholder.jpg)
And this:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/Goddoesnotdeduct.jpg)
Tell 'em you saw it here!
bob23

even in snow those anderson winches look great!  If the 27s didnt come with self tailers Id just tell my wife anderson was the only company still making them!!

Thanks. I'm happy a previous owner had deep pockets...the Anderson 12ST winches work great. But they are pricey- I guess all that bling comes at a price.
Bob23

When is a sailboat not a sailboat? When it's the centerpiece of this years Christmas decorations!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/Bowbow.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/DSCF1819.jpg)
More at the Lounge! Merry Christmas from the Bob23 family and Koinonia!

Nice Job, Bob! 

Boy, a few reindeer hooked up to the bow would look really neat........  ;)

wow,  how nice..  this is a very good reason not to have the cover on her yet!   jt

Merry Christmas to you and all who read this thread!

Koinonia looks fabulous!

Marty K.

Well- the lights are down, the gifts are all away and the bills are starting to pour in. This can only mean one thing: Christmas is officially over! In the hub-bub of gift buying and the associated chaos, I forgot to buy my little Koinonia anything. So I made up for lost time by getting these:
Naked winch:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202013/Nowyouseeit.jpg)
Well dressed winch:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202013/Nowyoudont.jpg)
Trailer sailor if I remembers right!
bob23

   Well, although I and Koinonia have been quiet as of late, rest assured that progress is being made on the official "to do" list. Some items that are moving forward: The addition of a brass double wick oil lamp to the port side of the bulkhead. On our honeymoon to Bermuda a thousand years ago, we came back with this as a gift for my father in law. He mounted it to the wall of his "man cave" although that phrase would not have been coined for 25 years. I don't think he ever lit it. It's tarnished and it'll stay that way as a memorial to a great man, husband, father, grand father and sailor.
   A previous owner had the nasty habit of installing things on this boat using super glue. Yep...your read that right- damn super glue. When ever I remove something, it takes some of the wood behind with it. This is the case of the oil lamp location. To hide the damage, I cut a piece of copper flashing I had lying around and installed it behind the globe location. It hides the yukky damaged area and doubles as a heat shield.
   A few years ago, I had purchased a Weems and Plath barometer and a clock /tide clock. Just got around to installing them next to the oil lamp. As part of my log keeping, I'll record the barometric pressure at the start and conclusion of each sail. Not that I need to but I like to play with my toys.
   Of course the usual varnishing and touch-ups are an on going project so I won't go into detail.
   I'm making a minor alteration to my mainsheet blocks. At the boom, instead of a double block, I'm changing to a fiddle block in my ongoing battle against the ever twisting main sheet. Not a big deal, but a nice addition.
   If I get around to it, I'll rebed the bow and stern rails. They don't leak so maybe I should leave well enough alone.
   I promise I'll get that dang running light working this year. It had defeated me for a long time but I'm not backing down this time. Plus, I'm gonna add an LED anchor light. My old one stopped working and takes a wierd, expensive bulb. So the switch to LED makes sense. I think they have the one I like at Duckworks.
   Hopefully she'll be going for her first swim before Memorial Day weekend. Reading about all our southern brothers who are still sailing is making me feel like a fish out of water!
   I can't post photos...the new Photobucket and my bronze age computer just don't seem to agree on anything.  A new HP is on the way!
   That's all folks!
Bob23

   Work on the boat is progressing nicely. Today she got her interior vinegar washdown. Great stuff, vinegar. Removes dirt, mold even kills the weeds in your driveway and doesn't hurt the groundwater like Roundup and those kinds of products.  Here in Ocean County, NJ, it is indeed very important to consider what you put on your lawn for it invetiably ends up in the Bay.
   Installed the oil lamp today and decided to light up and enjoy the ambience. Light up the lamp, that is. I don't light up anything else anymore. I shut my work lights off and sat back. I never realized what a nice warm glow an oil lamp give. Sure beats those bright cold white LED's.
   I got my 3 coats of Cetol on the dorade box and the Flagship varnish on the grab rails is coming alone nicely. The pace is picking up for I'm trying to have her out of the driveway by this weekend. It won't be for at least 3 more weeks before she goes for her first swim of the season. I'm anxiuos to see you the bay bottom has changed from Hurricane Sandy. North of me there are cars, boats and homes still unaccounted for...there still down there somewhere. I'd rather not be the one to fine 'em! 
   Almost done with the new slideout for the 2 burner Origo stove. I never liked the original factory set-up: it didn't slide out very far. So I made a 42" slide out from old plywood and white oak flooring lying around. It'll match the chart table on the starboard side. I like doing these kinds of projects. Inexpensive ways to improve the ship and make it more livable.
   Can't wait to get on the water and start planning the Famous Barnegat Bay Bash 2013!
Bob23

   Well, the boat's in the water. Unfortunately it's not Koinonia, only her tender, the venerable Walker Bay 8. I just realized I've never named the tender. Any ideas, mates? All entries will be considered and the winner will recieve absolutely nothing but a big thank you from your's truly!
   Work on Koinonia's bottom is just about done. I had an area aft of the keel which required a barrier coat treatment and then some hard bottom paint. The entire hull will recieve a fresh coat of Hydrocoat bottom paint and hopefully, a launch on June 8th. This is the latest I've ever been in, the reason being that work has been busy thanks in part to Hurricane Sandy.
   The teak has recieved fresh coats of varnish and dorade box and eyebrow trims each got 3 coats of Cetol in Teak color. For some reason, I was never able to keep varnish on those eyebrows so I had to resort to Cetol, which is just ok. I'm planning to buy a quart of Armada and do an actual real environment field test to see just how it compares to varnish and Cetol.
    I'm soooo looking forward to this sailing season...been a stressful year so far and there's nothing quite like sailing to sooth out the soul. I'm hoping to organize another Barnegat Bay Bash sometime this summer, maybe July...stay tuned for more details.
Bob23

great to hear from you , Bob.    it is rather apparent that you are crazy busy..  you have been missed here on the  forum!     i am trying to come up with a name for the  dinghy that would reflect  our  memorable experience last september.     titanic may be a bit  strong... but you get the idea! 

i would love to be able to tell you that Adagio is ready to go, but  i have yet to make the trip to jersey!   if the weather cooperates, i might make it at the end of this week.   i will let you know..  after that , i am gone for two weeks.. but then  my full attention will be on the boat.    i am looking forward to catching up with you soon.   jt

"Just A Little Koin"

Naming boats isnt my specialty.......
Mac

How about "Little Fellow"?

Hmmm...the game's afoot! Keep 'em coming, mates!
JT: Yes- let me know when you're down this way. Now that Memorial Day weekend is behind me, my workload lightened a little. Still looking forward to breakfast when you get down.
   I don't know if a simple boat name could capture the fun we had capsizing the dingy! I haven't  laughed that hard in a long time!!!!! I can still see the faces of the couple on the powerboat next to us- their look of bewilderment is priceless!
Bob23

     Bob,

     Koinonia's big sister is about to come out of the water this week and the rig will be dropped.  On June 12th we will be leaving at 3 am to head down to Punta Gorda for her trip to the keys.  This year Im off for over 3 weeks  and cant wait to see the clear waters. 

Bob N Around?  Keeled Over? Cap Sized?  Sea Amigos?  Oar Knot? Shore Ding? My favorite but long: Sea Ding for 2 Only

My head hurts.  TG

TG:
   You obviously have a great and undiscovered talent or....too much time on your hands! Or both!!!! Sea Ding for 2 is quite apropos...we had 3 on board. 3 amigos, 3 musketeers, 3 stooges...take you pick! This name thing is fun!
Koin:
   That sounds great! Hope you have a great time...I guess it's prime sailing season down there. Maybe while you're in Punta Gorda, you should try to look up Capt. Nemo. He's literally right around the corner. And a great guy!   
Bob23

Kailani is in slip A-10 at Laishley Let us know when you are going to launch. Hope to meet you when you are in PG!

Due to the stout appearance of our vessels I'm gonna suggest the little dingy name be -
Chubby Chaser ...!  ..yes ?

It absolutely must be named "Ding-A-Ling" so everyone will know who the owner is.  Or how about "Bobs Along"? Or my personal favorite, "Only lost one race and it was to Squint The Famous Racing Dinghy" ( a little long but it just rolls off the tongue.

Mike

All these are good and another one just popped into my head. Lettered on the transom:
"Bye bye Squint". Although Ding-a-ling does seem to fit, eh?  The official contest for the name will end on Sunday 6/02 at midnight so keep those cards and letters coming in!
Bob23

Quote from: Bob23 on May 30, 2013, 07:31:20 PM
All these are good and another one just popped into my head. Lettered on the transom:
"Bye bye Squint". Although Ding-a-ling does seem to fit, eh?  The official contest for the name will end on Sunday 6/02 at midnight so keep those cards and letters coming in!
Bob23

Once again you win.  We laughed out loud when we read your post.  We bow to the master.

Mike and B

A few years back I picked up a small aluminum v bottom for the grandkids to fish with.Two grandsons were helping me clean her up when one asked me about naming it.I suggested naming her after their Grandma because like Grandma it was a little dingy.I thought it was funny.Naturaly they snitched me out and things got a little tense around the homefront.So no matter how tempting it is, my advice is don't do it.

Naming boats if fun.
   When I first bought my 23, the previous owner named her "Septembers Love". Barf...that had to go. I decided to name her "Koinonia" which is a greek word found in the New Testament meaning "a close fellowship between God and man" or something like that. It fit because while sailing my 23, that's where Father and I have our best conversations.
   A while back I bought a used Force 5 but for some reason, didn't ask or tell my wife. It was a spur of the moment purchase. True to my form, I finally realized I'd have to fess up so in a last ditch diplomatic effort, I named the boat "Linda Gale". Obviously her name is Linda Gail. She was not impressed...not at all. To add salt to the wound, now that I'm thinking of selling the Gale, she's claiming ownership and demanding all proceeds go to her.
  Moral: Be careful when choosing a name for your boat. It could cost you (literally)!
   Now for a name for the Guideboat.....
Bob23

I had looked up the word Koinonia previously.  I was curios of its meaning.  I assumed it was Hawaiian ??? ;D.   Wikipedia has a nice write up.  After reading it I came to really appreciate the deeper meaning.  Great name for a boat!  Anyway, if looking to stay with the "Koinonia" theme, how about the English translation "Communion"?

Fellowship- that's why I said "little fellow"

Ah - Clever!  I didn't make the connection.
I notice in your profile signature you indicate "no name".  Not your style?

Duh: I must be really slow because I didn't make the connection either...and it's my boat! Duh! I like Little Fellow.
In other news: Koinonia will recieve her fresh coat of bottom paint today. I'm trying Interlux water based paint this year. Seems to have much more cuprous oxide than Aqua-guard. In the past I've used Pettit Hydrocoat with great results. But it's a bit harder to get locally and the word on the street is that the Pettit company is quite hard to deal with. That's why all the local shops refuse to carry Pettit products. I dunno...the paint's always been good for my uses.
Hopefully, next weekend will be launch day..can't wait! The weathers's been good, lotsa SSW winds. They (whoever they are) are still picking debris from the bay deposited here from Sandy. I've only heard a few stories of impacts of boats into submerged objects so I hope it's not going to be a problem.  If there's something to hit, I'll probably find it!
Bob23

Koinonia is greek and in short means communion or fellowship.  The PO named our boat but we like the name so its stuck for good!  Buying our compac 27 and never seeing the name be for I thought we would be a one and only.  To my surprise when I got on the compac site I discovered Bob here with his Koinonia.  There are actually a few of them listed in the coast guard database of names as well.

Quote from: Harrier on June 01, 2013, 06:51:16 AM
Ah - Clever!  I didn't make the connection.
I notice in your profile signature you indicate "no name".  Not your style?

No I love boat names. Just cannot think of one that suits mine. Usually I am pretty quick with stuff like this but for some reason not with my boat.

Ok, while we're on a boat naming roll, let's all put our brains together a come up with a name for Billy's 19.
Bob23

Our Santana 20 is Fukengruven, a regatta is a great place to look at names since racing boats get a bit goofy at times!

"Billy b bingham" is a fantastic name

"ThreeBees" is a good name.

"the B Hive"

"Leave me B"

thats all i got.

I name all my boats after Great Aunts.  I have about 15. 

I think BBB's Nest is good.  With the dog as crew BBB's Hund.   Or maybe B Gone? Or B1935

TG

   I'm goin' out on a limb here but my vote for Billy's boat name is "Absolutely Necessary".
As far as my Walker Bay name, the judges had a lot to choose from....ladies and gentlemen, the envelope please...and the winner is: "Little Fellow" by Billy. For obvious reasons as discussed previously this fits well. Plus I'm not a real tall guy...actually kinda short so it's even more apropos.
   It was a close contest folks with "Ding-a-ling" grabbing many votes, "Bob's Along" was popular too, and "Chubby Chaser" was right up there.
   In an unusual move by the distinguished panel of judges, a sub name was created for the stern of the boat: "Adios Miguel". Thanks to all who participated in this game of boat naming madness.
Bob23

Quote from: Bob23 on June 05, 2013, 03:55:22 AM
  In an unusual move by the distinguished panel of judges, a sub name was created for the stern of the boat: "Adios Miguel". Thanks to all who participated in this game of boat naming madness.
Bob23

Gracias Roberto.

Miguel

   Well, we are one step closer to an actual launch. Today, I woke up Miss Nissan out of her winter hibernation. Figured that since summer is less than a week away, she's been napping long enough. Did the usual- got fresh premium gas, mixed the oil and marine Stabil, tightened the plugs and filled the ceremonial barrel with fresh water.
   After all is done, the next step is the anticipation as to how many pulls it will take to start. Any guesses here? 4? or3? How 'bout 2? If you guessed first pull, you'd be real close. She started before I had pulled the starter rope out all the way- on the first pull! Who could ask for more? I guess she likes the way I treat her when she's put away for the winter. This is the first year she was stored indoors- unheated shed.
   She sounded better than ever and ready for another season!
Bob23
Hoping for a Friday 6/21 launch. Great way to start a summer!

hey, bob!  i don't feel so bad knowing that  you have yet to  get the boat in the water..  in fact, my new tohatsu showed up last week, but i was in maine all week..  had a wonderful time with 8 students from school..   managed to fit in the closing for the property in Phippsburg,   ( i was beginning to doubt that we would be successful)   and  took the kids out to Monhegan Island  yesterday..   what a glorious day..   10 miles out..  and as cool a place as one can imagine..   this will surely be a cruising destination  once the boat is in maine..  in fact,  you are simply going to have to put some time aside next summer to join me!    i should be down to jersey later this week.. i will get in touch.   jt

Sounds good. Looking forward to speaking with you on the telly. And I'd love to hang out in Maine with you sometime.
   In other news: despite all odds and the growing crowd of naysayers, Koinoina was launched today at Long Key Marina in Waretown, NJ. She looked proud and happy, hanging there in the travel lift showing off her new bottom paint. I was unable to locate anyone to help raise the mast before she was launched, so it'll hopefully happen tomorrow whilst she floats. A little harder but not too bad.
   The morning was spent cleaning the mast, sorting rigging, and finding the running rigging and misc lines and fittings. Lifting the mast to the boat alone was a bit of a challenge that called for some Rube Goldberg enginnering, something that some say comes natural to me. But twas as fine morning to work on the boat. There is something relaxing and therapuetical about messing around with one's boat.
   If all goes well, I could be sailing tomorrow. Weather forecast is for partly sunny, high of 76 with S wind of 8-14 mph. As usual, on the first sail, a bit of whatever grog is aboard is poured into the bay thus officially starting the sailing season, at least for me anyway.
   Stay tuned for more....
Bob23
   

Today was mast raising day. My sailing buddy and partner in crime in construction, Dennis, came down to the marina to help, as he always graciously does every year. All went pretty well considering this was the first time I've ever raised the mast while the boat was in her slip. And we encoutered a few wierdities: At the upper shrouds, the turnbuckle fitting that holds the cleavis pin was short of reaching the chainplate by over 1/2" on each side. They should've lined up pretty well perfectly. The forestay should've easily reached the fitting on the bow pupit but was also short. Since stainless steel rigging is not known to shrink over the winter, I could only conclude that the boat actually changes shape slightly when in the water. It would make sense that the pressure on the hull would tend to pinch the gunwales together slightly thus forcing the mast up a bit. Has anyone else encounted such a thing or should I stop having my first tequila before breakfast?
   In any event, all went well, no lines were fouled too bady, and the mast is pretty straight. Weather forecast for the ENTIRE REST OF THE WEEK IS FOR CHANCES OF THUNDERSTORMS!!!! I can't believe it...we had great weather until I put my boat in the water....Hmmm...!
   Sails go on tomorrow if work and weather permit. Then the first sail of the season...I can hardly wait!
Bob23

Bob - oh yes, absolutely. Any trailering guy will confirm this. There's a noticeable difference in tension when the boat is in the water and the hull, supported by water, assumes its natural shape, compared to on the hard when gravity pulls the deck and hull down toward the keel. There's a surprising amount of flex in a fiberglass boat. I always set up my rigging tension on the water.

Wes

hey bob,
  great to hear that  your mast is up...   sorry to be so unsociable..   i was at the marina the last three days..  fixing  and  washing and waxing and shopping ..   it was a busy time..    i found that my back stay got mangled in the storm.. had to send it to   mass.   to have a new one made quickly..  i sent it overnight yesterday..  got a call from the guy today and  was told that it would be in the mail tomorrow afternoon..    of course,   i understand  that on a site like this  we should not do commercials..   so i won't say that   Rigging Only is the place to go for  rigging!    :) 

   i am back home for now.. headed back down  on thursday if all goes well.  my wife is going to drop me off. and then i am on my own!   want to sail to new york with me?   leave next monday?      i need to spend a couple of days breaking in the new motor..     i won't have a car, but   i will let you know when i am down there, just in case you happen to be passing through TR...   good luck with your sails tomorrow..  jt

Wes:
   And just when I thought I knew everything! In that respect, I suppose it would be prudent to loosen the rigging before the boat is pulled out of the water. Interesting...I guess I just never thought of it before. I wonder just how much flex there is fore and aft? I wonder if that was the reason for the gentle bow I found in my mast a few years ago? Ah, just another of the mysterys of life!

JT:
   Great to hear from you. I'd love to sail to NY but as usual, work gets in the way. Gimme a call when you're down- maybe we can sneak out for a local sail aboard either yours or mine. I figured you were down but very busy and I could not have made it up to TR to socialize. As you can imagine, work is pretty busy. But maybe over the weekend we could get together.
Bob23

Yes, the hull flexes enough to make a difference in rig tune between the trailer and the water. If I tune on the trailer and put the boat in the water, the rig will be a little loose (at least after a week in the water, not sure how quickly the hull changes shape). So I'm surprised your shrouds/stay came up short on the water. Is it possible that your backstay was somehow tightened over the winter?

I suppose depending on how quickly the shape of the hull changes and when you raised/lowered the mast might explain it too. If it takes some time for the hull to adjust, and if you removed the mast immediately after pulling the boat out of the water, then the shrouds would be at their "short" length. If you launched the boat this year, and then immediately tried to raise the mast and rig on the water the boat would not have had a chance to retake the shame shape it had when you pulled it out of the water last year and the shrouds/stays would be too "short". So you had to lengthen the shrouds/stay to get them to fit. The way to "prove" the theory will be to check the rig tune the next time you're at the boat. If it has loosened up then your boat was not back to it's in-water fighting form yet when you rigged it. All of this conjecture assumes a relatively slow adjustment period (days) for the hull to take on it's in-water and out-of-water shape, which may or may not be true.

Hi Nate:
   The boat sat in the water for about 2 1/2 days until we raised the mast. And we did indeed remove the mast immediately after the boat was pulled 2 days before Hurricane Sandy came to town. All of this makes sense but it really confirms my theory: my boat is a 1st class pranksteress! It's not the first time she's played tricks on me...and it probably won't be the last!
Bob23

Koinonia is officially ready to sail!
   After dinner last night I drove down to the marina to bend on the sails. I like to do this when it's not busy; I find that I can concentrate better and am less likely to screw up a line or two. And usually the wind is down in the evening. All went well and I discovered yet another reason to set all sails and lines when no one is around: There's no one to witness when you start putting your jib on upside down! After that mid course correction, all was completed before it started raining. No tools went overboard, no battens were forgotten, and all lines including reefing lines were present and accounted for. I'll do a final rig tuning before setting out for the official 2013 inaugural sail.
Bob23...stay tuned as the intrepid Capt. Bob23 sets out for Tice's Shoals to see for himself the damage wrought by Sandy.

Glad to hear that you are good to go!  There isn't much else that can beat that feeling you get when you look at your boat and you know that it is cruise ready.

hi bob..  are you going to tice's    on saturday?      i took Adagio out for a 2 hour engine cruise  this morning..  breaking in the new engine..  then i got back and puttered around a bit.  got the bimini rigged and ready to go..    i was waiting for a back stay which i had ordered from  mass..   it came a little after lunch time..   the guys in the yard put up the mast..    spent the rest of the afternoon bending on the sails..   i am ready to go!   just about :)    give me a call if  the weather looks good and you are headed out tomorrow..   i don't have a car, but i could meet you on the water..  jt

I am planning to go. A last minute text from one of my customers has me working first thing this morning but I'm still planning to go when Im done. ETD is about 10.  That could change if I encounter problems at the job. That never happens, right?! If the thunderstorm threat increases I may abort the mission but  I'll give you a call on the shoe phone...maybe we can get together before you head north.
Bob23

Voila!
  Against the odds of work, weather and time, yesterday Koinonia and I went out for our first sail of the season. Rain and thunderstorm forecast bedamned, I set out anyway with Tice's Shoals as my destination as I was eager to see how our friend Sandy treated one of my favorite achorages and the scene of the infamous Barnget Bay Bashes, the next one of which will be posted here at the site soon.
  A light south wind greeted us as we motored away from Long Key Marina and out Waretown Creek into the wild Barnegat Bay. I turned her up into the wind and up went the main, without a hitch. (A note here: Longtime readers of this thread are aware that my boat is a little pranksteress and I was just waiting for her to play her first trick of the season on me.) Next, out came the genoa and then we pointed North-NE towards our destination taking the wind from our starboard quarter. She was taking the small waves in stride and in a little over an hour, after the wind picked up substantially, we arrived and safely achored in what my depth sounder said was 5 to 6 feet of water. Turned out I was right on the edge of a small ledge and as she swung, the depth went down to about 3 1/2 feet. No problem and kinda good as I was able to wade into shore, not having the trusty "Little Fellow" dingy. There was about 3 dozen other boats there but with the good weather, the inevitable influx of yahoos and Snookites would soon descend upon us. (Another note: A Snookite is my word for that most detesable show "Jersey Shore" of which I can proudly say I've never seen one episode. And Snookie is at the top of my list of the "Most Detestable Persons of All Time". 'Nuff said 'bout that.
  A nice wade in soon brought me to the rugged shoreline of Island Beach State Park. If you've never been here, most of the following will mean little but to Marty and JT, the other attendees of the Barnegat Bay Bash 2012, it may be of interest. I had heard that the wooden boardwalk that leads from the bay to the beach was removed by Sandy but it aint true. However, she did remove the first 200 feet of boardwalk and those wonderful high sand dunes. The dunes did thier job and held the ocean back except where the 4 wheel drive access road is. Yes, the same one where we saw the Ford Mustang stuck last year. That was funny. I thought everyone knew that Mustangs were not off road cars. Guess not everyone.
  I spent a bit of time surveying the remaining dunes and noticed the beach was much narrower than when we were there. I was high tide so that could be part of it but it sure looks different to me. Years ago, the towns would collect used Christmas trees and lay them in the dunes to catch sand to help build up the dunes. I was amazed to see trees that were preserved but probably 30 years old or more, laying there, end to end with sand stuck inbetween. They did thier job nobally. Why the towns discontined that practice is a mystery to me. I gues is was too simple and cheap a remedy.
  I soon headed back to the yacht and after climbing aboard, opened the official first Pabst aboard the boat and, pouring some in the bay, declared to one and all the official start of the sailing season...at least for me. After a bit of reflection time which seems to be enhanced by a cold beer on a warm day, it was time to depart. By this time, the SSE wind had picked up considerably, not an unsual occurance for a summer afternoon on the Barnegat Bay. After pulling anchor and motoring out to deeper water, I dropped the rudder, raised the main and unfurled the genny once again. Immediately I knew I had to tie if the first reef so after coming about to a starboard tack, did exactly that. And rolled up some headsail, too.
  I knew a long sail was in store when we started encountering 2 to 4 foot waves. The 23's are heavy but they don't like to take a pounding. So we slogged on, heading for the mainland. The water depth was fine, a concern of mine based on stories I'd heard of parts of the bay filling in from sand pushed over the barrier beaches by our little Sandy. After a few tacks and lots of wind and pounding, we approached the entrance to Waretown Creek. Here, Koinoina decided to pull something from her ditty bag of gags: The starboard genoa sheet jammed in the standing block on the track and jammed darn good. I'd been meaning to replace it, never go around to it and now was in a minor fix. Usually, just a good pull in reverse unjams it but with this wind force, no way. It was stuck and stuck good. At this point, I thought I heard Koinonia chuckle but it could've been the wind...maybe. As I pondered cutting the sheet (Yikes! I'd have to buy a new one!) one of the backyard mechanic parts of my brain kicked in: A screwdriver can fix almost anything! I grabbed such tool, and after a few minutes of prying, pulling and puffing, the sheet came free. Soon I rolled up the genny, dropped the reefed main and headed for the barn, experiencing an unusual amount of motor helm.
  The next hurdle to be jumped was entering the slip, something I almost fear. I can't seem to master this manuver to save my life. In some circles, I'm called the pinball wizard. I don't like those circles. And to make matters worse, as I approached I saw a boat in the next slip that wasn't there when I left. To leward, of course. But all went well and soon we were tied up and putting things ship-shape. 'Twas a wonderful sail, and both me and foredeck got a good washing while coming back. I like the taste of saltwater washing over the bow onto my face. Warm salt water, if you please.
  If all goes well, on Thursday, the 4th of July, I plan to sail down to her home mooring where I will, as in past years, fly Old Glory from her backstay for the weekend. She will thus resume her place as "the prettiest boat in the cove." Not my words, but true words nonetheless.
Bob23
 
 
 
 

Sure glad the beach and the boardwalk are still there! Sounds like a bit of an adventure coming back. Is it too much to ask for a repeat of BBB2012? Sans unscheduled swim of course (but it was fun, wasn't it?)! Count me in for BBB2013. Where do I register?

JT - How's everything going? When is your trip to northern waters scheduled? Will you make the bash?

Marty K.

I've been searching the site for any hints of BBB 2013?   I'm tan, rested, and ready...  I also can probably scrounge a couple crew members!

Smier:
   Check the General Annoucements for the latest BBB 2013 news!
Bob23

   Todays light SSE winds gave a fine sail aboard the intrepid "Koinoina". Got done work a bit early and after some phone calls, decided to head out for a few hours. Although undoing all the redundant lines that I have to protect the moored boat can take about 28 minutes, soon I was sailing, hunting for my brother who sails an old but fine O'day Mariner. We have an ongoing race and today was this years first heat.
  Soon I found the scoundrel and we engaged in our usual rutualistic marine pastime- blasting each other with water cannons at close range, pirate style. We can spend a lot of time coming about, approaching each other as close as possible and unloading a hefty blast at each other. Like a couple of kids, we are! No one can ever accuse us of being too serious.
  After we'd both gotten pretty wet, it was time to head in. We separated and the mighty Koinoina pulled ahead of the might PescaJumba because I had found some sea breeze that he missed, being a bit too far out into the bay. But soon he caught up and it was time for each of us to sail up to our mooring. (We're moored only about 100' apart.) Now I kinda pride myself on my abilitiy to sail up the float motorless. Builds boat handling skill and I've done it many time, mostly with out incident but sometimes with great incident. What was to happen today was to top the great incident cake!
   On the last tack, I always roll up the genny, sail under main alone and fall off the wind enough to have enough speed to coast up alongside the mooring. All went well and I made a good approach, maybe a bit too fast, but I can deal with that. What I didn't realize was that I forgot to do 2 of the basic things that I need to always do: Haul up on the topping lift to depower the main and loosen the tiller lock so the rudder  is free. I don't know exacly how it all happened but I ended up with the dingy towing line wrapped around the rudder and the boat facing stern to the wind! So with the main out, the boat was trying sail away from the mooring with me on the foredeck trying to haul in whatever line I could grab with the boat hook.
  After about 10 minutes of this madness, I eventually got hold of the mooring lines and secured them to the forward cleat. I then managed to untangle the tow line from around the now raised rudder blade and secure it to the mother ship. Now I've had some major mooring screw ups in the past but this was one for the books! Fortunately, the shoreline was not that crowded so it wasn't that much of a show. In the past, I've performed similiar feats of nautical lunacy before a crowd gathered to watch the sunset...a little humility is good for the soul!
Bob23

Bob,

I know the feeling of missing the mooring tackle under sail.  Always without serious incident (like hitting someone else's boat or tender) and I have ended up stern to the wind by overshooting and not grabbing the mooring until it was near the stern.  With no motor sailing to the mooring is the only option.  My experiences have ranged from sailing about 1/2 mile in over an hour and then anchoring overnight within 100' of the mooring because the wind completely died to missing the mooring five times in 25 knot winds due to misjudging the slow down from the headwind and then having quite a fight to get the mooring tackle secured and then the sails down.  And then there are those days were the wind near the mooring can't decide which direction it wants to come from due to the bluffs nearby.  The shift is about 90 degrees which can make for quite a few misses.  I've also had my dinghy painter around the keel which can be slightly bad for the dink and the topsides.

Chartering in BVI in 2011 I picked up the mooring while my wife Tara motored.  I gave hand signals to point out the direction of the ball, since the helmsman can't see over the bow and then a neutral signal plus said "put her in neutral" loudly enough to be heard (redundant signals) when we were set to drift to the ball.  All worked well for the first few days until Tara somehow forgot the procedure and put the boat in neutral well before we reached the mooring.  We had passed a large boat, a true yacht, maybe a Gozzard or something similar with a fancy bowsprit and fancy scrolling woodwork, The captain was on the bow expressing his concern that we were drifting toward his bow when I looked back to figure out why we were making so little headway.  I had to yell back to put her in forward and thrust the throttle forward to get us some headway, but not so loud as to upset The Admiral or seem like an unseamanlike pair (though we were at that moment).  We got steerage back and missed his bow, though not by enough for his comfort level and our tender came quite close to his mooring ball.  We looked OK from then on, picking up the mooring on first try and with just the few hand signals and very few words needed, but the other boat decided to move to another mooring.

No damage, small audience (one).  Regardless Tara was shaken feeling that we could have hit the obviously very expensive large yacht and embarrassed.  We reviewed the procedure, the key point being put the boat in neutral only after I give the signal which will be shortly (10-15') before we are over the mooring ball depending on boat speed and headwind.  After that we were fine.

Glad to hear you didn't hit anything other than the dink and no damage to boat or dink.  Had me a bit worried when I read "What was to happen today was to top the great incident cake!"

Curtis

The only time I ever had to pick a mooring was in the BVI and because there were four of us on the boat, it never was incidental.  However, you are right in that sailing without a motor will make you a better sailor.  For the first six months that we had our Columbia 8.7, the motor was totally unreliable because water was somehow getting to the carb despite a Racor filter that seemed to working just as it should. ???  Before I finally figured it out I was afforded many opportunities to enter my small craft harbor and approach my slip under sail.  With a following wind, it wasn't too bad, but with the wind out of the north I had to tack up a hundred foot wide channel, turn and reach up the pier line then turn 90 degrees drop the sails at just the right point estimating the drift and dumping speed and enter my slip between a finger pier and a set of pilings, hook the docking lines while trying not hit anything. :o  There was always an audience and we were often quite entertaining. After the first couple of times I did install a catch bridal at the end of the slip, but I got quite good at it before I figured out how to fix the motor.  ;D

 And here I thought that you were going to tell us that you ran aground  :)     But, with all that practice that we had back in July,  you would have had no problem dealing with that!      Glad to hear that  you got out sailing and  successfully defended Koinonia with your super soaker, or whatever armament you happen to have.     I am looking forward to seeing you   and Marty and  meeting some new folks  at  BBB 13..   just around the corner..  jt

    Well, the mighty yet humble Koinoina continues to amaze me. Yesterday we had 20 knots and gusting higher. I had promised my daughter Joanna that we'd sail before she flew south back to Fla-di-da and sail we did. With single reefed main and a partially unfurled jenny, we had a great time with her manning the tiller the entire time. (Sorry no photos...the new improved Photobucket doesn't get along well with my Flintstone era computer.)
    With the high tides we've been having we were free to go almost anywhere which we did. As we left the mooring under sail, I wondered why "Little Fellow" was following us until I realized that I'd forgotten to leave it on the mooring. So we had a hitch hiker the whole trip. We headed out on a starboard tack in strong NE winds and typical bay chop, which the 23 handled with ease. I do like the weight of the 23 when in choppy conditions. Most powerboats do not slow down around here...only a select few who actually know what they're doing. As Koinonia approaches even the largest of wakes, she seems to say "C'mon...is that all you've got? You call that a boat wake?" and shrugs it off with a grin.
   Soon our time on the water was over and after performing the ritual of tidying up the boat and getting her all tucked in on her mooring, somehow a water fight ensued and soon we were both soaked and laughing like lunatics. Note here...water fights between her and I go back a long way and any time we have together is not complete without one. Maybe I'll win someday. Back on shore, we met up with the Admiral and soon we found ourselves at Woody's, the local burger joint whose burgers actually look like the photos. Real lettuce, tomato and onion...not the Mac or BK stuff. Great burgers...the best around, so they say. Then it was off to  home only to return to LBI later that evening for the sunset cruise aboard the Doris Mae, a party boat owned by a friend of mine. Winds had subsided somewhat as we cruised out of the Barnegat Inlet and out into the mighty North Atlantic. My daughter, thoughtfully brought along the fixin's for a dark and stormy for me and I enjoyed only 1 as we watched the sun bid us farewell at 7:38 est.
   Next up was a stop at Dutchman's, the local german restaurant with the best onion soup on the planet and a few dark Weiss beers along with a nice fried calamari side that was sooo yummy! Dutchmans sits on pilings over the water and suffered no water damage from the bad girl Sandy. In fact, the owners opened the place as soon as possible and fed all the first responders, military and police who were on the scene to deal with the aftermath. Fortunately, although the rest of Long Beach Island had no natural gas, Dutchmans is not actually on the island but resides on Cedar Bonnet Island. Not that any of this means much to you.
   A great day with my daughter...and it started out on a great little yacht that I'm privileged to be the caretaker of...Koinoina!
Bob23


I like the spray coming off the bow and hitting our faces...nothing like a taste of the old briny!

Great Story!

I do have one thing to ask though.  Bob,  You said,  "dark Weiss beers ". Could you have been referring to Dunkelweizen?

My mouth waters.

TG

TG:
   It wasn't that but with a name like that, I gotta try it! Began with an H if I remember correctly. I'll find out from my daughter tonight.
Bob23

Bob,
It sounds like you have a great relationship with your daughter.  It must have been a super day!. 
At least "Little Fellow" got tied up to something..... ;D
I can never pass up on a plate of calamari when we go to dinner.  Thanks for sharing the story.

Bob,

Sounds like a great day with two fine ladies, Koinoina and your daughter.  Three when you hooked up with The Admiral.

One thing Barnnegat Bay seems to have going for it is a lot of good restaurants on the water or very near by.  Or did last I was in the area.  Hopefully that is still true after Sandy.

Seems you tidied up Koinoina and met The Admiral, so perhaps you opted for the best dining for a reasonable price rather than the on the water option.  Still it is nice to have the option to sail to a restaurant with a dock or land the dink within walking distance of good eating.

A good sail and a good evening out.  A great way to see you daughter off to Fla-de-da.  It doesn't get any better.

Curtis

   Dutchmans, being on the water has boat slips and one could sail up for dinner. But the slips are more suitable for smaller powerboats. The tide can really rip thorugh and the slips are perpendicular to the tidal flow...found that out when upon entering one a few years ago, the side of the boat was slammed against a piling. Makes for an interesting departure especially when you have the dock navigating skills of a 5 year old like I do.
   Big BBQ at the abode last night...I'm gonna miss her but that gives us an excuse to fly down to visit...
Bob23

   A planned overnight at Tice's did not materialize this weekend due to other obligations. But I did make it out for a wonderful sunset sail in my local waters. The wind, temp and weather were perfect and as I sailed along, I began to reflect on the kind of sailing I really do. Although a dream is to cross the Atlantic, reality is that it will probably never happen. But I suppose the line in the good book "contentment is great gain" may be true. I find myself quite happy to go out for a 2 hour sail, sometimes within site of my home port. Just sailing the boat not neccesarily to distant far off beaches is sometimes good enough for me. I continue to be amazed at the Compac 23 and that I'm so priviledged to be owned by one.
   Don't get me wrong, like Bilbo Baggins, the Tookish side of me sometimes rears up and I'd love to wander off to great adventures fighting dragons and seeking great treasures. Of course, Dorothy hit the nail on the head when she exclaimed "There's no place like home".
   Today is the first day of fall...Carpe Diem, my friends!
Bob23
   

   As summer has past and the days are growing shorter and cooler, I must face the inevitable- fall haulout. Stopped at the marina yesterday where I'll spend the month of October. Well, not me but the legenday Koinonia. Hopefully that'll be my home port where I can explore a bit more before I tuck the boat away in her winter jammies.
   Hurricane Sandy has delayed just about everything around here. Besides the obvious destruction she left in her wake, summer really never got off the ground like it should have. Many including yours truly, got our boats in late, if we got them in at all. Usually my 23 makes it down to her home mooring in May. This year it was July 4th. Of course, the storm gave us in the construction business a bit of a boost to our bank accounts but that is bittersweet work, my friends. It's nice to make the money and rewarding to help others rebuild thier lives but it's not really fun work.
   The downside is that I've not had the time aboard that I would have liked. Other circumstances like family issues have also gotten in the way. I had planned a 2 or 3 day cruise to Great Bay only to have it cancelled because of a last minute schudule change on the renovation project I'm running. Last few weeks, same story. I had some absentees at work so I had to be there to cover for them. This week is looking ok...let's see what time stealing monster will reel it's ugly head to thwart my plans.
   But Koinonia waits patiently at her mooring, tugging at her lines. If even for an after work sunset sail, she's the perfect boat, always well behaved as she proudly trods a path through the local waters providing her skipper with some well needed therapy and a retreat from the madness some call the real world.
   In other news, I learned yesterday that there is a picture of my boat at rest in a local gift shop. I wonder if I get the royalties? If it's not too expensive, I may buy it...may look nice on my office wall on a cold winter night as I dream about voyages to come.
Bob23

Love the testimonial of a great boat owner! What a lucky girl :-) hopin I treat my girl as fairly

You will...your'e well on your way. Looking forward to hearing about the continuing adventures of Banana Cakes!
Bob23

   Well it seems the inevitable has happened again this year: my sailing season is coming to an end. And thanks to Hurricane Sandy, it was a short season to boot. Each year I'm in denial that it will happen but each year I'm jolted into reality. Yesterday, I motored Koinoina up the marina where she'll spend the next 2 weeks before haulout. Last week we had a solid week of strong NE winds here on the Jersey coast and in those conditions, she takes the accompanying waves on the port side as they wrap around Lazy Point while still facing into the wind compliments of the anchoring sail. It's not fun seeing her sitting there, day after day enduring those condiions.
   For some reason, with the forecast of high winds, last Saturday I decided to deploy her main anchor as extra insurance. Good thing. On Monday morning as I made my boat check up drive-by on the way to work, I noticed that one mooring line (she has 2) had parted. A closeup inspection showed that the galvanized thimble wore right through in the constant high winds. You can never be too careful about your mooring tackle. What can last for months under normal conditions can also wear and break in one week of hard use!
   Winds still being NE, I couldn't even sail yesterday but Miss Nissan, size 8, performed wonderfully as always. Under threatening skies we set out at 1545 hrs and arrived in 2 hours 20 minutes covering about 9 nautical miles under power alone using about 1 1/2 gallons of fuel. Not bad for an old 2 stroke!
   So there she sits, hoping her captain will wise up some day and quit this foolhardy work habit he's developed and move up to a higher calling...sailing! Hopefully one or two more are in store before haulout!
Bob23

   Today, I had the choice of whether to take the last sail of the season or start taking the boat apart for fall haulout. As I stepped aboard, I thought I heard a voice from down below: "Take me dancing!" Huh? "You heard me. Take me dancing NOW!" Who was I to argue with this beautiful younger woman with whom I'm having an 8 year love affair with. With my wife's approval, no less. Sort of.
   Winds were forecast to be WNW 15 and gusting higher so we headed out to the dance floor. Fortunately, not many others were out so there was plenty of room. We started out waltzing on a reach north but soon conditions became more exciting so a little foxtrot was in order. As the wind began gusting quite high, I grabbed her in my arms and we began to twirl and spin. Recogizing that I'm not that great a dancer, she began to take the lead. After turning around at ICW marker 40, it was Mombo time. Yeah, this girl can dance. Beauty and brains, what a woman!
The wind had switched more out of the west by this time so we were closehauled as we passed other dancers going in the opposite direction. By this time  I was getting winded and after getting hit with some 20+ gusts, I decided to tie in a reef in her main and she began to show off.
Soon she was lifting her skirt as she glided across the floor. I doubt Ginger Rogers had looked better. What legs! When she shows off, heads turn!
   By this time, we had reached the B marker just opposite the channel to the marina. I tacked over to the entrance and regretting that this magic time had to end, dropped all sails and motored in. Docking was amazingly uneventful...not bumping into things one is not supposed to bump into. As I was buttoning things up, I thought I heard from below: "Thanks...I needed that."
Bob23   

you lucky guy!    and here i was spending the whole day writing letters for school and then heading off to a school function this evening..   not much of a weekend here in northeast pa!    it is great that you were able to spend time on the water..  it will probably be mid November before I get a chance to come down to  cover Adagio.. i will be in touch.   jt

Yes, I am a very blessed guy. Looking forward to seeing you guys when you make it down to cover your boat...gimme a heads up.
Best,
Bob23

   The inevitable has happened...Sunday I pulled the sails off the boat thus officially ending the pathetically short 2013 season which was not without high points.  I had intended to sail on Saturday but a last minute customer meeting was requested so I missed that. Turns out we had zero wind on Saturday anyway. "No worries, mate- there's always Sunday". No worries indeed- just rain instead. After church, and while watching the showers descend, I spent the morning finishing up a trailer modification I had started on Saturday afternoon and finally made it to the boat at about noonish.
   Skies were clearing slowly and the NNW wind bekoned me but one sorta knows when it's time. I like a clear, dry day when I begin the decommisioning ritual because I raise the sails in the slip, hose 'em off thoroughly and then let them dry in the wind. Lines and boom are then removed, radio taken out and the mast is readied for removal. All the above was completed as the sky cleared nicely and the same North wind blew, reminding me that I'd chosen a good day to begin the decommisioning. Sad, yes but as we all know- any ending is followed by a beginning! Fall rowing season is at hand!
   To close out the day, I mixed up a Dark and Stormy and sat in the fading light planning in my head the winter projects that will appear on my to-do list. Yes, I keep Gosslings rum, ginger ale and lime juice on board at all times...for medicinal purposes, mind you!
   Of course the aforementioned high points are notable: The boat making it through Hurricane Sandy, the Infamous Barnegat Bay Bash 2013 and meeting up there with old friends and new, having JT visit my home port of Surf City, NJ in his 23 albeit listing a bit to starboard. And not having the boat break loose in the long stretch of NE winds we experienced this fall. Exploring some new waters near Cedar Run, NJ was a first.
   So raise your glasses with me mates: Here's to voyages past and voyages future, however long or short- may they be fully enjoyed and appreciated- you never know which one is your last!
Bob23

Said glass is raised.
TG

Cheers, Bob.
  Hope to meet up with you again soon.
-Allen


(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/BBB%202013/13BBB09_zps6416146b.jpg) (http://s1058.photobucket.com/user/eagleye54/media/BBB%202013/13BBB09_zps6416146b.jpg.html)

I will raise my glass later today.  Just woke up and as I usually do checked the hour by hour forecast for Bay Springs Lake.  Winds 10-12 out of the Southeast all day, partly cloudy with temps peaking at 71.  So sometime this afternoon I will join your toast while aboard.  Be advised I will probably have a difficult time finding crew on short notice on a work day.  An early jet will put you in Memphis or Huntsville in plenty of time to make the departure.... ;D

Ich Auch! Cheers! Prost! and spring can't get here soon enough! Eagleye, nice shot of Koinonia and Barnegat Bay. I'm already dreaming about BBB-2014! I think, next time, I'll make it a two nighter... less stress, hopefully! Might even invest in one of those new fangled "5 hour energy drinks" to help me cope after all the fun is done!

Pegasus is still hoping to do one more sail this fall before the ice arrives. Got my fingers crossed!

Keep in touch,

Marty K.

   Yesterday, Koinonia was pulled from the waters by the trusty hands of Vinny at the helm of his travel lift at Long Key Marina thus officially ending the sailing season for me. In the spring I had tried a new ablative anti fouling paint, Aqua by Interlux so I was anxious to see the results. And the results are great: Not one, nary a one, nada...I mean no barnacles whatsoever on the bottom. What a great water based anti fouling! I'm sold. After she was placed on her trailer and recieved a nice powerwashing, I pulled out to the point where no activity was happening so I could de-rig her and lower the mast. I do this every year so it's becoming routine..except the mast lowering. Knowing I wouldn't have any help this year, I devised a Goldberg type gin pole.       
   What's that saying: "God protects fools and children" ...and 23 owners who think they're engineers at devising mast lowering methods! I'll spare you the details but suffice to say the mast came kinda gently down, no one was hurt or killed and nothing broke. I'd call that a success but I won't be using this exact method again. Life is such a learning experience that I'll probably live to be 500 by the time I stop learning.
   After a few hours, I bid Vince and Vinny, father and son co-owners of the marina farewell promissing to return today (which I did) to pay my bill. We had an uneventful drive home and even managed to back into the driveway without wiping out the admirals car. I know some of you guys have trouble backing up trailers but for me, it's no problemo. Must be the way my brain works...or doesn't!
   Today she recieved a good cleaning with On-Off to remove the dark spots above her waterline. Next it's removing the mast to store in the backyard where I promise this year I'll fix that dang anchor light! I haven't broke this news to the admiral but I'm toying with building a Stimson shed in my side yard so I can complete all the repairs and mods this winter. She's warming up to sailing but obstructing the view from 5 south facing windows might be pushing it.
Bob23
(ps: Thanks Allen for that great shot of my boat. Who's that fat guy aboard?)   
   

Bob,
Yes it is sad indeed to see the season end.  Yesterday I removed Miss Nissan and rid the Madame of any water collection areas that might freeze as the temps have already been dropping below freezing. I will reluctantly continue the process of preparing her for her winter's nap.  I have decided to rig up something similar to your wrapping setup so I can keep her close for winter projects.

Quote from: Bob23 on November 10, 2013, 07:26:55 PM
  (ps: Thanks Allen for that great shot of my boat. Who's that fat guy aboard?)  
 

You're welcome for the pic.  Is that the Barnegat Light in the center of the shot?  What fat guy?

-Allen

Judging by the angle of the sun, I think that's the nuke plant. Oldest in the country...makes one feel very secure.
Bob23
(ps: Stay tuned for the upcoming 2nd Annual Mid Winter Gathering of the East Coast Compac-o-nauts!)

Bob,now I know where you,re at.I worked on the Oyster Creek plant in 1980 and it was old then.Never having been to the ocean I went down a few days early,camped on the beach,bought some crab traps and tried crabbing.Luckily some locals took pity and gave me some much needed guidance.I thought the crabs were like turtles and the soft shells meant they were sick so I was throwing them back.Are you still thinking about putting up a Stimson shed?I wanted to put one up last year but got sidetracked,now you have me thinking about this year.The river starting icing over this morning so I'm running out of time.

Hi Doug...great crabbing story! I bet those soft shells loved you! Even though the plant is old and on a regular basis something goes wrong, we are assured by the owners and NRC that it's completely safe...yeah.
My father in law worked on that plant...don't know what years. Does Otto Hansen ring a bell?
I'd like to put up a Stimson but really don't have the room. Our house has 5 large windows facing south and we'd loose that if I did the shed. I'd rather keep the natural light. There's a Stimson article in the current Small Craft Advisor and a more thorough article in Good Old Boat maybe a year ago.
Bob23

Hi Bob....I had been working on permit with our NYC local when they asked if I'd be interested in going down to the Oyster Creek project.They were installing emergency ventilation in the reactor room with the reactor running.Being young,I figured......COOL.Training was 10 hrs a day for a week, pretty intensive.I had my air card then so they let me train with an oxygen re-breather,high-tech at that time.They had a call out for 4 men,they hired 28.The end of the last day when they filed the paper work there were 2 of us left.That same night I got called back to Detroit.Had to leave the next morning.So never did get to see the reactor room.I had been booming for about 6 months so it was time to go home.It was a pretty cool adventure for a young guy and I had forgotten all about it until I saw the photo posted.I went on google-maps and I don't remember so much development around there.But that was a long time ago.....Doug

Quote from: Bob23 on November 05, 2013, 03:45:54 AM
   The inevitable has happened...Sunday I pulled the sails off the boat thus officially ending the pathetically short 2013 season which was not without high points.  I had intended to sail on Saturday but a last minute customer meeting was requested so I missed that. Turns out we had zero wind on Saturday anyway. "No worries, mate- there's always Sunday". No worries indeed- just rain instead. After church, and while watching the showers descend, I spent the morning finishing up a trailer modification I had started on Saturday afternoon and finally made it to the boat at about noonish.
   Skies were clearing slowly and the NNW wind bekoned me but one sorta knows when it's time. I like a clear, dry day when I begin the decommisioning ritual because I raise the sails in the slip, hose 'em off thoroughly and then let them dry in the wind. Lines and boom are then removed, radio taken out and the mast is readied for removal. All the above was completed as the sky cleared nicely and the same North wind blew, reminding me that I'd chosen a good day to begin the decommisioning. Sad, yes but as we all know- any ending is followed by a beginning! Fall rowing season is at hand!
   To close out the day, I mixed up a Dark and Stormy and sat in the fading light planning in my head the winter projects that will appear on my to-do list. Yes, I keep Gosslings rum, ginger ale and lime juice on board at all times...for medicinal purposes, mind you!
   Of course the aforementioned high points are notable: The boat making it through Hurricane Sandy, the Infamous Barnegat Bay Bash 2013 and meeting up there with old friends and new, having JT visit my home port of Surf City, NJ in his 23 albeit listing a bit to starboard. And not having the boat break loose in the long stretch of NE winds we experienced this fall. Exploring some new waters near Cedar Run, NJ was a first.
   So raise your glasses with me mates: Here's to voyages past and voyages future, however long or short- may they be fully enjoyed and appreciated- you never know which one is your last!
Bob23

I was the same way with Banana Cakes, it was a three day event, each ending in watching our YouTube videos and reminiscing on our adventures.  Next season will continue at Lake Patoka, IN. But any season ending with both boat and shipmates, is a great way to end any season!  Hope to actually sail with ya next season!

I'd be looking forward to sailing with you.
What's weird is while you were posting on my thread just now, I was posting on yours! Twilight Zone stuff.....
Bob23

2014 update:
   I finally, finally, FINALLY got the boat covered. I decided to re engineer some of the PVC framework which got a bit more complicated (big surprise there) than I envisioned. Plus I was working with rather small amounts of time here and there. Yesterday, I finally was able to hoist the canvas cover over the framework and complete the job. I swear that cover gains weight over the summer-it feels heavier every fall! Someone suggested that maybe I'm getting weaker. Nah....not yet! But the Fisher Canvas cover is on and ready for rain, snow, hail and wind. Next I install my work lights and get to gettin' the winter to-do list done.
   So now she's officially in winter hibernation getting a much deserved rest. Rest up, O Koinoina, for in 2014 we will hopefully explore new waters.
Bob23

Bob,
I'm glad to hear that Kiononia is snuggled in and protected from the ravages of winter.  Your setup motivated me to do something similar to cover the Madame for the winter.  I used 1" pvc conduit for a frame.  It was quite a bit cheaper than the pvc water line!  I was fortunate to get her tucked away in December before all the ugly winter weather came.


(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/WinterCover_zps47e92e2b.jpg) (http://s1058.photobucket.com/user/eagleye54/media/WinterCover_zps47e92e2b.jpg.html)


Stay warm and safe.......
-Allen

Thanks, Allen.
   Looks like pretty country. And nice snow...we have none left down here so no cross country skiing for this landlocked sailor.
   Very nice cover. I'm sure the Madame appreciates it!
Bob23

That was a few weeks ago so there isn't much left here either..... ::)

This is the first day of summer...and Koinonia still sits on her trailer, still adorning her winter canvas cover. Now she's normally a quiet girl; doesn't like to stir the pot or anything but as I walked alongside her today, she really let loose. I'll try to recap the conversation here as best I can:
K: "Well hello there stranger. Stopping by to say hello? I don't suppose you have much time for me considering you've been spending so much time with HER".
B23: "Huh? Her? I don't know what you mean."
K: " Oh c'mon. You think I don't see all the times you and that Guideboat disappear for hours on end? Don't think I don't know what's going on. I wasn't born yesterday, you know."
B23: "I'm training for the Blackburn Challenge. I have to row long distances and that takes time."
K: "Yeah. And I'm training for the Americas Cup. Do you really think I'm blind? That I don't see the way you look at her; the way you run your hand along her gunll, the way you hose her off after every row and the way you carress her cherry trim? Oh, I forgot, you are just wiping the excess water beads off. You've never done that with me, have you? Sure, maybe in the beginning you pampered me but I can see the writing on the wall. Ha! Bob23 the esteemed moderator...you're nothing but a 2 timing wharf rat".

See what I mean? Is she mad or what. Trust me, she'll calm down after I remove her cover.

K:" And that's another thing. It's a winter cover. W-I-N-T-E-R as in cold weather. Today is summer, as in hot weather. You try sitting out in the sun wearing a thick canvas sweater and see how you like it. "
B23:" I'm trying to keep you out of the elements so you can look your best. That's all."
K: "Oh. Now I don't look my best, is that what you mean? I guess next to that svelte Guideboat, my butt is looking really big. Oh- now you think I'm fat? I've just about had it with you. If  I could list myself on the CPYOA classifieds, I'd find someone who'll appreciate me for who I am."
B23:"This is getting ridiculous, don't you think? Guess you forgot about the wax facial I gave you last fall. And the new GPS/ chartplotter. And all the times I kept your teak in perfect condition...that really turned heads wherever we went. And the bottom paint, the chart table, the enlarged slideout stove. And what about your new wardrobe of sails, guess you overlooked them, too, right? How about the ventilation systems, the dorade box, the aft cowl vent. I guess you also forgot about the wood foiled rudder I built, huh? I've been busy working too, you know. It's not like a spend every waking moment with the Guideboat, who has a name, thank you- you can refer to her by her proper name, "Poco Loco".
K:" Well, I may have jumped the gun a bit...I'm just feeling a little lonely...most of the other sailboats are in the water and here I sit. You have been pretty good to me. When are we going for a swim?"
B23:"Soon. You'll be in soon, swinging on your mooring and making all the other boats go gaga. You haven't lost it, old girl- I mean, beautiful. Sure Poco Loco is young and slender and tanned and fast and she wears those skimpy see-through cane binikis...."
K:" See what I mean? Oooo you skippers are all the same. All it takes is a young skinny scantilly clad guideboat...."
B23:" Trust me...it's just a fling. There is no other sailboat for me but you."
K:: Ok...I'm just in a bad mood. I still love you. Can you spend sometime with me tomorrow?"
B23:" Well... I had planned to row a bit in the morning........................."

After I came to, I had an awfully large bump on my head where the anchor had mysteriously let go from it's holder as I was walking under it. Never did that before. Strange. She hasn't spoken to me since but we've been through this before. If I didn't know she was born in Florida, I'd swear she was Italian.

K:"I heard that. Something wrong with Italians now? Oh, my temper...well, we all know about yours. Shall I tell the folks about the time you----"
B23:"I get the point. I promise tomorrow, if I have time, to remove your canvas winter cover. Please remember that there's more to life that sailing and sailboats. There's work, too."
K:" Yeah, I know. That's why I'm a sailboat. All I have to do is sail and let you do all the work!"
B23:" What a girl!"

Bob, get that gal in the water!

Run your hand down her tumblehome flank and let her know who it is that makes it possible for her to be the boat she is.

Whew!  Gotta go now !

Ok. The Blackburn Challenge has come and gone. And CLR 2014 is over too. Sailing aboard Mike and Brenda's O'PacDay 25, has spurred me to action. I've pulled Koinoina out of her winter hibernation nest and plan to have her go for her first swim of the season a week from this Saturday. If I waited any longer I think she'd disown me. I'm looking forward to some great end of summer sailing. I'd been working way too much and being aboard the 25 just reminded me of the feel of being on the water, the magic way you get transformed into a kid again, even if just for a few hours.
Life's too short to be a landlubber!
Bob23

Please sit down in a comfortable chair before you read on:
  Against all odds, defeating the naysayers and despite the demons from procrastinatoria, Koinonia was launched yesterday and now rests peacefully in her boat slip. Yes, this is not a joke, misprint or propaganda: She is in. The mast raising went the smoothest of any year yet with my brother doing the initial hoist. All shrouds, stays and halyards were in place. The dunking by travellift was uneventful with the usual $30.00 bill plus a case of beer for the owners.
  Of course, Miss Nissan, size 8, decided it would be apropo to play a small prank and so decided not to pump water. No problemo. We motored over to the slip just fine. The local dealer had the impeller in stock, I picked it up today, installed it (1st time) and amazingly enough, it worked! Tomorrow I'll bend on the sails, tune the rig and prepare for a shakedown cruise on Tuesday after work.
  This is all leading up to Thursday when I'll take my friend Kathy out for her very first sailboat ride. I really get a thrill when I take someone out for the first time...the look on thier face is priceless.  
This is a very dear old friend who has some motion sickness problems. And she's going out with me? Am I nuts or is she? I figure with the way I sail, she'll either be cured or move to Kansas! I hope the former. It really makes owning the boat so very meaningful when it's shared with others.  2 years ago, long time readers may remember, I took my 80 year old friend Ed out for his very first sail. What a thrill!
  Everyone was wondering where in the world Koinoina, "The prettiest boat in the harbor",  had gone. Many people, and I'm not jesting, count on seeing her on her mooring and have said that summer wasn't complete without her out there. Fortunately, I didn't wait till fall...there's still some summer sailing time to enjoy.
 Thanks for everyone providing encouragement, good natured ribbing and general good support. Any of you are welcome aboard anytime. Dark and Stormies are always available on board my boat. Bring your own ice!
Bob23 out

 

Remember to have some water for a after puke rinse!

When I used to bike, that is what we would do, get sick while riding and then water up and rinse a few times and keep going!

Mac

I don't think we'll see any puke. My 23 is a very well behaved and proper lady. My friend Kathy
has had good success wearing those bracelets. In the past, she was unable to fly in any plane but now she's been able to fly to the west coast with no problems. She finds that ginger works well, too. Of course, if I could get some of Gingers "Tie me to the mainmast", that might be fun too.
Bob23

KATHYS FIRST SAIL:
  This past Thursday marked the happening of 2 major, globally historic events which occurred at the same time: Koinonia went out for her first sail of the summer (?) season and my friend Kathy experienced her first sail ever. Unfortunately, the press was not on hand to record this epic event so you'll have to take my word as an unbiased amateur journalist.
  Normally I like to take the first shakedown cruise alone just in case that Murphy character has any tricks up his sleeve, but on this perfect weather day, he was no where to be found. I think that beforehand Koinoina threatened him: "You screw up this day and it'll be your last". Yes, she's a well behaved yacht but not one to be reckoned with. She knows how to get her way.
  I knew before they met that K and K would like each other...they are very similar: Neither has much patience for bs, both are attractive and turn heads where ever they go and have great senses of humor and both are classy, one of a kind women of high standards and strong character who don't enjoy sitting still doing nothing but would rather be out in the action experiencing life. No afternoon Jepoardy TV for these ladies!
  The winds were forecast to be light with clear and sunny weather and tame conditions. Anyone who has sailed Barnegat Bay can attest that at her worst, the Bay can serve up anything from calm to white knuckle; I've had waves as high as the top of the my stern rail so I was glad the forecast was turning out to be correct. We motored out of the slip uneventfully which was my first clue that the boat was showing off. I knew she would. Motoring east in Waretown Creek towards the bay, I gave Kathy the tiller for 2 reasons: I want her to experience sailing, not just observe. And I thought having something to concentrate on would stave off the feared motion sickness that we both wanted to avoid.
  Once out in open water, Kathy held us into the wind while I raised the full main- no reefing today- winds were 5 to 10 SSE. Once the main was set, we fell off, I doused the motor and unfurled the 135. And we were finally sailing!!! Of course, I was pretty close to being in heaven: The first, and long awaited sail of the season aboard Koinoina, and being with one of my best friends on her first sail was almost too much fun for me to bear. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I had a silly, shit-eating grin from ear to ear! Kathy quickly developed a feel for the tiller and held it for most of the time with me making some minor corrections. Heck, she even managed to catch up with a CataHuntersomething 30! And that dreaded motion sickness never dared to rear it's ugly face to spoil this perfect day.
  We spent a few perfect hours where Kathy executed nearly perfect tacks with Koinonia responding to the tiller in her predictably proper manner. I even had her do an intentional gybe which was taken in stride by all parties aboard. We really didn't have any destinations in mind because I wanted to stay close to the marina in case Mr. motion sickness showed up. He never did and we had a truly perfect day on the water. We are both gabbers who've known each other for 44 years but have hardly seen each other so we had lots to catch up on.
  After a perfect few hours, the word lunch was spoken so we decided to head in where, once again, the boat was seen showing off  for her new friend. Sails were furled, lowered and tied and we quietly motored in reluctantly ending this perfect day and joining that segment of mankind who dwells on land. After all was stowed, we headed off to the Captains Inn Tiki Bar for lunch which proved to be mediocre food and above mediocre prices. But I couldn't have thought of a more perfect day in which to pay hooky from work.
  I mostly sail solo which I love. But having a close friend aboard to share it with was a blessing almost beyond description and we are looking forward to more time on the water once Koinonia is moved to her home mooring today. And maybe herein is the real joy of owning a sailboat: One gets to share with others the joy of the experience of sailing. But you only get one chance to take someone out for thier first sail and the thrill makes all the sanding, painting and just general sweat work and costs involved well worth it. Ayuh. The look on Kathys face during her first sail is priceless.
  Thanks for enduring this once again lengthy writing. I have a hard time using just a few words
and even my text messages have been called novels! Now some of you will understand the closing words; some will not. I know my boat talks to me but Thursday was the first time I'd heard her speak to someone else. As we departed, Koinonia was heard speaking her farewell to Kathy: "You are welcome back aboard anytime. I most enjoyed your company and tender hand on the tiller. I think we're gonna be good friends". Honest, folks- I heard it with my own ears!
Bob23

Priceless, Bob!
-Allen 

   Happy to announce that with one week to go before Labor Day weekend, Koinonia has been sailed to her home mooring in Surf City, NJ marking my official start of the 2014 sailing season.  Yeah, I'm a bit late this year. Yesterday we enjoyed a brisk sail with NNE winds of 15 to 20 scooting us right along in bright sunshine. After about 2 hours, we sailed right up to the mooring with no "eventful" events taking place meaning that I did not over shoot my target as I have in the past. I try to avoid motoring up to the mooring, prefering rather to take the opportunity to further hone my skills in boat handling. Trust me, it does not always go that smoothly. But yesterday it did and she spent last night, her first night on the mooring looking more beautiful than ever.
  Looking forward to some sunset sails and of course, the BBB 2014!
Bob23

   Since we last left the intrepid "Koinonia", she was resting on her summer mooring in Surf City, NJ looking as beautiful as ever. We had some nice end of summer sailing but today, I motored up to Long Key Marina in Waretown where I secured a slip for some fall adventures. It's really pleasant being in a slip- much less to do when the boat's put away. When on a mooring, I'm always prepared for some unexpected blow...so far, she's endured 60 mph NE storms...but I lost lots of sleep that night. Not so much to worry about in a marina. Lots of blue collar powerboat fishing types- my kind of people- the PBR will flow freely!
   Hoping to venture further north than ever, maybe up to the head of Barnegat Bay and up the Metedeconk River. Stay tuned and if your'e in the area, let's go for a sail!
Bob23

   I did my first solo overnight Friday. I cut out of work a bit early, procured some provisions, and proceeded to sail to Tice's in a consistent 20 knot breeze where Koinonia  exceeded hull speed a few times. The girl likes to go, what else can I say? Arriving about an hour and a half before sunset, I had plenty of time to set 2 anchors, Bahama style as the forecast was for the winds to hold all night. And they did as well as the anchors. BBB er's from this year will remember the large number of boats present. Not so tonight. Twas just me and a much larger and older dark green sloop anchored to the NW. It's fun but eerie being so alone out there.
   Dinner was my leftover sub from Friday's lunch, some crackers and cheddar  and, of course, a cold PBR. The only problem with overnighting this late in the season, is the days are so short so after some reading, writing, all the while listening to our local public classical music radio station, I crashed early. Too early.
   But a full nights sleep was not necessary because in winds that strong, I'm up every hour checking the compass for a wind switch and making sure we were still tied to both anchors. The bottom at Tice's is really wonderful sand and this time of year, most of the eel grass is gone so both anchors had a firm grip, which was much appreciated by the boat and the skipper.
   I was up well before sunrise and made some French press coffee (A Koinonia standard) and then proceeded to row the famous racing dingy "Little Fellow" over to the dock, walk to the beach and take my ritual pre dawn swim in the might North Atlantic which had some big surf thanks to the hurricane bearing down on poor little Bermuda. Hope she's ok. Back at the boat, a simple pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich was made by the cook and enjoyed by the captain, all being the same bloke. More coffee followed.
   After a bit of cleanup, it was time to sail. And sail we did. The wind started out light but gradually increased to the forecast 18 to 20 but, being under single reef, she took it all in stride and a wonderful day of sailing was had by all. All being me and the boat. There were many sailboats out yesterday, most of us realizing that, this time of year, you want to grab every warm windy day you can because it's coming to an end. As I write this at 4:54 am, it's 48 degrees out and I hear some colder weather is coming. Of course, many informal races were had and Koinonia, even with dingy in tow, held her own. After what seemed like hours, well it was hours, it was time to return to the marina about an hour before sunset. After entering her slip and tying up, I struck up a conversation with and older gent who said " I'd just come from the Annapolis show last week, saw all the new boats but none as pretty as yours". I thought I saw my boat blush a bit. It's nice to see that there are people still around who like the traditional look in sailboats. He himself was a powerboater who had a wonderful looking fishing boat with a salty Maine look about her. Almost plumb bow, quite pronounced sheer and a small cabin that looked welcoming.
   I'm looking forward to some more wonderful fall sailing...best time of year around these parts. Of course there's much more to this story but you've endured much of my blabbing already so adios, amigos!
Bob23

hi bob.. great story!   what a nice way to spend friday night..   this weekend was our apple festival  on top of parents' weekend at school.   pretty wiped out about now!   it is good to hear that you are getting some time to enjoy the boat.   I hope that there will be more to add before the end of your season!  jt

Bob, that is a great story glad you got an overnight before your season ends.  I'll have a few myself, however, the difference is that it is so calm at night on Bay Springs Lake that I don't even know I'm on a boat at night.  Looks like mine will be solo also since the Admiral broke her ankle.  She is progressing, the crutches and hard cast are gone, now in the soft boot and rehab but still not solid enough for sailing.

Thanks, gents:
  Thinking about a multi overnight...maybe sail north of the Toms River bridge into parts unknown...at least to me. Depends on weather, work and wife. The 3 W's!
Should just go and the W's be danged.
bob23

  Although we're well into fall here in NJ, my daughter Joanna, who is visiting from New Smyrna Beach, FL, and I got out for a nice afternoon of sailing. Winds were 8 to 10 with an occasional gust, mostly from the west. The intrepid Koinonia was feeling fast and literally sailed away from a Typhoon (the boat, not the storm) although he may not have realized a race was in progress. We motored out of the marina where Jo held her into the wind while the old man (yep-me) raised the main. I told her to watch the depth sounder and when she noted 4.0, I thought she was kidding. We've had some really low tides lately and combined with the bottom being changed by Sandy, we promptly used the rudder to carve yet another small ditch in the bottom. No problem...the extreme horsepower delivered by the sails soon overcame gravity's diabolical plot to foil our afternoon and we were soon on our way.
  Of course, we gabbed and gabbed and really enjoyed our time together, observing the colorful contrast of fall leaves mixed with the dark green background of the pines and cedars which are prevalent in South Jersey. She, being a Floridian for about 4 years, soon started feeling chilly so we furled sails, headed in and did not crash while sliding into slip #65 at Long Key Marina.
  Soon we were off to my favorite coffee shop and hangout to enjoy a warm latte together and yet more gabbing. I'm always reminded that these are good but fleeting days so it's important to cherish every one of them. Life's too short not to have food fights and water fights and to cheat at checkers. A game of checkers has become a tradition between us and has been for many years since she was a small tike. I used to win handily...now I resort to cheating, which is practically impossible.
  We are celebrating our Thanksgiving early this year, this Saturday to be exact so we can enjoy it with here while she's here. We traditionally will cook and bake something together so that madness will begin on Saturday morning where we'll create another culinary creation. She's quite an accomplished baker and knows how to cook well and creatively so we'll see what she's got planned.
 Bob23, the blessed.  

hi Bob,   how nice that you got to spend time with Joanna aboard Koinonia!    glad that the rudder did not sustain any damage!  that might have put a damper on an otherwise wonderful afternoon.  I know that you treasure time spent with your daughter.   there are a number of us here who totally understand that!   Happy early thanksgiving :)

did you happen to fit in that small trip that you were dreaming about?    the season is quickly coming to a close..  so nice that you have been able to keep the boat in this long..  jt

  The small trip, being the cruise down the Chesapeake, did not materialize. I realized early on that it needed more planning than I was giving and my sailing season got started so late. I'd still like to do the trip and now that I've made friends with Mr. and Mrs. Elk, who reside not far from where I was planning to begin, I may be able to bribe him with Cape Cod Chips to help out in some way.
   Unless you're talking about going north of the Toms River bridge...still a possibility as the boat will be in through Thanksgiving. Depends on work load. But I'm looking forward to the MWG #3 this January. Could be a record attendance.
  All is well with you and Janet, I trust?
Bob23

Bob, the mighty Beagle 3 will be in the water for a couple more weeks. You are always welcome to come on down and enjoy the delights of the southern Chesapeake before we haul for the winter. Big wind this time of year!  Not sure if a Barnegat sailor can handle this amount of wind.............. Pedro

  And the invite is reciprocal, PG. Koinoina will be in through Thanksgiving. If you ever venture north to NJ, you know where to find me. On the right end of the Gosslings bottle, for starters. 
  I have some major dental work planned for mid to end of November. Maybe I should make a point to make it down thar before that blessed time begins. Damn, I keep saying that- time to put feet on my words and make it happen. When is haulout?
Bob23

Good Grief you stay in late.  Maybe I am just a fair weather sailor or too familiar with what my area can dish out this time of year but I am winterized and daydreaming of next season.....AND I AM SOUTH of you!

Even if I put my small jib up and had a double reef for the main the waves would be horrible when the wind comes up.  In this area you either have no wind or 25+ this time of year.  Cold water, high winds, and high waves aren't my cup of tea!

This was an off year. I didn't go in till the week before Labor Day. Yep, you read that right- not Memorial Day, but Labor Day. So I'm trying to squeeze every last minute of sailing that I possibly can before it really gets too cold. Besides, fall sailing here in NJ is great! Clear water, lots of wind, no yahoos.
Bob23

OK. I feel that now that I can post photos, I should flood the site with my foto funny fanantics: How about something to get us all in the Christmas mood?
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202012/DSCF1854.jpg)
Sorry for the blur.

A shot of my daughter Joanna and I out sailing last week while she was up from sunny Fla-di-da.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Misc/IMG952066_zps4xy4md99.jpg)
"Of course I know what I'm doing!"

Hi Bob23,

  Found your comment about "unknown waters" north of the Toms interesting as to us waters south of the light exist on the chart only. We need to exchange info. I know it is a hike for you but north of the bridge has some nice sailing. Long tacts are possible on most points of wind and if you are interested in overnighting, there is a dandy natural cove at Cattus Island Park on the Silver Bay side.
Ron

Love to exchange info sometime. I was hoping to get up that way but the season seems to be drawing to a close. I've studied the charts and do plan to explore the uncharted waters north of the bridge. Love to get through the PP Canal some day. Plans for next spring.
Best,
Bob23

Quote from: Bob23 on November 17, 2014, 03:38:41 PM

"Of course I know what I'm doing!"

So Bob.......  exactly what did you do or say to acquire that expression?   :)

-Allen

Bob,
   let's plan  on doing a circumnavigation of  the barrier island..   we will use your boat in case we run into any difficulties :)    i would love to make the trip..   at this point, I am not sure if i will get  Adagio in the water next summer..  so i am going to need some kind of sailing experience..   jt

We really should plan on such a trip. If we don't nail it down in concrete, we won't do it.
You should put your boat in. 2 consecutive summers without her in the water is not good...people might start to talk!
Bob23

hey.. i am looking at a satellite image of   barnegat inlet.. i think we can do it  :)     i know that your boat is tailored for just you.  i will sleep in the cockpit  :)    i am actually toying around with the idea of taking the boat on the erie canal.. leave the mast at home..    but, as we know, lots can change  in 7 months!    jt

JT:
   The boat is easily convertible for use by more than just me. It worked well with Sean and Emily at the BBB. Actually, I learned a lot about how to pack light and plan.
   Let's get serious and plan this! We'd probably overnight at Myers hole, sail out in the morning and come in Beach Haven Inlet later in the afternoon. Or vice versa. I've heard it's safer to go out BH than come in. Lots of standing breakers and Sandy changed it a lot. Let's do it.
Bob23

sounds great!    nothing like planning  a summer adventure  to help the  cold winter pass by..   maybe the weekend of the mid winter gathering, janet and I can  make it a special get away weekend..   and we could visit you guys .. the girls can talk about gardening , and we can  look at charts :)    jt   
btw..  that is very thoughtful of you to  offer a bunk on Koinonia.. what an honor!

That sounds great, JT. It would be fun and considering you are already familiar with the 23, we'd be one step ahead already. Plus we'd both get some needed experience offshore.
Bob23

  I've heard that this kind of mini offshore voyaging can leave one with big amounts of free time. I figured while I sat around and drank PBR all day and munched on chips, you could sand and refinish all my teak, wax the cabinsides, sew new cushions, and tune the outboard. Sounds pretty good, ayuh?
  What month is best for you, JT, for the actual voyage? In my experience, if we remain vague about this and don't start to plan specifics, it will never happen.
Bob23

wow.. looks like i will be busy!    i agree..  if we don't put something on the calendar, it won't happen..    let's give is some serious thought.  i am thinking  that early june will be taken up by  an annual  community service trip that i do with students..   then we were thinking about   the last part of june for the possible  erie canal trip..   but we need to work on that..     it gets awfully hot in august..   does july work? 

July will work as far as I can see. The CLR is in July so I'll be there. And the Blackburn Challenge was in July this year, don't know about 2015. but let's not forget this trip- we'll make it happen.
Bob23

A very Happy Thanksgiving from "Koinoina" and the turkeys here in NJ!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202014/20140930_074519_zpsfvruafxd.jpg)

  Black Friday Sail...didn't happen but my friend Bob and I did indeed get out yesterday. Wind was a solid 20 SSW with temps in low 50's. The cloud cover made it feel a bit colder. We sailed under single reefed main and partially furled genoa. The luff pad the sailmaker put in the headsail really pays off when rolling it in a bit.
  Bob and I are twin brothers from different mothers- same age, same birthday, both leftys and same off kilter sense of humor but he's a bit quicker on the draw. We both had our summers go by too fast and didn't get out together so I was thrilled that he could make it out yesterday, which may have been the last sail if the season. (Although I'm thinking about squeaking one more week out). We had a great time and the ship was also happy to get out of the slip and stretch a bit. She also thoroughly enjoyed it and took the oncoming swells with ease. 
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202014/20141130_143707_zpswwcemssh.jpg)
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202014/20141130_141233_zpswvmp6k0s.jpg)
Bob23

Glad you got out on the bay and had a nice sail with Bob2. Looks like Thursday might be another likely lure. And even the middle of next week. The weather gods are being sympathetic to die-hard sailors this Fall. You might even make it to the Winter solstice! More stories for the MWG.

Marty K.

Tomorrow is haulout day for Koinoina.
   She's made it clear that she's not really a cold weather girl so it's time to get her into those winter pj's and snuggle down for the winter. Even though she went in so late this year, we've had some memorable sails this year, most of which have been chronicled here for your reading pleasure.
   The Compac 23 is, in my most humble opinion, one of the most perfect small sailboats ever conceived. They are proportionately correct, sail well, have plenty of room (sure, no standing headroom but, really- how much time do you spend down there anyway) and are built well. Every once in a while I toy with trading up or down and there are plenty of other boats out there to catch your eye. But for the way I sail, she is perfect. Of course, there's always that Flicka girl winking at me everytime I go by...she's a beauty. And I'd love to own a Cape Dory Typhoon. And how about a......
Bob23
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202014/20140911_075551_zpscajrl3th.jpg)

Why do you think that you won't get into the water until late next season?

If you ever feel like venturing a little south come by the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River.  Good cruising grounds and unique places to sail.

If the season develops as I am hoping, it could be fun to get a few together and sail over to Tangier Island or Smith Island.  Got to go back before they sink into the Chesapeake Bay!

  I fully intend to get in earlier next year...in years past, I've been sailing in late April. But this year was a concoction of confusion, too much work and I got sidetracked rowing like a madman. Next year could be better.
  I did intend to do some Chesapeake cruising but it was more of a pipe dream. When in came down to reality, there wasn't sufficient time to plan and execute this cruise. My plan was to trailer to the head of the Chesapeake and make my way down to visit my friends Pedro and Ann, also Compac 23 folks. Maybe next year.
  An old friend of mine used to own a place on Tangier. He's gone- moved upstairs, as we say, and the place is sold. Looks like a great little place.
Bob23

Well, the sad day has come and Koinonia is no longer splashing about but rather, is sitting comfortably on her trailer after getting a nice fall powerwash. The bottom was relatively free of growth, just some small barnacles up by the waterline and some slime everywhere else. Everything went smooth enough until the mast lowering session. I'd like to say it was controlled chaos but that might be generous. It was probably just your normal chaotic chaos but there was no damage other than a slightly distorted mast foot. I'm glad I rebedded the foot on a pad of PVC set in 4200.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202014/20141213_122706_zpsozzg2cke.jpg)
b23

Bob....Why the PVC in the 4200?

Ever thought about trying Butyl tape?  I know that it is heavily favored for bedding and it has a lot of advantages.  The major disadvantage being the time it takes to properly install it because it requires slow increments of tightening. 

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware

This guy does a good job of explaining the process and how to use the tape.

Heave:
   The reason for the PVC mast foot pad: I never liked seeing just the stainless mast foot set directly on the fiberglass deck. It always seemed like an invitation for water intrusion at that point and considering that it is structural, I wanted to take a preemptive measure. With the 3/4" PVC added, it helps prevent a leak due to movement in the foot and thus elongating, even slightly, the screw holes. The foot is screwed down with it's own4 stainless screws and then the foot is set in some kind of sealant (don't remember what I used). It works fine although I did need to cut 3/4" off the bottom of the mast for the standing rigging to work.
   You can see the foot here:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%202014/20141130_121931_zps4hqyxunb.jpg)
Bob23

Okay...that makes a lot of sense. 

I am halfway thinking about re-bedding the mast step.  Then again, I see no evidence of flex of leaks so I should probably leave well enough alone.

What is you goal for splashing next year?

I do not know about next year. Typically, I'm in in May although it's been as early as April. A long way off till next year. I haven't even put her winter pj's on yet.
Another advantage of the PVC is if there is any movement in the foot while lowering or raising the mast, the seal is not broken between the pad and the deck.
Bob23

2015 update:
   The famous racing yacht Koinoina is stuck in a time warp, along with her skipper Bob23 the slacker. I finally got my winter cover on this past Wednesday. Yup- practically the mid point of winter. Seems like everything I'm doing is about 3 or 4 months askew. I've contacted Doc Brown to investigate whether I can travel back through time to make up for loosing so much of it. Still waiting to hear back.
   This year's projects consist of:
New VHF antenna. Mine was rotted out and blew off the top 'o the mast this summer.
Remove 1 of both through hull transducers and hook up the one that came with my chartplotter.
Finish my 5 day cooler project.
A new porta potti with pump out option.
Of course- the ongoing battle between Ma nature and my teak.
Get my 5 hp Nissan running so I can have a spare motor aboard if I transit the C&D canal. Don't want to pay for a tow if Miss Nissan, size 8 decides she's had enough.
I'd like to get a real dodger but each year when the boat is uncovered, all I want to do is sail!
...and more if I could just remember what they are.
Best,
Bob23

Bob...I am considering selling my hard dodger.  I don't think that I will use it and strongly prefer my soft dodger.  Let me know if you are interested and I can send pics but I don't have many here.  I have kept it stored in a shed since I bought the boat.

Bob23!  Bob23!  This is your cousin Salty.  Salty19. You know that new antenna you're looking for? Well, listen to this!

What a great movie.

Don't feel too bad, Bob.  I've not so much touched Island Time since putting her away, but am busy at work in the basement making some new too-be disclosed farkels in the basement. Epoxy, carbon fiber, kevlar and marine plywood is involved, so it's kinda top secret, so better I say no more.  I've probably said too much already.

Where we're sailing we don't need any roads...

Salty:
   I know what your building: A combo porta potti and Mr. Fusion. A perfect use for waste!
   It's one of my favorite movies...I border on an obsession.
Heave:
   Yeah, if you can send a pic that would be great. Don't know if I want a hard dodger but then again, I've never really considered it.
Bob23

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm199/HeaveToo/Sailing/Sagafirsttimeontrailer_zps55c05e9c.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm199/HeaveToo/Sailing/SagaFirstSailgoingbackin_zps99aa5b81.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm199/HeaveToo/Sailing/Sagaontrailerfreshlyhauledoutafterpurchase_zpsb724697c.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm199/HeaveToo/Sailing/FirstSailSaga_zps6d4cf4c3.jpg

Those are the only pic that I have on hand. 

Riding sail question.....
Where do you attached your forward line from the riding sail? I've tried the mast and also a cleat on the track and I don't see much difference.
thanks
Bruce

Heave, re that dodger,

Does it fold up when you want it off, or are you either on or off for the entire voyage? Looks cool, actually.

Allure:
   The forward line on my riding sail gets lashed to a cleat on the mast. Seems to be the best place- on my boat it's the only place.
Bob23

It attaches with 4 screws into the trim for the companionway.  It is a clever design.

I just prefer the cloth dodger because I use the Bimini and connector piece when it rains.  I like keeping the companionway open for ventilation. 

I agree, Heave. I'll pass on the hard dodger. I should get a soft one made...keep telling myself that every year. But, alas I still go dodgerless.
Bob23

Bob...Nothing is nicer on one of those days where it is misty and you are beating into 15 knots of wind with a chop.  I loved the dodger on my Catalina 30 and I use to turn the auto pilot and keep watch from under it on those kinds of days.

With the compac 23 you can't quite use it the same way.  If you get a dodger and you have a bimini definitely do a connector.  They help out a lot and give you a place to shelter in bad weather.  I would love to redesign my dodger and do a custom job but that is a few years down the road for me.

Seriously, if anyone is interested in my hard dodger, let me know.  If not I will just hold onto it. 

If I was to design a hard dodger for my boat I would make it fit like a regular dodger and cover that area there.  Nothing like being able to securely sit in at the bulkhead under a dodger when the weather isn't as not (even better if you are sipping hot tea and it is cool).

Well I finally did it. Pried my checkbook open and ordered the stainless steel rudder hold down bracket from Matt at Compac. Of course, he was a pleasure to deal with. Although I designed and installed a downhaul for the rudder, since the new wood foiled blade has so much floatation, it didn't hold it all the way down ensuring that I received more than my share of weather helm. I'll install the bracket on Saturday...gotta keep the old girl living in the manner in which she has become accustomed.
Looking forward to splashing "Koinonia" much earlier this year than last. And, no- all the projects will not be done. She was built to sail, not just to sit around looking beautiful, which she does quite well anyway, thank you!
Bob23

That is good to hear.  Saga has just a few more things that I need to do to her.  I am going to finish the wiring next week and add the two batteries.  I have the water pump kit for my outboard.  Lastly, I have to bottom paint.

After I hit the slip I will do the solar modification. 

I too am looking forward to some sailing.  I have a chunk of time I have taken off (last two weeks in May and most of the first week of June).  I plan to sail somewhere.  Where, I have no idea at this point.  I have some thoughts on Tangier Island or maybe Saint Michaels.  If I do St. Michaels I will backdoor it from the Choptank to San Domingo Creek and anchor there.  There is a big to do at the museum that weekend with music and other stuff in St. Michaels.

BREAKING NEWS! KOINONIA OFFICIAL BEER CHANGE!
  It's true, folks. Koinonia has decided she wants to shed the redneck, gun-rack-on-the-back-window image and has refused to allow me to bring PBR on board ever again. She's decided it's time for me to grow up and try some real beer. Little does she know that down deep, I'm a Flying Fish beer fan. Gotta love NJ beers.
  But the new official beer of the yacht Koinonia is now:
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Misc/20150412_152645_zpsnxus55xk.jpg)
Yup. Ballantine IPA. I bumped into it somewhere in my on-line journeys, bought a six and the rest, as they say, is history. Even my son Chris, who really knows good beer, was impressed. He thought, well- maybe there's hope for the old man!
  For more info, you can read about it here:
http://ballantinebeer.com/
  No longer will the honorable Mike Greene worry about losing part of all of his honor by being seen with PBR! Happy days are here again!
For the cause- Bob23

  The last few weeks have been productive ones as I moved forward with the rudder repair/ rudder hold down bracket project. After a number of modifications, tweekings and a bit of painting, I have the thing working just the way I want. One of the mods was to cut the top of the blade which sits in the rudder head to allow it to tilt more forward, thus theoretically decreasing the weather helm even more. (http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Koinonia%20rudder%20project/20150503_123627_zpssuycchyd.jpg)
  I also had a stainless band made that bolts with the tiller strap to the rudder head. There didn't seem to be anything from keeping the bracket from just falling backward into the water so this band keeps it where it needs to be.
  Borrowing from the immense wisdom here at the site, I took the opportunity to replace the original bushings with bronze ones purchased at Lowe's for under 2 clams each and new stainless machine bolts. Since I sail in salt water, I have 5 zincs alone just back at the rudder area. You can see the corrosion at the lower tab of the gudgeon- that was from 1 summer without zincs. I'll need to replace that next winter.
  I coaxed Miss Nissan out of her winter storage shed into the barrel of fresh water, bought her some fresh fuel and wondered, as I do each spring- will she start first pull or second? I guess she's happy to think of another season as he official auxiliary of Koinonia  because she lovingly responded first pull and soon idled as smooth as 12 year old Scotch. As long as she behaves so well, I'll never replace this motor. I only wish everything in life was this dependable.
  So things are on schedule for a pre Memorial day launch and she's looking good to be swinging at her mooring that weekend, proudly flying old Glory!
Bob23...sorry for such a large photo- I don't now how to make 'em smaller...any tips, mates?

    you still gonna bring her to the "dance" in july? we all hope so. your competition awaits----the 23 from missouri. 

  I'm hoping to but it depends on if my mechanic gives me the thumbs up or down. The old Tundra has a quarter million miles on her and while that's not a lot, towing 4000 lbs that far might be pushing it. But I'm planning on it! And Mike and Brenda: consider this an open invitation aboard my 23. We'd be honored to have you!   
  Koinonia has no competition but she's always up for a race.
Bob23

   "the weatherlys" might disagree

Oh, I don't mean she has no competition in a race...I'm not a racer and don't care to ever get that competitive that I loose sight of the reason I sail: Fun! But she's been known to be no slouch, even if her owner is!!!!
Bob23

powered by pbr

Bob, it's all in good fun.  Amanda and I will try to keep up with the fleet during the "race".  It would be interesting to see real time how different boat setups compare.  We have older sails and a standard rudder.  We hope to see you there with the 23 in tow.  Now it's back to work.

-Chris

Hi Chris:
  I have newer sails and a foiled rudder. If I make it out there with the boat, we could switch rudders so you could try it out. You'll be won over for sure.
Bob23

Bob, I wonder how much if any difference it would make on my boat since I have wheel steering.  I have been waiting until after the cruise this summer to decide on keeping or pitching the wheel steering setup.  I am planning on new standing rigging and sails before next year. 

Chris

   I think it would make a big difference. Don't know that I'd like wheel steering on such a small boat. I like the feedback of the tiller not to mention the gained room in the cockpit. If I bring the boat, you can sail her, if you'd like.
Bob23

Koinoina is at the marina now, eagerly anticipating her early splash into the waters of Barnegat Bay. I spent a few hours last night rigging her and tonight my son Chris, partner in crime and construction and a quite intuitive sailor in his own rite, helped me raise the mast which is always a cause for celebration considering that I usually forget or mis-rig something.  But almost without a hitch, up went the stick. Tomorrow at 9 she gets lifted by the travel lift and I'll complete the rig tuning. I hope to do the shakedown cruise on Saturday. It feels good to be in the water early- last year it was the week before Labor day when we took our first dunk.
Bob23

Good going,  Sailor Bob!

the 2015 barnegat bay sailing season is about to begin!   good for you , Bob..  have a safe and exciting summer..   jt

ATTABOY BOB!

  The spring 2015 splashing of Koinonia went fine. I got to the marina early, all coffeefied, and completed the rigging. It seems that each year I get some line or another confused but not this time-all seemed ok until I pulled on the jib sock uphaul, which somehow got wrapped over the antenna bracket! Dang...it still works and will work until such time as the boat is pulled for CLR.
 Vinnie, at the helm of the travellift did a flawless job, as usual. It's always a but scary to see ones boat hanging there, swaying a bit before she's plopped into the water where she belongs. Today it's final rig tuning, sail bending and then, hopefully off for the inaugural sail of 2015 where some beer will be offered to the waters as a bribe for a safe sailing season.
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/Misc/20150522_102051_zpseg72nziz.jpg)
Bob23

Cool!  So you're really gonna pull her to the CLR, Eh?
TG

Tentatively planning to. I need to get the 2 thumbs up from my mechanic before I make a firm decision. Last thing I want is to get stranded in the middle of nowhere with a broken down Tundra towing a 4000 pound sailboat/trailer package.

   like every other beautiful woman, i want to see koinonia in the flesh. have a great day on the water. our plans today include a trip to the sailing association's open house. maybe jack will be there and we can go out on his big hunter. take good care and fairwinds

Umm...this is a family show! :)  Tuned the rig today which proved to take more time than I thought. (what doesn't) and bent on the sails. When I do the spring rigging, I enjoy taking my time, gabbing with whoever will listen and just enjoying the day. Soo....I never made it out on the water today. Last minute I noticed a leaking fuel line fitting so I spent some time hunting down the part. Tomorrow's the day...wonder who's brave enough to go out for the shakedown cruise?
Bob

Bob,
I glad to see that you were able to get Koinonia  in the water early this year.  Have a great day on the water today!  If I were closer I would jump at the chance to crew with you (well maybe not actually "jump".)
I'll be looking forward to a report and maybe seeing some pics.

-Allen

Glad to hear that you're finally floating and rigged up for the summer!     

   Today was the inaugural sail of the intrepid Koinoina! My goal was to have her swinging merrily from her mooring today but that did not happen due to last minute fuel problems. I developed a leak in the tank fitting and somehow many gasoline fumes found their way into the cabin via the cockpit storage lockers. So not being a fan of boat explosions, I spent much time airing out the cabin and bilge with a fan before pronouncing her safe to sail. That cost me a day!
   Winds were light and building out of the SSW and, as expected, she performed flawlessly. Just as last years first sail, which took place on the wrong end of the summer, I was accompanied by the lovely and talented Kathy, my sailing and gabbing friend. Last year, the dreaded nausea demon dared not to show himself but this year, he was back with a vengeance and, although we were not out long she soon began succumbing to some seasickness. We had a short but nice time and no cookies were spilled but note to self: Carry chewable ginger and ginger ale on board but I doubt it would have helped her today. 
   We took a half dozen tacks which was enough to rate my rudder modifications a complete success! The rudder now is tilted forward quite a bit beyond plumb, so much so that I think it actually will miss the prop should I not be paying attention. That never happens!! Koinonia is still residing at Long Key Marina for a few more days until I have the chance to move her down to her home mooring in Surf City. There is something special about the first sail of the season: Kind of a proclamation that summer is here, there are boats to sail and fun to have. The mantra for 2015 is: Sail more, row more, write more and gab more...and work less! We'll see how this works out. I know I'd been toying with selling the girl but, just as last year, the minute I have the tiller in my hand, and the wind fills the sails and she slyly lifts her skirt as she accelerates, I wonder how could I ever think of selling?  She is one magnificent little yacht!
Bob...for the cause!

Way to go, Bob!!!!
Sail On.......

-Allen

  An outstanding day was granted to me to sail Koinonia down to her home port in Surf City, NJ. The sun was out which was odd because we had rain for so long we'd forgotten what it looked like. The winds started out ENE but were forecast to end up ESE which means a close reach once I get close to Long Beach Island. Since some of the channels are narrow, the choice is to tack or motor. I was out for a leasurely sail so I refused Miss Nissan's assistance choosing instead to tack as many times as it took, which didn't turn out to be excessive.
  The new rudder modification has worked better than expected with weather helm reduced to a hardly perceptible level. Cutting the top of the blade which allows it to tilt forward of plumb and places more of the blade ahead of the pivot point, as well adding the Compac factory hold down bracket has proved to be one of the best projects this little yacht has received. And she offered her thanks by way of one of the greatest sails we've had. Having so little weather helm enables me to use the tiller extension so I can sit forward and help trim the boat better. She seemed to point higher, tack easier and maybe it's my imagination but she seemed faster.
   One thing I did upon launching that I haven't been too diligent about in the past is tuning the rig. I took a full 2 hours to get it where I thought it should be. The mast has a slight forward tilt and I was able to get the bend out of it by straightening it out over the winter.   
This is a different kind of sailing year for me. Her teak is in the worse shape since I bought her. I've yet to wax her cabinsides and top. The interior is fine but I never got around to varnishing the cabin sole. Her and I had a talk about this over the winter and it went somewhat like this:
"You know, you waited almost until the end of the summer last year to splash me".
" I know...I was busy at work, busy at rowing and busy at-"
"Procrastinating"
"Well, yes a bit of that also. But I wanted you to look your best."
"Let me in on a little secret: I can dance just as well in a gown and heels as I can in blue jeans and sneakers. Maybe better. I want to dance this summer and if you don't take me, I'll find someone who will."
"Hmm...I get the message. We'll be in Memorial Day Weekend. I promise"
"Yeah, right. I'll believe that when I see it!"
   Well, our conversation went on but in the end, I did keep my promise. We sailed first time on Memorial Day but it took a full 2 weeks to get her down to her summer home. I'll tell you: This girl makes me look good!
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt260/Bob23_photo/20150607_171529_zpsaz6gfyyu.jpg)

A fine looking ship!  A bit down by the bow, though.  Depressed that you might not show up again til Labor Day?

I think she wants to travel. She's tired of the salty life and wants to taste fresh water, even if its just for a few days.
Can you say CLR?

I know she looks down a bit but she's curtsying for you, Tim. She has a way of flirting with other men.
On the CLR front: my mechanics professional opinion of whether such a trip is advisable with such a high mileage truck is: Maybe. I could've told them that! Still deciding but I'd love to bring her out.
Bob23

Bob, if it makes any difference in your decision, you are welcome to crash aboard Island Time during CLR. She has new cushion foam this year, and of course freshly washed cushion fabric.

You do need a 16 or Suncat, huh?  Man that's a long ways to tow a 23!!

   It is a long way but the way I feel, I may just throw caution to the winds and do it. It's more of problem with the Blackburn being on 7/25 so I'd have to leave for CLR on Sunday. We'll see....I talked about selling her but the sail on Sunday was just so nice. I really love they way they feel when your in the sweet spot. Iv'e decided that a 16 is not for me- just a bit too small for my style of overnighting. But a Suncat might be the ticket if I do downsize.
   Thanks for the invite aboard Island Time- I'd be honored.
Bob23   

Quote from: Bob23 on May 25, 2015, 07:49:01 PM
   
We put HideAway in a 30 foot wet slip for several years thinking to trade for a bigger boat - Our rule is that before placing the ad we must go sailing one more time- Like you we've found we just can't let her go- she is just too perfect for how we sail and the troubles we get into.  Next year will be out 20th year together - She's in our driveway now getting all gussied up for the party!  Small Boats Rock!  Matt









Today was the inaugural sail of the intrepid Koinoina! My goal was to have her swinging merrily from her mooring today but that did not happen due to last minute fuel problems. I developed a leak in the tank fitting and somehow many gasoline fumes found their way into the cabin via the cockpit storage lockers. So not being a fan of boat explosions, I spent much time airing out the cabin and bilge with a fan before pronouncing her safe to sail. That cost me a day!
   Winds were light and building out of the SSW and, as expected, she performed flawlessly. Just as last years first sail, which took place on the wrong end of the summer, I was accompanied by the lovely and talented Kathy, my sailing and gabbing friend. Last year, the dreaded nausea demon dared not to show himself but this year, he was back with a vengeance and, although we were not out long she soon began succumbing to some seasickness. We had a short but nice time and no cookies were spilled but note to self: Carry chewable ginger and ginger ale on board but I doubt it would have helped her today. 
   We took a half dozen tacks which was enough to rate my rudder modifications a complete success! The rudder now is tilted forward quite a bit beyond plumb, so much so that I think it actually will miss the prop should I not be paying attention. That never happens!! Koinonia is still residing at Long Key Marina for a few more days until I have the chance to move her down to her home mooring in Surf City. There is something special about the first sail of the season: Kind of a proclamation that summer is here, there are boats to sail and fun to have. The mantra for 2015 is: Sail more, row more, write more and gab more...and work less! We'll see how this works out. I know I'd been toying with selling the girl but, just as last year, the minute I have the tiller in my hand, and the wind fills the sails and she slyly lifts her skirt as she accelerates, I wonder how could I ever think of selling?  She is one magnificent little yacht!
Bob...for the cause!

Koinonia tries to escape!!!
   Yup, you read this right. On Saturday July 25, after a grueling but most satisfying Blackburn Challenge, I awoke from my post race nap to a text, complete with photos showing Koinoina not at all where she should be. It seems she was really counting on me bringing her all the way to Illinois to the epic CLR 2015 and when she learned that I was bringing the guideboat "Poco Loco" instead her jealousy was kindled so she decided to take matters into her own hands and go for a sail all by herself. So...she figured out a way to cut her lines and go for a bit of drifting! Well, if your 23 is anything like my 23, this shouldn't come as a surprise. While being known as the prettiest girl at the dance, she can be a bit impetuous and sometimes not all that bright so she did not notice down current and down wind, the low bridge and power lines just waiting to fried her to a burnt crisp or at least destroy her standing rigging and mast.
   Enter the brave and intrepid Capt. Ed, a friend who lives on the bay front and just happened to be enjoying his morning coffee when he looked up and noticed the recalcitrant Koinoina trying to make a break! To the rescue, he cried to himself and soon was in his outboard towing her back and retying her to her mooring the best he could. Considering he owns a Pearson 30 (I think) I had full confidence in his ability and was able to drive to Illinois to enjoy the CLR gang!  He re tied her with chain and line and did a fine job at that. To Ed: Thank you! Being in the right place at the right time, you saved my ship from a certain watery grave. I owe you much beer!
   Well, needless to say, the boat and I had a long talk and she got a good scolding but, alas! she got the last laugh! Last Sunday, as I motorsailed her to the marina, the brand new impeller decided to quit! I thought I heard the boat say something like: "When will you learn who's in charge around here!" Of course, it took longer and I sailed into the marina under headsail alone. Then starting the motor for the final approach into the slip, I noticed she was pumping water just fine. Real funny!
   Tomorrow I'll redo the mooring tackle, which was brand new this spring and done the same way each year. How the lines parted is still a mystery but as a true Sherlock Holmes fan knows: "The game's afoot, Watson!"

KOINONIA GETS REPOWERED:
  As many of you do, I peruse this site looking for useless bits of information and that wonderful but elusive deal that occasionally comes around. And what before mine eyes did appear? Viggy was selling his Tohatsu 6 hp Sailpro so after a few messages, I found myself driving out to his house here in NJ about 40 minutes away last Saturday. Viggy is an interesting guy and we share similar tastes in road bicycles and other mutual interests. After checking out the new Miss Tohatsu (named Sue for short) I fell in love and came home with yet another mistress. Today, Miss Sue, size 6 officially took the place of Miss Nissan size 8 as the official auxillary power for the intrepid sailing yacht "Koinoina". Tomorrow is test out time followed by an actual sail on the Barnegat Bay, NJ. A public Thank You to Viggy for selling me Sue. Last minute I also came home with a bimini that Vig decided to sell at the last minute so now I can, along with many of you, lurk in the shadows!!!
Bob23...and Sue- size 6!

Bob,

Good luck with the Sailpro. I loved mine!

Shawn

great to hear that you continue to invest in Koinonia despite some earlier comments suggesting that you might want to part ways with her.    I hope you have wonderful success with the new engine..  don't make the same mistake that I did ( remember that diesel story?  ..don't tell anyone!)   looking forward to hearing your first report ..  I have yet to step on the deck of a sailboat this summer.. but we are  loving Maine and we are super active,  climbing lots of trails,  cycling  and some kayaking..    plan on coming up to visit next summer.. Janet and I will show you a great time :)   jt

Thank you Shawn. I already like the lack of 2 stroke smoke and the relative quiet. Kinda reminds me of my old VW when it idles.
JY: We would love to come up and visit so we should stay in touch. Trouble is, I love Maine so much it might be a one way trip!! And....I was tempted to relay the diesel fuel story but I was able to withstand the temptation. Hey...stuff happens.    Glad you are enjoying your time up there, ayuh.  Life in NJ ain't so bad these days but not enough time off to sail. What else is new, right? 
Bob23

   Today Koinonia was moved from the marina that she called home for the last 3 weeks to her true home mooring in Surf City, NJ. I was wondering what my marina bill would be, considering it's the summer season so I approached Vinnie, the owner and explained that I was there for 3 whole weeks. "How about a case a week?" He momentarily caught me off guard until I realized he meant a case of beer for each week! "What you you like?" "Anything but Coors Light". Ahh..a man after my own heart. I like this guy and his marina. Sure, I says and when I returned to get the trusty Camry Wagon, I made a bee line to the beer store and came back with a nice assortment- Shipyard summer ale, Yuengling, Ballantine IPA, Miller High Life (For Vinnies Dad, Vince) andLeinekugel honey Weiss.  The astute observer will note that this is only part of the slip fee and I will return in a day or two with part 2 of the assortment. I secretly hope they invite me so crack one open.
   The new to me Tohatsu Sailpro 6hp (herein known as Sue) ran for almost 2 hours of steady motoring without skipping a beat. The boat seemed to run much faster with this motor and for some strange reason, also ran straighter. Could this be because the prop is 5" lower in the water? Sue has a interesting voice, a little higher than Miss Nissan, size 8. The sound kinda reminds me of a mix of some of my old aircooled VW's, a Singer sewing machine, and my Honda powerwasher. Not a bad little symphony! Thank you Viggy for an honest deal on a great motor! Viggy is a member here and a straight shooter who has great tastes in sailboats and bicycles.
   She now sits on her home mooring and hopefull she won't pull anymore temper tantrums and try to escape again. As the summer threatens to close, she treats us to some wonderful sunsets here in NJ! The best is yet to come.
Bob23

Bob23,

My Sailpro has a high thrust prop; perhaps yours does also, and that explains the performance.

I suppose that's it. It's also the first 4 stroke that I've owned. I think we're gonna have a long and happy life together.
Bob23

Hurricane Joaquin update:
   Even though HJ decided to stay offshore, we are still experiencing high winds and high tides. Despite my toying with having her hauled before the storm, she said in no uncertain terms that she'd have no part of it! "There are more sailing days ahead and I simply refuse to come out of the water and you can't make me!"  A stubborn girl, that Koinonia and I've learned that there was no way I'd talk her into an early haul so there she sits, in her slip riding out the storm with a smug grin on her face!

   Fine. We will sail in October.

Well it's now official:
   Today Koinonia's portside winch took her first dip in the mighty Barnegat Bay!  Last night I overnighted at Tice's Shoals because I realized time is short so I grabbed the opportunity. With no one else there except the constant NW wind all night long, it was a marvelous time watching the setting crescent moon and all the stars come out. The anchor held all night and I went for my morning visit to the beach where, dingyless, I had to walk through the chilly fall water. It was great!
   After pulling the hook this morning, I proceeded north toward the River Tom with the wind still WNW and eventually decided to head for the barn. The Compac 23's seem to love a strong wind coming from their quarters and we were sailing at a steady 5.5 to 6.0 knots! Thrilling to say the least. The wind being gusty and a bit variable meant I needed to pay attention, something my gradeschool teachers said was impossible.  Out of nowhere, a gust hit her starboard side and in no time, the boat was layed over with the shiny Andersen winch taking a dip as the cockpit welcomed some chilly water aboard! Fortunately with a proper bridge deck, no water entered the cabin but the cockpit got a nice cleaning up.
   My father in law, sailor extrodinaire, always told me to sail with the mainsheet in hand and being a former SeaPearl owner I find it good advice. This time I did indeed have the sheet in hand but it happened so fast there was no time to react- I needed to just stay in the boat! The 23's seaworthiness is evident as the wind spilled from the sails and she rounded up eventually but one can see how in a lightly ballasted boat, things go from bad to worse to wet pretty darned fast.
   With only a few more weeks of sailing before she's put to bed, I must sieze the day...and the mainsheet!
Cheers!
Bob23

A long time ago I was in a race in stronger winds on a Paceship 23.  We did a nasty broach and touched the top of the mast to the water.  That was scary (especially flying a 1 ounce spinnaker). 

Sail for the gusts!  Reef a little early if it will be gusty.  I find it better to be more comfortable and sail a little flatter.

Love overnights like you describe.  It is nice and peaceful.

Wow!
   Did the boat recover or stay over?  I usually do reef early and I did indeed take a few turns on the CDI but felt that I was only a bit overcanvassed and was enjoying the speed. That gust came out of nowhere!!! I was assuming the wind would switch to NNW so I kept up full sail. Once it really started to blow, reefing was gonna be hard so  just endured the speed. :)   
   I love my concrete keel...we are friends!
Bob23

We popped back up but there were claw marks on the deck.  We had to cut the spinnaker sheets loose to get her back up.  It was scary.  Even crazier is when the helmsman/owner got to the next mark and said to pop the chute again.

I wish I had a second reef point because I know that if I get in a blow I am not motoring into it.  I may price it out to add one since I need a slight repair on a chafe area on the main head.

Wow Bob that was quite an experience! Gulp....excessive heel.
Did The poop cork hold or did you mess your pants?
Fred

Quote from: fried fish on October 19, 2015, 09:10:16 PM
Did The poop cork hold or did you mess your pants?
Fred

If he did he wouldn't have known due to the numbness of the chilly water and the freshly cleaned cockpit!

Shhhh Bob, your secret is safe with us!

It's nice to have friends....you guys are too good to me!

   Today was fall decommissioning day for the intrepid yacht Koinonia. Twas a beautiful fall day with clear skies and brisk winds out of the west and I was gonna sail but somehow, you just know when the end of the season is here. Upon arriving at the marina, I hoisted sails with the brave yacht tied in her slip, hosed the sails down and then went about the numerous small tasks that I do every fall. In the past, I would have chosen a fall sail, then the weather gets cold, marina water is off and I put the sails away unrinsed. Horrors upon horrors!!!   All went well today, the boat didn't sail away, the sails dried well and soon were folded and bagged, ready for another winters rest.  Lines were removed, the radio taken out and the drinking water container emptied.
   It's always a bit sad when the end of another sailing season comes and it does take time to get everything in order but I kind of like the ritual. She's a fine yacht and deserves to be pampered a bit before hibernation.  I've toyed with leaving her in all year but I don't think I'd get the use out of her like in the warmer weather.
Bob23   

   Today the mighty sailing yacht Koinonia was hauled marking the official end of the sailing season for me here in NJ. As usual, Vinnie at the marina gave me a very reasonable bill considering I was in a slip for well over a month and he hauled, powerwashed her and plopped her on her trailer. 100 clams cashino and a few cases of beer that I personally will select for him and his crew. The only rule? No Coors light.
   She had a few hitch hiking barnacles on her bottom this year which could explain why she felt a bit slower than normal. But the haulout was uneventful. I phoned my friend Bill The Burrito who lives a few blocks away to ask for a hand lowering the mast and he did just fine which is bad for him because I'm gonna draft him for the spring rigging, too!!!! 
   This week, she gets her winter pj's on and I, if I can avoid getting too lazy, will start the winter projects which include installation of a 12 cylinder Catapillar diesel, 48" sub zero fridge, 6 burner Wolfe gas range and of course, a wine cooler! Hey, every bay front home has to have a few amenities!!!
Ciao!
Bob23

   Maybe it's the warm weather we've been enjoying here in the northeast. Or maybe I'm spending too much time hanging out here and listening to all you guys who are still sailing. Or maybe I'm getting too darn impatient but today, Koinonia has made the journey from her winter hibernation location to my driveway for some final prep before she goes for her first swim this spring. As I drove east from LBI to my house, I thought I could detect a slight smile on her bow when I looked in my rear view mirror! Yup, she knows what's coming next.
   I'm toying with an April Fools Day launch date this year and that would be the earliest yet. But I was reminded of the brevity of life this past week when I almost lost a dear friend. Reminded of how short life really is. So fragile and temporary. And I'm vowing to myself to not allow work to interfere any more than necessary with my sailing life. So...I hope to report back her in the beginning of April to chronicle my first sail of 2016. Stay tuned and you'll find out the answer to that nagging question: What kind of beer will I pour in the bay thus signaling the start of the 2016 sailing season, at least for me.
Bob23
   

I sure hope Koinonia makes her way into the Chesapeake to meet up at Tangier.  It sure will be a fun trip and a very memorable place to visit!

Matt:
  I was actually on the phone with PeterG today and this came up. As far as it's possible, I plan to trailer to boat down and do this trip. It will depend on work and other circumstances but I think it's very doable. As you seem to be the chief instigator of this adventure, I'll leave it to you to post updates on the actual details. But I plan to do a little tow trip with the boat this weekend to see how she and the truck get along on a long distance tow. Looking forward to seeing Tangier!
Bob23

Tangier will not disappoint.  It is very unique and I have my own unique memory from there.  LOL. 

I am looking forward to seeing you there and seeing Koinonia.  I guess I should dress Saga up nice this spring so she can look nice since there will be other 23s in the neighborhood. 

I hope it comes to pass. The teak on my boat is in the worst shape in years. I'll spruce it up a bit but it won't be perfect by launch time. By all rites, I should keep this boat out of the water for 1 season to complete everything I want to but she will not hear of it! She wants to dance and that's final, she says! She ain't at the dance to impress anyone, she just wants to dance!
Bob23

Bob, we are sailors, not yard maintenance people.  Our boats want to sail.  We fix them up here and there when we can but they don't like sitting. 

A really bad confession is that I like maintenance work, most projects that is, and enjoy working on her.  I would have a boat in bristol condition if money wasn't an object.

Still, Koinonia will love the Chesapeake Bay.  There are some amazing places here.

I love working on the boat and for the first 4 years, my teak was in perfect condition. And I've maintained it ok...until last summer. I decided I wanted to sail more than sand teak...the boat did not object! We'll talk in detail about the Tangier trip...I'm more than interested and will look for updates
Bob23...gettin' antsy!!!!

Hey Bob, PeterG and i were discussing your gittin ready to get ready and taking your girl for a drive! They really don't get out (of the water) much! Sure she enjoyed it!

Yeah, thought about doing our girl's teak, looks like it will be on the back seat for awhile. Teak projects have been replaced by leak projects :)

We will definitely get you (and Heave) to make it to Merrior. Such a fun place, one if by land, two if by sea. Will explain later.

  While cleaning out the bilge of the legendary yacht "Koinoinia", I spotted something shiny and small hiding in a damp wet corner. I've been having minor ongoing problems with rain water finding it's way into the bilge and while I don't expect a bone dry bilge, the source of this water intrusion has me stumped. I've sponged and soaked up every corner of the bilge so I was surprised to find this small coin hiding way back in the corner where on the 23's, the bilge narrows down to a point.
  Picking it up (you know how us guys are attracted to small, shiny objects like a fish to a lure) I notice it does not seem like an American coin first due to it's slightly irregular shape. But more than that it seems to have a foreign script on both sides that I can't readily identify. And of course, there is a likeness on one side. And it's of an attractive woman seemingly of African descent and here is the strangest thing: her eyes are green and no matter which way you turn the coin, she seems to stare at me with those alluringly piercing eyes!
   Try as I may online, I cannot identify the coin nor the country or origin and I have no firsthand knowledge of coin collecting whatsoever. But I know a man who does and owns a rare coin shop in town. When I show him the coin, his face goes instantly white and he collapses into a nearby chair. Hmm. I'm thinking this is not from an old Happy Meal. He finally gets up and asks "Where did you find this?" and I tell him the tale which you've just read above. His squinty eyes look sideways at me as if to suggest I'm lying. "And how long has it been there?" "I have no idea. I've never seen it down there before and I've owned the boat for 10 years". "You must dispose of this coin immediately! Any vessel with this coin aboard is doomed to a violent and deadly sinking." I snicker, thinking that this can't be true but the look on his face which is still pale, tells me otherwise. He is dead serious and pushes the coin across the glass counter to me, as if not even wanting to touch it.
   Driving home, I can't help but ponder this strange coin and who is this alluring woman with the green eyes? And why would she want to sink my trustworthy and innocent vessel? Sailors seem to be superstitious lot but I am not. I have no problem walking under a ladder on Friday the 13th after breaking a mirror while stepping on a crack in the sidewalk. But I do place a coin under the mast each year that was given to me by my father in law for good luck.
   This coin continues to intrigue me and in strict defiance to my friends warnings, after taking a few detailed photos of it, I place the coin back in the bilge where I found it. Days go by...weeks go by but each time I enter the boat, I check to see if she is still there. I'm a bit startled that I've started referring to the coin as she as if we are lovers or close friends who cannot part with each other. I make a final decision to ignore the warnings, leave her in the bilge forever so I can have a sailing companion for as long as I may sail upon the waters of life!!!
   Upon awakening this morning, my first thought is to wish you all a very Foolishly Happy April Fools Day!!!!
Bob23   

Bob, you forgot to add "as I kicked the black cat across my path"

Thanks, Tim. But I don't want to press my luck! Hahahaha!!!!

  The intrepid sailing yacht "Koinoina" took her first dip of the year at precisely high noon on Saturday, May 14th. My sincere thanks to Kevin, aka K3v1n who leant a hand or more accurately, a shoulder in the ritual of raising the mast. Each of us has or had bad shoulders but despite our advancing years, up the mast went with out a hitch!
  During the next few days, the rig was tuned, sails bent on and because of work and rain, there she sits in slip #65 at Long Key Marina patiently waiting for the inaugural sail of the year 2016. Many thanks to Vinnie for letting her stay in the slings while the bottom paint took it's sweet time drying.
  She's looking ok despite the finish on her teak not being near Bristol which is another way of saying it's embarrassing. But she has reminded me many times, she was made to dance and can turn heads whether in torn jeans or an evening gown. Can't wait to raise sail and get back to reality!
Bob23

"She's looking ok despite the finish on her teak not being near Bristol which is another way of saying it's embarrassing"  (Hmm, wonder why the Italics and bold will not work)

Mine is in the worst shape since I've owned the boat, however it is intended.  I'm letting nature take it back so I can start over with something else.  About half way there.  Venturing into the world of two part urethanes was a dismal failure in my view, hard to apply, hard to repair, hard to maintain, and less than one season before breaks in the finish started to appear. 

What's next........?

Bob 2$,

Glad your ship has been given a proper spring splash and well on her way to new adventures!   Don't you worry about her teak looking drab.  Your secret is safe with us.  Surely Koinonia won't mind, she knows you adore her and is glad to be back in the water despite a wrinkle here and there. 

.....the video
'Koinonia Gets Splashed!' (https://youtu.be/zheuLmrjXOw)

Hey Bob - bring Lesa with you to CLR.  She is a riot!

Congrats on splashing Koinpurse or whatever that boat's name is.

Mike and Brenda

Saw the video, unimpressed..  Kevin's wife however, wins the first ever CPY0A Academy award for three categories " Best Picture, Most Sarcastic, and Most Forgiving Admiral"

Grins TG

Lesa is a riot but I'm not sure Kev would approve of me bringing his wife to CLR!! I was laughing out loud watching her part in this vid. They're both wonderful old friends. I'm trying to convince them that CLR is the place to be this summer!
Bob23

Quote from: Greene on May 22, 2016, 10:15:54 PM
Congrats on splashing Koinpurse or whatever that boat's name is.

Mike and Brenda

Bob,  while I think this is absolutely hilarious, and reminds me of Stewey from the show The Family Guy, I don't imagine you feel the same. You just going to let this one go?    Or are your cousins already in route to a certain mooring field near Sarasota?

Koinpurse...you still got it Greene!!!

Koinpurse? KOINPURSE??? Lesa is a riot and a very interesting and funny writer but I wasn't aware of her videography talents. They would fit in perfectly with the CLR gang!!!

I posted on the Compac FB page and now I'm trying to link it...maybe that's not even the right word.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CPYOA/

Fall update:   
   This Sunday past saw temps near 80 in the South of NJ, light to medium SSW wind and Koinoina and I out for a lovely 3 hour sail on Barnegat Bay. Now we all know that the 23's are not speed demons but explain that to all the sailboats that we passed who admired her fading stern as, speeding away, we left them to wallow in our wake.  Every once in a while, everything is dialed in just right- sun, wind, the boat's trim and nothing can seem to go wrong. And yesterday, nothing did!
   All too soon, she'll be snug under her canvas covers in her new winter home at Long Key Marina, Waretown, NJ and the sailing season of 2016 will be but a memory. Except...that this year I kept a detailed log of every sail so whenst engulfed in the icy grip of winter with hot toddy in hand, I may read and relive a wonderful year of sailing a most beautiful yacht. Honestly, I don't know what she sees in me!

Hey Bob, glad to hear you had a nice fall fling with your girl! We've been out with her little sister quite a bunch this fall. It's not surprising these little boats are pretty quick with a waterline length as long as many many larger boats. Heck our 31 is only 3 feet more at the waterline but weighs in 4 times as much. The 23's are great little boats!

We also just started keeping a folio aboard to keep track of our time on the water. It's a great idea as we sometimes struggle to remember what we had for dinner yesterday!

Saw a forlorn looking CP16cb sitting on her trailer under tarp (with flat tires, rusted wheel dolly, tarp beginning to fall apart) but after peeking under it she seemed to be in pretty good shape still. Registration over a year out of date, hmmm....might could be had. Jus sayin!

As Thanksgiving is approaching, many thoughts are turning toward the sales that are available the next day. I detest crowds of coupon gripping shoppers so I decline to get involved in such silliness. I am however planning a Thanksgiving Day Sail, which is the only kind of sail that makes sense to me!!  Conditions look good and it may well be the last sail of the year. Then into the decommissioning ceremony the following day. But not to worry, good fall and winter rowing is here!
Cheers, all. And be Thankful!
Bob23

As all y'all know, Koinonia's Master does like to paddle his way around the bay Barnegat.  Well, did anyone here also know that this pompous propitious paddler also peddles paddles?  Here's a pic of  Bro Bob at his weekend job at Appomattox River Co. peddling paddles. (paddleva.com).

Awww...you found me out!!!

Hey there out in Compac land!!
  Did you ever hear that still small voice inside telling you to check the circle clip holding the clevis pin for the forestay on your 23? Well, yesterday I did! After work I headed to the marina to check on my baby and heard this little voice telling me to look at all the standing rigging. I discovered that the circle clip had been reduced to a thin wire and the clevis pin was well on it's way to backing completely out! In laymens terms, this is a bad scene!
  It's been said that God looks out for children and fools. And the sailboats owned by fools, I might add!!
Sail on my friends!!!
Bob23

Bob,

Discovered the same issue once when the spring clip had turned to a rusty powder after only a couple of months. I feel much more comfortable using a bolt and fiber nut.

Hey Bob, It looks like you work for my old pal Bob Taylor! I used to boat with Bob In Richmond back in the last century! Tell him I said hi! Lance Ingram from NOC

Quote from: Bob23 on October 10, 2017, 07:15:58 PM
Did you ever hear that still small voice inside telling you to check the circle clip holding the clevis pin for the forestay on your 23?

Having seen some mangling of the circle clip at the forestay, I drilled out the hole in the clevis pin a bit so that I could put a cotter pin in place of the circle clip.  No problem since then.  Its harder to get the cotter pin in and out, but I can live with that.  If you still want to use a circle clip make sure the clip is on the outside, not where the anchor rode or mooring pendant will pass and may catch it.

Curtis

Good point, Curt. I also plan to use a washer.

Bob, I'm confused, how can you live in NJ and work in Farmville?

The jig is up! That is a picture of Bob23's evil doppelganger, Bob24.

H2: I drive a DeLorean. It's easy when you have a flux capacitor!

Yesterday was fall 2017 decommissioning ceremony which is not much of a celebration at all! Raised sails in the slip where they got a nice fresh water hose-off, let 'em dry in the fall NJ sun and then rolled 'em. This year, they'll make a return to my sailmaker who'll check any loose stitching and sew some brown Sunbrella on the jib.
Next Saturday the 4th, the beloved and brave sailing yacht Koinonia will be hauled out, cleaned up and set on her winter bed where I'll begin to remove anything that doesn't belong there over the cold winter.
So that ends the 2017 season which, and I'm sure all will agree, I did not sail enough once again. Aha...there's always winter rowing!!!
Cheers!!!

Bob,

Hmmm, never thought of rinsing sails and drying "on mast" before winter storage, but makes sense.
Yesterday I removed all extra stuff not needed for last sail.  I am always amazed by how much accumulates in the course of 1 season, including minor projects that never was installed...

Wind was too good not to hit the bay, and it was great day, light chop under 2 ft and gusts over 20, and best part, bay nearly empty of boats in my northern reaches.  Full main, no jib, and she pointed and ran well.  I did hear your voice  in my head, when I stalled on only one slow tack, say " boat is better balanced with jib and reeled main".  I admit to being too lazy to set the jib.  Roller furling headsail coming, maybe, in Santa's sleigh.

I will haul out sat or sun next weekend.

Question, wasn't that a lot of wind to raise sails at slip?  I guess you face south in slip? 

  Brain, everything I do makes sense...unless it doesn't!
  I actually face North. The wind was light when I raised sail but it increased as the morning wore on. Koinonia kinda resembled a racehorse at the gate chomping at the bit to be set loose!! 
  It was a nice wind and I was tempted to sail but yesterday was a fine day to hang around the marina for the morning, enjoy some homemade soup on the boat and of course, a beer.
  A roller furler is very nice to have...I see no reason to sail without one. My 23  came with her CDI so I know no different. Maybe check some of the nautical consignment shops. None around here but I think there's a big one in Rhode Island or Connecticut somewhere. Or check Defender.

Concerning roller furling, I will have North Sails on Rt 34 Nanasquan, quote the sail and CDI furler as package.  I need to replace working jib anyway, and they did my sails for the Siren 17.  Not cheap, but within reason and quality and service was very good.  They are local CDI rep and more and more, I like to make the local connections if possible.

But if out of park with the price, will hit web...

   Brian, you will love your CDI and with a new headsail, your boat will sail as if reborn!
   When I needed new sails, I looked to a famous local sail loft and got very personal attention. Dave, at Eggers Sailmakers measured my boat for the new sails and designed them for the local conditions that I sail in. Sure, I could have probably save some clams going on line but I'm completely happy with them. Now, 6 or 7 years later when they need a wee bit of attention, he's more than willing to help me out. It pays to buy local and in my case, I get to pick Dave's brain. He's quite an accomplished Sunfish racer and no matter how old I get, I will always love the feel of a Sunfish in high winds. My own personal Porsche!
   
   

Bob, I ended up with my brother's old Sunfish, so if you have one, we may have makings for Sunfish regatta at next BBB.

I assume you would have mounted oarlocks...

HMMMM, I've got a Fish as well...do I smell a race?  Of course I also have a Mutineer and a Finn, Oh, and a Hunter 23 
Willing to sell the H23 and the Mutt, but not posting them for sale as yet.
TG

So...it's been a while. The intrepid sailing vessel "Koinonia" has become somewhat famous. Seems the local Facebook page "Long Beach Island NJ buy/sell/trade has adorned it's cover photo with a lovely shot of my legendary 1985 Compac 23. And yes, the setting summer sun really looks like this!!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lbibuy/
Enjoy!!

Very nice picture, Bob

   The season ends a bit early for me this year as the Mighty Koinonia will be hauled out for her winter hibernation tomorrow. Kind of a spur of the moment decision but work, wind and weather are all cooperating and fall rowing season is upon me anyway. Sails are rinsed and dried- a windy and warm day today allows me to raise sails in the slip, do a fresh water rinse off and dry 'em out in the wind! Putting sails away with salt on them is close to an unforgivable sin!!
   Each year, we do learn something new about our boats don't we. This year, I learned what a fine light air boat a properly trimmed 23 is. She also mentioned she does not enjoy towing a dingy! Hmmm, funny- she never complained in the past! I also learned the end of the season isn't a great time to find out my automatic bilge pump ain't automatic no more! Good thing she's a dry boat!!
  Enjoy your fall mates!!

  yesterday, maybe one of the best fall days I have ever sailed. we sailed a little over 15miles in perfect conditions. winds 10 sustained gusts to 14. 65 degrees and sunny. averaged 4 knots and achieved hull speed numerous times. with the water temp at 56 degrees swimming wasn't an option. like every other Monday the lake was deserted and dead quite with just a few other sailboats. had a little impromptu race with a precision 21. we did pretty well considering we are at 288 and he is 255. that was fun, nice guy. after almost 5 hours we had a nice dinner at the winery. a wonderful fall sail, hope it wont be the last one for the year.

hi bob.. have not visited the site in quite a while, but always good to check in and see what is happening..  nice sunset  shot of the boat on  your local publication...   you mention wind weather and work   wow,  are you still working?  haven't you seen the light yet?   with so much sailing to be done, it seems like you need to do  some prioritizing over the winter :)      hope you guys are all well..   the only sailing i did this summer was  on an evening schooner trip when there was just a hint of wind...    but , there is always next summer!   of course, that means another invitation to you ( and linda )  to come up and visit Georgetown ..       take care,   jt

Hmm... some  good points, Yeah, I'm still working. When I hit 70 I'll think about stopping but for now it's full speed ahead, although full speed ain't what it used to be!! And prioritizing is exactly what I'll be doing this winter! Thinking of selling my beloved Koinonia but that won't happen until September of next year, if it happens at all. I promised a friend to teach her to sail next summer and my nephews son Eli I promised to take sailing! So I'm locking for another year!!
  I'd like to have more time to concentrate on my rowing, like taking some multi day expeditions. There's only so much time available when one works full time! Of course, I'd always regret it if I sold her- each year she gets a little faster and a little prettier!!
  Love to come and visit but never made it up to Maine this summer at all. Enjoy the fall...great colors down here!!

Rarely weigh in here since No Mas has come and gone in our lives. She was the the reason that we have had the privilege of knowing many from this forum and though the wrong boat for us, we remain grateful we had her. The other thing she showed us was just how great the 23 is. Bob, Koinonia will always get prettier and faster! It is the only design still virtually unchanged and still in production from the fine folks at Hutchins, there is a reason for that!

Meanwhile in addition to rowing get those skis dusted off! Hope to see you soon as well.   :)

Bob, you may wish to visit this website and scroll down to I believe it is number 6 on the list of 11 boats.....

who knows maybe a sign?

https://www.sailmagazine.com/cruising/sailing-small-living-large-sailors-who-love-their-small-boats

Thanks, another Koinonia. He used to be on here I believe. And Rick, did you see the Sage 17? What an outstanding boat! I've seem 'em, in person at boat shows!

SHE FLOATS!!
  Thumbing my nose to the voices of procrastination, and with a launch date challenge and help bottom painting from a friend, my intrepid sailing vessel had her first taste of salt water last Sunday, May 19th. By the way, when a friend offers to help bottom paint, that is a friend indeed!!!
  New outboard bracket with custom pad out (read: scrap versatex from the job painted with 2 coats of Bristol Beige Brightsides paint), New Johnson bilge pump (tired of replacing the Rule every year or so) and fresh coats of wax with help from above friend, and at high noon, she swung in the slings whilst we touched up the Interlux Aqua blue bottom paint. Soon she was set free!!
  "Sue" size 6 started on the 2nd pull and purred like a kitten and although the sails weren't hung yet, off we motored into the Barnegat Bay to have our first taste of the briney, and what a taste! 20 knot winds combined with waves sent salty sprays into our faces and it felt so great!! "Sue" ran great, we got wet so we headed for the barn.
  Sails to be hung today, with a maiden voyage planned for tomorrow. How I love holiday weekends with perfect weather!
  Where will the brave little vessel travel to this summer? Stay tuned...

Avast Ye Lubbers!  Bend on the main, Unfurl the heads'l. Bob23 sails on!

TG

PS. Vicki announced her stepping down from her SML chamber duties later this summer.  The Admiral is assigning herself COMINSPX (Commander, Inspecx, LLC) of my mold and home inspection business...  God help me.

Bob,

Congrats on the splash down.  Heading north for the Metedonk river today.  Need to size up the Mantaloking bridge.  I may just squeeze under at 21 foot-ish.

In addition to the outboard mount, did you work on Koinonia's sweeps?  Oar power is the only way to go if the wind dies out...

Time to put the water cannon back on board...

Whatever is this launch date thing?

Congrats, Bob, on being off the hard.  I have to admit that despite being in the water continuously since the last haul out, September 2017, last year was the least I've ever sailed and I just now have cleaned up the boat for the late Spring.  I blame eight trips to to the lovely city of Mexico Beach, FL (well not so lovely now, but will be again) for limiting my sailing. 

On that front, however, significant progress.  After five months to get a permit, the outside work, top to bottom should finish this coming week.  Then on to the inside starting with removal of all ceiling drywall, insulation and HVAC duct work.  Then follows a complete every square inch fogging and thanks to the extensive knowledge of our Fleet Admiral, Tim Gardner, I have acquired all materials, equipment, and process knowledge to complete that task.  Perhaps, with the new management structure, the Commander will require that they come and personally inspect the job at some future date.

Koinonia summer update:
  It's been a grand summer starting with receiving help bottom painting from Koinonia's ghost part owner. Shh...don't tell a soul!
  It's been a summer of self steering. Boat's gotten fed up with my erotic...oops! Erratic steering habits and has decided she'd rather steer herself. Which she does well, on a reach to close hauled in light and strong winds, locking the tiller clutch with a little play in the line and she holds her line well!
  It's also been a fast summer, speed-wise! Seems she doesn't like being cooped up in a boat slip so when she's turned loose, she gallops! For some reason I pass numbers of larger boats this year. And no, not passing the other direction!
  This is the 13th year together and you'd think I'd learned everything there is to know about this lovely 23 of mine but no, a few new lessons from today:
  First, it's good to untie both bowlines before backing out of the boat slip but the people next slip over looked like they needed a good laugh so what the heck!!
  Second, forward gear is not the same as reverse...confusing them causes interesting results like crashing the anchor into the bulkhead. It's all speculative you see...I'd never actually do this!!
   Cheers mates!! More to come. Fall sailing in NJ is the best!!

Bob,

Rumor has it I may have also hit bulkhead, and even ran the bow up a little on the bow sprit stay last weekend when leaving the slip...thankful Hutchins built me a tank.

Always something new, when least expected.

See you on the bay...

Rumors Brian, just rumors. I'm always happy my 23 is built like a De Soto!
Cheers!
Bob23

OK who here does't know what a De Soto is (was) and who will claim they didn't?  As rugged as it is I'm afraid I can't compare the build on my 19 to our families back in the day Packard. The only floating thing I can think to compare with that great tank on wheels is the cast iron keel on my previous early Oday 23. A big rock didn't phase it but then there was the sudden stop.

Bob,
I must confess, the same happened to me last summer except it was my shore power cord that I forgot to disconnect instead of untying my bow lines and luckily I keep a safety line attached to the cord and no one was around to get a laugh except for me and my crew. Of course it was the crew's fault lol. No damage done and the day ended well.

I would never do something like that.  For instance, because I know that I have to back completely clear of my slip before turning or the port shroud will catch the corner of the covered dock, certainly it would never happen. No Chris (marina owner), don't have a clue how that flashing got mangled.

With regard to De Soto's my grandfather seemed to put car companies out of business.  Every thing he drove was destined to disappear.  He went through Packards, then Hudsens, then was working on Chryslers. De soto, then when the brand was discontnued, he drove Chryslers.  It wasn't Lee Iacoca that saved Chrysler, it was the fact that my Grandfather passed away before he could jinx the company.

Since we're all in the confessional. Father, it's been, well.... yeah that long. The first time I pulled my Siren 17 out of the water I got so fluster with others at the ramp I pulled away with the mast still up! Got about 15 feet until I hit a speed pump. If only it was captured on TV. On the positive side, I did learn how to use a rivet gun that fall.

Koinonia update:
  She's being launched this Tuesday, the 19th day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty. Slowly, ever so slowly over the past few weeks, she was being readied for this moment. The marina had a slot in their schedule, I have a slot in mine and so she'll get her first bath of the season! And then hopefully while everyone is stuck in traffic this weekend, I'll be plying the waters of Barnegat Bay!

Cheers me hearties!! Anyone close by is welcomed aboard! The 23 has a rather large cockpit so this social distancing thing shouldn't be very difficult.
Bob23

Black Friday Sail!
  At 1030 hours local time, my friend Dennis and I departed under practically non existent NW winds for what could be the last sail of the season. Soon the Lord saw fit to send us a few whispers, then a gentle breeze or two and in no time, we zipped along hitting 4.7 knots at time. No records being set here but we were the first sailboats out and by the time we dropped the main, 3 other brave sailors followed our lead.
 
  Twas a perfect day on the water and she could be hauled out soon for her winter hibernation; always a sad time.

Cheers! Bob23

Thought I saw the jolly roger on the horizon! Was on lake Atlantic today and came up to the light house in search of stripers. Was an incredible day for late November.

Koinonia update::
  Dennis and I went out on a wonderful Black Friday sail- the only kind of Black Friday sail that interests me! You can keep all those other silly sales!! Light winds but increased enough to push the little yacht along nicely... dusted off a Hunter who was in hot pursuit! Although the 23's are not known for speed, I think mine is just the black sheep of the family; just won't conform! Hmm...wonder where she gets that from!

  A few Sunday's later, my son Chris and I got out for unseasonable warm Sunday sail together! Nice winds, sunshine, good beer and I think she likes how he sails! In winds less than 15 knots, we hit a respectable 6.7 knots on the gps. Sure, we had the tide in our favor but so what? That's part of sailing as we had a greet time.

  12/16 saw our intrepid little yacht getting hauled out for her winters rest with nary one barnacle! Amazing!! No wonder she seems to glide along well even in light wind! Monday I convinced friends Dennis and Kev to help me lower the mast and down it came, under complete control! Kev remarked that the mast gets heavier every year. Might be true, it can't be us getting weaker!!

  And so ends another season under sail! It's been a great year of sailing and rowing, despite the intrusion of the rude virus which has come to stay uninvited. Rude, I say!
 
  A very happy new year to you all! May your mast always point up and the waterline stay on the outside of the boat!
Cheers!!
Bob23

Pointing UP is a referential point of view.  I prefer seeing the sky above my Windex!

So, with the temps in the mid 60s on Saturday the 2nd  S'Go and I will be sailing the first sail of 2021!

TG

Quote from: Bob23 on December 30, 2020, 08:15:12 AM
12/16 saw our intrepid little yacht getting hauled out for her winters rest with nary one barnacle! Amazing!! No wonder she seems to glide along well even in light wind! Monday I convinced friends Dennis and Kev to help me lower the mast and down it came, under complete control! Kev remarked that the mast gets heavier every year. Might be true, it can't be us getting weaker!!

Bob,

That's exactly why ended up selling my 23 and buying the eclipse.  Since I always end up handling the mast by myself, I decided to give up some of the advantages of the 23 in favor of easy mast handling.  Just hope it's as easy as I think since I haven't done anything more than haul the boat home and put it in the pole barn for the winter.

Fred

Hi Fred, and I can understand and agree with you wholeheartedly. I've sailed next to Allen's Eclipse down here in NJ at one of the Barnegat Bay Bash's a few years ago and was impressed with the speed! We were neck and neck in 23-30 knots of wind, I had 1 reef in the main and a few turns on the jib. He wasn't reefed at all and just flew! One of the things keeping my from buying an Eclipse is that I already own the 23! And I do like the accomodations below too. Plus, inviting a few friends for the annual mast lowering and raising ritual is a good time to gab and throw back a few cold ones!!

  I keep the boat in a marina in the summer but I do admire the trailerability and simplicity of the Eclipse. Maybe some day...
Cheers!
Bob23

Bob,

Interior space is the most obvious compromise with the Eclipse.  Hopefully she'll point a bit higher than the 23 to offset that huge negative.  Nice to hear that I won't be giving up any speed vs the 23.  Part of what helped me decide was the fact that even though had intended to weekend and possibly cruise for a week at a time on the 23 I never did the entire time I owned it.  I went from a 32' boat to the 23 and it felt cramped enough that I came to the conclusion I wasn't too likely to really spend many, if any, nights aboard.  I had intended to trailer the 23 to distant sailing venues, but it turned out to be enough work to rig that I never did that either.  Since I own a slip with Lk MI access both the 23 and now the Eclipse will be slipped during the summer months.

I'm at a point where comfort and convenience has become more of a priority so we decided that eclipse would allow us to sail in a lot more locations by trailering to them and we'd just stay at a B&B or hotel for accommodations with real beds and air conditioning.  Apparently I'm getting soft in my old age.  Plus we bought an RV a year ago so we've been doing our overnight stays in that.

Fred

The Compac 23 is sneaky fast.  When I had mine in certain conditions my Uncle's Catalina 34 fell behind.  Then again I was flying an assymetrical.  Still, I was towing a dinghy so what gives!  He had newer sails, at the time, too.

There are things that I miss about that boat but if I had her I would still miss her.  Having an almost 3 year old daughter takes a lot of my time.

So the 2021 sailing season seems to have come to an end... I was out for my last sail last weekend in light winds; overcast skies. I'm always amazed at the versatility of the 23. They're giving an undeserved reputation as not being good in light air. Nothing could be further from the truth as we ghosted along at 2.5 knots in barely a whisper of wind. And to be able to sail the same boat in 30 knots plus while still feeling safe and having fun attests to the seaworthiness of my little Koinonia!

  She'll be hauled out this Tuesday and wrapped up in her winter jammies. This summer saw us not sailing all that much, work and weather and rowing races seemed to get in the way. But she waited ever so patiently for me and we did get to part the waters of the Barnegat Bay a few times, with each sail being delightful in it's own way.

Cheers friends!
Bob23

Ironically,  I just launched yesterday.  It has been the weirdest of years in the ownership of my 23.  The  three year major maintenance became four years because of ongoing trips to recover the house in Mexico Beach.  The usual haul out time of mid August (too hot, windless and crowded on the lake to sail) had to be pushed out to mid October because of health issues, first mine then the Admiral's.  The shorter days, colder weather, and an aging guy doing the work extended the time from three weeks to five weeks. But back in the water, mast still down, I think we get a good day mid next week to put it up, tune the standing rigging and make her sail ready, just in time for the worst sailing weather of the year. But, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful to be where I am with this. A stunningly beautiful trip up the Natchez Trace to take her back.

Late start to the 2022 sailing season, I'm hoping to launch the might Koinonia this weekend. Too much work and lots of rowing has delayed my little yacht in getting her first swim this year but she's looking good with a re vamped bilge pump system, some new solar ventilation and an upgraded solar controller and new battery. And a fresh coat of bottom paint.  Everything else is just hunky dory. Someday I'll re learn how to post photos!
Bob23

Today the mighty Koinonia will be hauled out for the official end of the 2022 sailing season here in the South of NJ! I didn't get to sail as much as I'd liked, lots of rowing and rowing races and of course that old monkey on my back known as "work". The beginning of the season most of the time was spent on more rudder position experiments with total success! No more lee helm and just a touch of weather helm! Sure made for a more pleasant sail and she's a bit faster too! The wood foiled rudder blade that I built many moons ago was improved by fiddling with the position.

Soon she'll be tucked away in her winter jammies and I'll start my 2023 list! Thankfully, it never ends!
Cheers mates! And a very happy Thanksgiving to you all!