Hello all, I am Mitch a newer member who in November 2014 purchased a 1984 Com-Pac 23.
I currently have slip at the municipal downtown Dunedin, Florida. Very happy with this move in
my life plus the having retired. I am preparing for a cruise around coastal Florida. It will be like a
extended camping trip. All my friends keep saying, you need a "bigger boat"! With visions of bigger
bills I keep telling them they are welcome to make a deposit into my bank account anytime! Hell, just
Yesterday, Bill our Harbor Master called a little after eight am to say my jib was flapping around, a line from
the furler to the cockpit failed during the high wind event of the last few days. So now it is repair or...
Replace the sail? $$$$.
Anyway, I am always seeking advice. Question one, does any here in the Dunedin/Clearwater area
of a good honest sailing loft, nearby?
Thanks,
Mitch
Welcome Mitch...
This is a great place for information about comPac yachts. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Thom
S/V ThomCat CP23
Chicago (and dying for spring to get here since its -4 F this morning)
National sail supply built a beautiful main for me a few years ago. Send Dirk and email and he can give you options in sails.
Shawn
Hi Mitch and welcome. Plenty of boat for coastal cruising in my opinion. With a previous boat, I had dealing with Mac Sails (http://www.macksails.com/) I found them honest and extremely capable. We are also retired and down in Nokomis Florida for the winter. Frequently sail out of Venice or down in Charlotte Harbor. Summers up in Elgin, Illinois (West of Chicago) Good luck and fair winds.
Al
Don't know about a sail loft but your 23 is "big enough" for what you are planning! Sorry to hear about your jib. I can't count the number of times I have seen furlers do the same thing with the same results. a few stops around the furled jib is good insurance. Welcome to the site! I can second Al's recommendation for Mac Sails. I have their Mac Pack(which I love) on Kailani. Their service is excellent as well as their product.
Welcome. I just bought a bunch of stuff from Masthead Enterprises in St Pete. Mack Pack, Hood furling and odds and ends. They have good prices and good service. Ask for Paul.
Hi Mitch from a fellow 23 'er!
I'm also the self proclaimed minister of finance here at CPYOA. The normal initiation fee is $5000.00, cash, small bills delivered to me. But because we sail sister ships, and also retired meaning you're just scraping by, I'm gonna reduce the fee to $4950.00. You can apply that extra 50 bucks toward the new sail. What a guy! Maybe your friends can deposit it into my account as well.
The 23 is a wonderful boat and quite able to take you on your journey around coastal Fla. You most definitely do not need a bigger boat- just get to know the boats and your limitations and you'll be fine. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Make sure everything on the boat is in good shape, especially the standing rigging. Having a mast come down will ruin your day.
I believe in redundant systems on almost everything on my boat. In addition to a sock over the furled genoa, I tie a line at the base of the sail and the bowrail. If the furler line should break, my sail is still secure. I've seen furlers unfurl and the boat sail itself to death around a mooring...it's not a pretty sight and if it happens in high winds, all you may be able to do is watch and cry. Extra lines are cheap insurance.
Looking forward to your contributions...its what makes this place the greatest sailing site in all the world.
I'll pick up the cash next time im in the Sunshine State!
Bob23 and "Koinoina" 1985 23/2 in the South of NJ.
Welcome!
Depending on the age of the sail and the shape it is in, you may be better replacing it. There are a lot of places to look at when doing sails and be glad you have a 23 when you look for sails. One sail for my Catalina 30 was over $1800. I found a used spinnaker for my boat this winter for $100. You can do new sails for around $900, sometimes less.
Good luck and glad to see someone new here!
Welcome to the forum!
I run the furler line through a cam cleat during use-allowing it to be quickly cleated when furling in strong wings, and while at the dock I also run the line over the aft cleats a few wraps. It can't come loose, or rather would be highly improbable with this configuration.
Sounds like your furler line broke--probably caused by chafing and UV. IF any other lines look old, replace 'em. Cheap insurance.
So is the sail ripped up? If so, it can be repaired.
Check out JSI...they are an OEM sailmaker and canvas outfitter and would be able to help you locally. I think they are in Clearwater.
Might want to really check the boat well to keep murphy at bay. If one line broke, the others may be of similar age and wear.
Happy retirement in FL! I plan to do the same in a few years...
Oh, by the way, bob forgot to say his collection agency is Boyd, Dewey Cheatham and Howe! Supplanted by the Bent Nose Bruddahs bottom cleaning service.
And guess what? My 19's bottom needs cleaning!
Your humble servant , TG
hey tom, hope you consider coming to the clr at carlyle lake in july.----lots of info on the site
Thanks for all the welcomes, diggs/ribbings, as well as, advice!
I will definitely will be replacing all running rigging. I really had time to look over the jib yesterday, I have determined it will need to be replaced. The main will be given the same review, today.
Which type of line takes the sun and other factors for one's money in your most humble opinions?
Thanks
Mitch
If you are doing running rigging, check out Cajun Ropes. http://www.cajunrope.com/
I used them and you can't beat the price. I had them on my last boat too.