Trailered the 23 west last spring....beautiful country to drive across!! From NC to WA....quite the variety of scenery. Lots of mountains too...if a lil hard on the brakes on the descents :-)
Packing up today...drive to Ottawa tomorrow and get a room as it's a 6am flight Sunday.
Looking forward to seeing Desolation Sound and the islands again. It is simply beautiful up the coast....if somewhat desolate this time of year.
Hope to launch on the 26th if all goes well.
Will post pictures here once underway.
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4528.0
i like your comment on the other site...if the pacific northwest is in your trailering range...
nc to pnw! that's a hellava range!
please keep us updated, this looks like a true adventure.
C.C.
Hoping to launch on Sept 26th and haul out is Dec 12th.
Should get a few miles on :-)
With luck I'll make it up into the Broughton's and Queen Charlotte.
Lots of tidal rapids to time right but the pay off this time of year is
pristine scenery, snow capped mountains, tons of wildlife and no
tourist traffic. It literally feels like you have it all to yourself!
I can't even imagine how beautiful that will be.
I think that your boat is designed for that trip. Keep us posted!
Heck, you might want to talk to Compac and send them some pictures and details of your trips. It would be awesome advertising.
After a far bit of prep and a few troubles...launched and underway. Wind directly on the nose so had to motor from Pender Harbor to Powell River yesterday. Down day today getting some last minute items as shopping is preppy scarce after here. Lund tomorrow....desolation sound next. Learning this new IPad....not much of a geek but liking it. Have Isailor with charts on it...great value.
I posted a pic and what I think is a good n easy PH mod over at sail far. Link is on my 1st post.
Great scenery pics to come
The weather has been unreal here for October. Sunny n warm....but cold nights.
The lil diesel is purring perfectly.....about 3hrs/gallon at 5 knots
Postd a few pics at http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4528.0
In Desolation sound again...hope to get a few good shots tomorrow if the weather holds out.
Love it out here.
I'll apolagize ahead for the pics....a technophobe trying to figure out and iPad. :)
Went fishing today and got a couple of rock cod and a ling cod.
Got a few decent pictures too. Posted them on sailfar
These are great lil boats!!
Make sure you hit Toba Inlet in Desolation Sound...well worth the time to sail in there...many happy memories of trips there in boats rented in Comox, BC
I've sailed by it but never up it...
Out here until mid December so I'll put it on the list
Thanks Mike
Side note...installed a wheel autohelm myself....a fairly daunting job.
Got the bugs out today and properly set up. What a treat!!!
Wheel pilots are very nice. I had the old Raymarine S1 on my last boat. They work great. Heck, I think autopilot should be standard equipment on any sailboat these days. On my old boat the autohelm ran about 80% of the time. I am probably down to around 60% with the tiller pilot. It is easier to use the tiller pilot with a read-out than the TP10 with no read out.
The unit that works on the 23PH is basically a power boat wheel pilot...not the belt driven typre typical on sailboats.
Makes for a neat install but you loose a few inchs of room as the wheel comes further aft when done.
WELL worth the loss of room. For singlehanding....what a treat! :-)
Just posted a few pics of the install over at sailfar
Lil boat is well suited for the Pacific North west in the fall. Really enjoying it. A few updates:
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4528.0
As more rain falls and temperatures drop.....really appreciating the pilot house!
What a great boat to singlehand up here.
A few pics n updates. http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4528.0
Had a humpback visit while underway today....coasted for a few pictures.
Then the wind hit.....got a "spanking" the last few miles although early forcast said "diminishing winds"
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4528.msg50626#new
(I tried for over half an hour to attach pictures here from my IPad...sorry...this ole fool can't figure it out.....but thats the topic for another thread...)
(http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4528.0;attach=5969;image)(http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4528.0;attach=5973;image)
Okay Frank, Here we go. This is for just you. On Sailfar in your post showing an image you want to post here, Right click on the image, select View Image from the ensuing command box, You should see the image info with one line highlighted. copy that highlighted line. Come to this site click on the insert image icon and paste the info.
Done (TG theatrically drops his mouse)
TG
Quote from: frank on November 02, 2015, 12:13:36 AM
Done (TG theatrically drops his mouse)
LOL! sometimes we fight with the technology until it finally does what we ask it to do.
Your pics are like old home week. Have spent many happy hours in Desolation Sound on rented boats from Comox, BC. Hope to get the 19 up there....wish it had a pilot house or bimini though. Hope you get to Toba Inlet, it is worth the trip.
I was by it about 2 weeks ago. Doesn't look like there are good anchorages up there.
Too slow a boat to go all the way up/bacl without an anchorage :-)
Tied to the float in Attwood bay just before Toba
Been pretty well through most of the area tho
If all goes well....heading up to the Broughtons again in 2 weeks.
Super quiet this time of year!!
I'm as ready as I will be.
Provisions on, oil/filter changed, water tank filled and extra fuel.
My last visitor left at 9am today and now I finally have time to head up north...way north.
Funny.....I find myself slightly apprehensive about this. I've gone to the Broughton's and Queen Charlotte Sound once before, but it was on an 18,000lb boat carrying 200 gallons of fuel and 100 gallons of water. That boat cruised easily at twice the speed of my 23, could speed up to make "slack" at the rapids and only had a "gallon per hour" burn pulled back to 6.5 knots. With 200 gallons aboard, range or running the heater wasn't an issue.
Once I leave Heriot Bay N, it becomes extremely isolated...you truly are "on your own". Both Eco Bay marina and Kwatsi Bay marinas no longer have fuel or provisions....if anyone will even be there. Lagoon Cove "may" have fuel, but the owner died a few years ago and his wife doesn't stay over winter. Port McNeil....further up the coast is a good fuel/provision stop but the fuel to get there and back from where I want to cruise is a good burn in of itself.
The 23 cruises nicely at an average of 4.5 knots. The fuel tank is only 7 gallons! While I can increase RPM to make 5.5 knots....fuel burn goes up dramatically, negatively effecting both range and the ability to have heat. I am carrying 2 extra 2 gallon cans and one 4 gallon. Any more than that, weight becomes an issue. It will be interesting....
Captain Vancouver, after rounding the Horn to get here in search of the "north west passage" called Johnstone Straight and the areas tidal rapids "the most vile body of water in the world"
One of my cruising guides warns that of the entire "inside passage" from WA to Alaska, this stretch is the most difficult, requiring the most advanced seamanship.
I will have to time 6 different tidal rapids both up and back. There will be 2 narrow passages with "range markers". Throw in cold temperatures, freezing nights, lack of fuel stops or provisioning , a slow boat and truly being "on your own" with literally no other boat traffic and I guess my "butterfly's" are justified.
The good news is I hope to return to the untouched beauty of Bond Sound with the unreal Eagle, Seal and bird population. I hope to go up Knight Inlet to Glendale Cove to watch the Grizzly Bears....passing the resident Dolphins on the way. A 2 day stop at Joe Cove to relax and fish on Eden Island is also in the plan, as is crossing Back Fish Sound (old local name for Orca's) with the many Sea Lions and Humpback whales (too late in season for Orcas...but I'm hoping) I also hope to stop at Echo Bay to see Bill Proctor.....an area environmentalist legend.
I met him as he turned 80 while I was there last year and I truly hope he is still alive and well. An "old school" fisherman, he has gained the respect of a multitude of biologists with his "self taught-hands on" knowledge of everything in nature. A simple, understated very wise old salt....google him if you're bored. He lives a quiet life in the Broughtons that have always been his home.
Yep....I have butterfly's tonight....probably a combination of excitement and a grain (or 2) of apprehension.
As plans go.....I'll be heading straight into a NW 25-30 knot sea for 35 miles to start.
Fun eh :-)
Frank, those butterflies are really wisdom in disguise. Have a great time up there, and be sure to post a few pics if you can. I will be following along from my leather boat that's docked in front of the woodburner.
-Chris
I have done nothing that even comes close to your proposed adventure but I need to add that it seems bordering on dangerous although I must say you have planned it out quite well and seem to know what you're getting into. It's the lack of fuel that concerns me. Do you have an alternate source of heat other than the engine?
Bob23
It sounds well planned and like an amazing trip. They key is to choose your weather and hopefully sail more than motor. If you don't have a hard and fast schedule it is best and you can make hops on weather windows.
I ALWAYS get myself in trouble when I put deadlines or schedules on my cruises. I have been caught really bad one time and ended up in one of the most treacherous places in the Chesapeake Bay in a full gale.
Take your time, enjoy the cruise, and take lots of pictures!!!!!!
it's 10 to 7 here....trying to figure wether to leave or stay put. First day is getting from Powell River to Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. More open water here but some protection from coastal islands. Once in Heriot Bay, I can do the final fuel up again before heading N. From there....wind is less of an issue as most channels are not too wide so waves tend not to be a factor.
It is the tides that you must time...
Fuel.....if I throttle back to 4.5 knots the burn is about 3 hours per gallon. Timed right.....an extra one to two knot tidal "push" for SOG of 6 to 6.5. Timed wrong.....not good.....
I hope to sail when possible and motor sail as well. On light wind days....throttling back even more to pick up that "free" half a knot plus..
Heat will only be an hour before bed and during morning coffee. Will wear a down Jacket underway.
No "definate schedule"....yes...they are killers...
That said...my best "tidal window" for the 1st 3 rapids is with me leaving Heriot Bay Monday....
I'll ceck the 3 sites again and make the call shortly. Dawn is just now breaking here.
Underway.....2 miles out....
Winds
Issued 10:30 AM PST 15 November 2015
Today Tonight and Monday
Gale warning in effect.
Wind northwest 25 to 30 knots increasing to northwest 30 to 35 early this evening then diminishing to northwest 15 to 25 near midnight. Wind diminishing to southeast 5 to 15 late overnight then increasing to southeast 20 to 30 early Monday morning. Wind increasing to southeast 35 to 45 late Monday morning then diminishing to southwest 15 to 25 Monday evening.
Made it! 26 slow miles...
The saying goes :
"the difference between an adventure or ordeal is attitude"
I'm having my 1st rum and trying for an attitude adjustment :-)
Most will think I'm crazy, an idiot or both for heading out. I probably was/am.
With a NW , we were 'heading into it' with diminishing seas the closer I got to the destination. Tomorrow, with a 35-45 SE, the long fetch of the Straight of Georgia would have made it impossible. As is...I figured I would play the lee of Harwood and Savary Islands as much as possible and after that would be close enough to Cortez the fetch would be down substantially. That was the plan with the "turn back anytime" option one early on and the "pull into Lund" further along option 2. Everyone loves a challenge and after 2 Gulf Stream crossings and over 3mths of sailing winter winds on the sea of Abaco with this boat...I felt fairly confidant. Plus...if it worked, although no schedule, I would save 2 days in getting N.
What I can tell you is the plan "kinda worked". I have been in worst conditions, but the last time was 8yrs ago. The "lee's" weren't too nuts...but we certainly took a pounding 3 different times in the open. I can honestly say that these were the craziest conditions I have had in over 3000 total miles out here during the last 3 years. The lil 23 did great! NOT what it was designed for..but did great.
I am thankful to be safely tied in Gorge Harbour (couldn't make Heriot Bay..OR get out later...)
Thankful for the Pilot House
Thankful I spec'd 100lbs extra lead ballast (expecting strong winter winds in Abacos)
Thankful for autohelm.
Thankful for my old forspar gimballed stove to make hot tea underway
After today, I can honestly say these lil 23's will do far more than you think!
PS....it always amazes me how a towed dingy just keeps tagging along obediently. I kept looking back in the craziest sections expecting the worst...but it just kept following along as if it was no big deal.
Thanks for the update. So one question: What's your rum of choice?
Sounds like a great adventure, thank you for keeping us informed as part of it.
I wish you fair winds and following seas on the rest of the adventure, and hope it meets your full expectations.
Quote from: Bob23 on November 15, 2015, 08:19:47 PM
Thanks for the update. So one question: What's your rum of choice?
In the words of David Henry Thoreau..... "the closest" :-)
I like changing them up but always dark rum
Bacardi Black select, Captain Morgans Dark, a treat is Goslings dark (love it).
Tonight is Lambs Navy dark
So many rums.....so little time :-)
Gosslings is my favorite and go-to rum. But I also like Pussers, the Kraken and Newfy's Screetch. Never heard of Lamb's Navy Dark. I'll have to search that one out.
Gossling for a "go to" rum.....A man of obvious good taste :-)
I agree that the 23, while not a flicka or dana, is capable of much more than just day sails close to the dock. Here are some pictures Frank asked me to post of his trip. I really like the one of the jellyfish with the mountains reflecting on the water.
-Chris
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/cw021382/Franks%20pics/IMG_1231_zpsbd0yijj6.jpg)
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/cw021382/Franks%20pics/IMG_1229_zpsylje9gac.jpg)
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/cw021382/Franks%20pics/IMG_1227_zpsgmy7sypx.jpg)
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/cw021382/Franks%20pics/IMG_1238_zpssouakhoc.jpg)
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/cw021382/Franks%20pics/IMG_1240_zps1iswbq1f.jpg)
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/cw021382/Franks%20pics/IMG_1241_zps6dwjk6cd.jpg)
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/cw021382/Franks%20pics/IMG_1245_zpsnwykk97t.jpg)
Interested in the forspar gimballed stove. It seems that they don't sell these anymore.
Nothing beats a hot lunch or a hot drink when it is cool and you are underway.
Stay safe and keep an eye on the weather. It sounds like you are having a good trip and doing a good job of planning. Sounds like the perfect trip for the Pilot House.
I find it funny that the Compac 23 Pilothouse was considered a motor sailor by some, reviews that I have read, but it is based on the same hull as the Compac 23 and it should sail similar.
Great pics...reminds me of many happy trips. I note happy because I stayed at Squirrel Cove while you were pounding about in the straits. My cap is off to you.
Several updates and pictures below
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4528.0
I keep fighting with my IPad mini to post here
Fingers just too fat. :)
But that's another story.....
Just passing through 2nd tidal Rapids today
Timed right...no prob
Long story short....I made it!
Currently at Lagoon Cove in the Broughtons
Updates and photos:
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4528.0
"all good"
Love a Pilot House up here. Great cruiser!!!
Excellent, Frank. Thanks for keeping us jealous and informed.
Been through the Broughtons, sailed down S end of Queen Charlotte Straight, across "Black Fish Sound" (local for Orca...and yep, although too late in the season....did see a pod of Killer Whales!) and planning return. Cool days....COLD nights....but worth it!!
Photos:
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4528.0
Your trip is amazing. I couldn't imagine how much fun you are having. I don't do cold weather but I am sure that the Pilot house helps some with that.
Keep the pictures on coming!
It ain't looking pretty out there:
Issued 04:00 PM PST 01 December 2015
Tonight and Wednesday
Gale warning in effect.
Wind southeast 30 to 40 knots diminishing to southeast 15 to 25 near midnight then increasing to southeast 25 to 35 Wednesday afternoon.
Weather & Visibility
Issued 04:00 PM PST 01 December 2015
Tonight and Wednesday
Periods of rain ending near midnight. Rain beginning Wednesday afternoon.
Extended Forecast
Issued 04:00 PM PST 01 December 2015
Thursday
Wind southeast 30 to 40 knots diminishing to southeast 15 to 25 in the afternoon.
Friday
Wind southeast 15 to 25 knots.
Saturday
Wind southeast 25 to 35 knots.
Looks very much like my last few days of this cruise will be "hunkered down" here with one long, boring, slog to windward heading S for 25miles when it settles down a bit so I can haul out. No complaints...it's been great!! Kinda of reminds me of that Gordon Lightfoot tune ...one line is "when the gales of November come early"....well...they ain't early...but they ARE here!! Another line in that tune is "when the waves turn the minutes to hours". Think I'll be feeling that when I finally head back S. "up/down/splash.....up/down/splash" (shelves clearing off in the process)
So...for all intents...fall PNW cruise of 2015 is over (except for that one slog S)
A few random thoughts.......
Launched Sept 29th.
Total miles this cruise on Emma B to date (ad 25 for final return): 718
Haul out scheduled for Dec 10th
Total time on boat: 63 days (+9 nights on friends trawler)
Total single handed: 48 (although basically singlehanded with crew)
Gales caught out in: 2
Tidal rapids run: 10 (solo) (15 counting crewing)
Narrows with range markers passed through:2
Whale sightings: 2.....one Humpback, one pod of Orcas
Porpoise sightings.......over 10
Porpoises swimming along bow wave: 5 times (once several for extended time)
Sea Lion sightings: 6 times
Seals: like squirrels back home...
Bald Eagles: frequent
Moments spent in "AHHHHH"......too frequent to count!
Fish caught: over 25 (could have caught more...but why?)
Anchorages: Melanie Cove, Prideaux Haven, Squirrel Cove, Von Donop, Douglas Bay, Behind Yorke Island, Blenkinsop Bay, Joe Cove
Marinas/docks (several not open): West View, Lund, Cortez Bay, Gorge Harbour, Heriot Bay, Squirrel Cove (docked to get fuel/supplies), Smugglers Cove, Okeover Inlet, Big Bay, Lagoon Cove, Kwatsi Bay, Shawl Bay, Echo Bay
Funky people met: lots! :-)
Number of times thinking I was nuts doing this: 2
Number of times in "ahhhh": countless
Misc:
This is SO different from home or Bahamas. You can anchor in less than 25ft of water in the middle of the Sea of Abaco!! Here....often you are 50ft offshore and in 200+ft of water.The depth sounder being "off soundings" is not uncommon....often over 1000 or even 2000ft deep!
Protected...and "shallow" bays are not common..
Beach's are rare. The coastline is typically very unforgiving,
These waters, this time of year, will challenge every aspect of your seamanship ability....every aspect! Literally! Like most things in life....the effort is worthwhile.
I worried too much about running rapids "with the current" (within reason)
Kept wanting to take pictures....every turn (guess when that urge stops....time for different cruising grounds)
Learned to cook on very "low heat" to prolong the warmth without using Espar (diesel range)
You truly are "alone" up there!!! I keep my lifejacket handy on a cockpit settee, wore it while in the dingy, but the dingy is really your "only saviour" here! If you go in...ya gotta get out... FAST...or your dead. That simple. I had mental/visual practice runs getting into the dingy from both the "sinking boat" and from "the water having fallen in".....knowing the only chance to survive in either situation was getting out of the water fast and into it !!
A great sleeping bag and down jacket are your "best friends"
Loved the IPad for everything! Weather, tides/currents, route planning, banking and boat porn. They are great!!
Funny....as much as I have truly loved this adventure, and it has been just that, I'm now ready to "go home". My couch is calling....fire stoked, birds at feeder, movie on...."warm n comfy"
Yep...I'm ready! :-)
If ya can...in any way...get out here (summer is easier)...DO IT!!!!!
A few final pictures here: (scroll down)
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=4528.0
Great coverage of a wonderful adventure. Makes we want to do a PH conversion on my old '85. But acquiring time is the real challenge. Best wishes for a safe return and I'd hope to have the privilege to down a Dark and Stormy or 2 in person some day!
Bob23
Quote from: Bob23 on December 02, 2015, 05:14:47 AM
I'd hope to have the privilege to down a Dark and Stormy or 2 in person some day!
Bob23
I'd love to have the privilege of of "drinking out of the same bottle" as well Bob !!
Me thinks that maybe "Jubilee" might talk me into trailering her S for a get together.
What is the furthest one up in the NE? I'd be trailering down from NE Ontario...
Quote from: frank on December 01, 2015, 10:11:03 PM
A few random thoughts.......
Gales caught out in: 2
Number of times thinking I was nuts doing this: 2
Any chance there is a correlation between these events?
Thanks for sharing, great to live vicariously through your experiences.
Kinda....
once was while in a gale..
the other was one evening, after 3 very cold days, I was cooking and the cylinder ran out. That meant opening up and
rooting around at the back of the cockpit to get another one. By the time I got backin, companionway closed up and settled....it was super cold inside again...
I thought....."am I nuts doing this so late". Probably was :-)