Can someone define coastal cruiser. I hear that phrase used to describe the 23 but I never quite under stand what it entails. I've heard the 23 is not a blue water cruiser.
Boat designed for use with in 12 mile coast limit...not for "blue water" use.
Gerry
I'm sure there is no absolute in this expression, but it is generally understood to mean that the design is for limited provisioning that would be needed for short (typically a week or less) trips without shore support. One important aspect of a true cruising boat is the quantity of provisions she can carry. I think the idea that one vessel is more capable in bad weather is not as important as the ability and experience of the skipper. I think the use of the expression "coastal cruiser" is more a marketing than a nautical term. After all the Atlantic has been crossed in a vessel of less than 9 feet length, but no one is calling it a blue water boat. There was a young woman that made the crossing from Florida to the Bahamas several times in a Com-Pac 16. So if the 23 suits you then go for it. If you feel you are ready for a ocean voyage, go for it.
Even though my 23 has handled most of what our local lake can throw at it with grace and stability I'd be reluctant to take it more than a few miles off shore. I would certainly watch the weather and stay close enough to run back should conditions change. I've spent minimal time offshore but I know what open water is capable of.
True blue water boats address critical details that are easy to overlook: beefy hatches that handle heavy waves crashing over the deck, smaller cockpits that drain quickly, a hull design that can handle an extreme knockdown without inverting, etc.
Compac 23's set up right are quite capable, watching the weather , of coastal cruising, crossing the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas, etc. Having the inboard diesel is also a nice add for times when the iron wind is necessary. Our 23d, has been on the Great Lakes, Alaska, Sea of Cortez, Gulf of Mexico and now the Chesapeake.
BTW she is now for sale.