New to sailing, and just bought a 23

[Shawn]

If the wind is 13 knots and say you are doing 4 knots beating to wind the apparent wind speed is going to be higher probably 15 or 16 knots depending upon how well you are heading to wind. I would considering a reef at that speed and that is with a 110% jib. With my old main I'd definitely be reefed. If you are expecting to always be in double digit wind get the 110, it would be a better sail for your conditions. I have a 110 as my typical headsail but also have a 130 and a 170 drifter and what works out to about a 60% jib for high wind days when I am double reefed. Assuming good sail trim in that wind you may make 2 or 3 knots velocity made good to wind. That would make for a very long day trying to go 20 miles.

Is the Yamaha a four stroke or two stroke? My 6 hp four stroke tohatsu is rated for half a gallon an hour at wide open but you wouldn't run wide open for that length of time. My old Johnson 8hp two stroke was easily double that if not more. If your tank is really 6 gallons (mine is 3) and it is a four stroke that should get you there if you stay at crushing speed and don't have to fight the tide. If that is a two stroke I'd bring along a 5 gallon pail...just to be sure. Really I'd bring the extra even with the four stroke just for peace of mind. I keep a spare 2 gallons on board just in case and figure it would give me at least a 20 mile range.

Have you checked tide for tomorrow? It can make to trip lomger or shorter. Have charts and so on?

Bring lots of water and try to stay out of the sun.

Most importantly have fun and stay safe!

Shawn

[Ivo]

Hi Joie...welcome.  I'm a literally in the same boat.  I have a 23 that I hope to be sailing relatively soon...haven't put in the water yet (work in progress).   I'm in Naples and hope to make it down your way sooner or later.

Ivo

[Joie De Vivre]

Let me know when you do and we can hook up. Let me know how the work is going. Mine is in good shape just needs some cleaning, and I can't wait to get her home and do it. Thanks

[Bob23]

I'm gonna echo Shawns advice and add a bit:
   Start early. Make sure that Murphy guy is not aboard...he's messed with me before and it wasn't fun. If you are motoring into a headwind, based on my 23's performance under power, I go about 4 to 5 knots. I run my Nissan 8 at about 1/2 throttle and check the cooling water output from time to time. I think this trip could easily be 5 hours and depending on how strong the wind is, you'll take some spray over the bow. Bring some raingear unless you enjoy being that sort of thing. I do, especially when it's hot out. But 5 hours of it is another thing.
   Bring extra batteries for you VHF unless it's a stationary unit, in which case- does your 23 have a fully charged battery?
   Ok, that's it for me...you'll be fine. We're looking forward to hearing about your adventures and seeing photos of your 23. They are really fine little yachts!
bob23
(ps: Ivo gets Pun of the Month award- "Literally in the same boat.")

[Joie De Vivre]

I ll share more later, but just wanted to say the trip went well. Had hard time getting her to tack SE, but NE was good. I can't wait to get more sailing time so I can learn a little more of what you can do. I ended up motoring 90% of the way and had a great time. Last minute a friend went with and with the two of us taking turns at the helm, made the 9 hour trip a little better. Thanks for all the help.

[Bob23]

Cheers! for your successful trip! The 23's are great boats, don't you think? Even while motoring, they are fine yachts.
bob23

[Shawn]

Great, glad to hear it went well!

Congratulations!

Shawn

[jthatcher]

you were fortunate to have a friend come along..  9 hours  on the water can be pretty exhausting!    i typically end up taking a nap in the cockpit after 5 or 6 hours       With a longer trip in mind for next year,  i have been taking the boat out and trying to cover distances..     what i have found is that i can do about 20 nm  in 5-6 hours..       when i motor, i try to keep the pace at 4.5 - 4.8 nm..    hoping that is a good setting for engine efficiency.    the engine will push the boat at close to 6, but  i don't like that much noise, and  it is certain that the efficiency is terrible at that point.     looking forward to some pics and more stories!   jt

[Joie De Vivre]

Thanks guys your making me feel like fam. I am glad I found this site,
Whats a good price for a bottom paint job??