New to me 23

[Sox]

Hi all,
Got my new to me 23 in April. Getting new Tri-Radial sails and need advice. 135% or 150% Genoa?

[ruffwind]

I sail my 23 on Lake Michigan and we frequently have 14-20 knot winds out of the west.  I had a 150% Genoa and when I got new sails I bought a 110% Genoa and love it.  The 150% seemed to give me too much weather helm

[Bristol14]

Welcome!

My '87 MK II has a 110 furling jib, perfect for the 10-20 kt winds of Buzzards Bay. Where you sail and the typical wind range should factor into your decision. As you'll read from this site or others, there's no need to overpower, you won't go any faster.

You'll love the boat!

[Sox]

Thanks for the fast replies. My intention are to take her around the loop, so I will probably see most all conditions. Currently using a 110 hank on, but will be going with roller furling to simplify things as I will be single handed. Also needing advice on ground tackle too.

[brackish]

Thanks for the fast replies. My intention are to take her around the loop, so I will probably see most all conditions. Currently using a 110 hank on, but will be going with roller furling to simplify things as I will be single handed. Also needing advice on ground tackle too.

The loop?  the Great Loop?  You need to invest in a good motor.  Most doing that leave their mast at home and motor the loop.  I keep my boat on the Tenn Tom and watch them come through often.

If you are switching to furler from hank on I would suggest you get a 130 or 135 with luff foam panels that will let you effectively reef it down to 115 or so to cover the most conditions.  And invest in a whisker pole to go wing and wing for the run conditions you will often see on the higher bank parts of the loop.  For instance, it doesn't matter what the weather says the wind is where I sail, it is either due north or due south, up lake or down lake, because of the channeling effect that the lake has on the wind.  I think you will find that alot on the loop.

If you do the loop give me advance notice, I'll buy you a beer when you pass through Bay Springs Lake.

[Potcake boy]

Other than a racing set up, I prefer a furling 110 and cruising spinnaker with a sock. Simple and fits most situations. Keep in mind that these sturdy vessels aren't the best in windward performance so the extra big head sail doesn't offer that much benefit, and you can use the spinnaker off wind most of the time. IMHO.

[Sox]

Yes Sir Brackish, The Great Loop. Down sized from a Hunter H30 so I could step the mast as needed, and of course the shoal draft will help too. Love the quality and simplicity of CP-23. Tiller stirring, no through hull's. New 6hp Tohatsu Sail-Pro should do the trick for all that motoring. Still need advice on ground tackle for the Great Lakes area.

[brackish]

Yes Sir Brackish, The Great Loop. Down sized from a Hunter H30 so I could step the mast as needed, and of course the shoal draft will help too. Love the quality and simplicity of CP-23. Tiller stirring, no through hull's. New 6hp Tohatsu Sail-Pro should do the trick for all that motoring. Still need advice on ground tackle for the Great Lakes area.

Can't help you with that don't know the waters.  I have the oft maligned and expensive original CQR,  with 20' of chain, however I became a believer when it held in a 60 MPH wind squall in sand which is not its forte.  Several others were on the beach from that storm.

[ruffwind]

Sox, I have sailed and anchored many boats up to 40' Jenneau on Southern Lake Michigan.  Always used the appropriate size danforth with at least 20' of chain as the lake can have 12-15 ft waves in open water.  Most of Lake Michigan is clay and sand bottom.

[jthatcher]

Hi Sox,
   my 23 has not been in the water for 3 years, but that should change next summer... I have had dreams of doing the great loop for a number of years, and  share your admiration for the  simplicity of the c23..   i also have a sail pro , and it served me well for the season that i used it before putting the boat on the hard..    looking forward to hearing about your preparations and adventure!   jt

[Potcake boy]

I have been using a 13# Rocna with 25' chain and 200' double braid 3/8" nylon rode. In most cases here in Florida the water is shallow so I usually put out the chain and maybe 10' of rode. The chain keeps the boat in one place when the wind is calm. If there is a storm approaching, I let out additional line. So far it has held in every situation including a water spout at 2:00 AM. It sets quickly and re-sets readily with a wind swing.

Yeah the waterspout was pretty weird. It had been storming that night and these thunderstorms are some times accompanied by water spouts. It happened very quickly causing the boat to lurch in a very strange way, and by the time I was out of the bunk and donning rain gear, it was gone. Another tale for the grand-kids I suppose.

Good luck on your Loop adventure. I have friends that plan to do that in a 26' Cutwater this year.