Introduction from West Michigan

[drsm]

Hi all,

Just a brief note to introduce myself. I am seriously interested in a CP-23 based on my research. The determining factor is likely to be my wife's comfort level with the interior (she's a wee bit claustrophobic and has already ruled out the smaller CP's). My goal is the smallest, simplest boat possible that suits my need for a solid quality boat for spending weekends up to two week period cruising the Great Lakes.

I'm particularly interested in user's comments that sail the Great Lakes, and if there is anyone that would allow us to take a look at theirs, I would be most appreciative. We're in the Grand Rapids area (SW Michigan).

We currently day sail on a 17 foot trimaran and have a blast, but it has no accommodations for spending nights on the boat. We have done some great camping trips in Lake Superior on it.

Thanks for providing a site so full of quality information,

Steve

[Deborah Klaus]

Good luck in your search.  CP's are great little boats....I have owned a CP 19 for 26 years and never been disappointed in her.  You didn't say, but I assume you plan to trailer this boat.  I found the CP 19 too much work for me to trailer and I would think the CP 23 would be even more work.  You didn't say your age either, but the younger you are, the easier trailering is.  Anyway, best wishes.  My CP 19 has given me many happy memories.

[drsm]

My ideal plan would be to moor the boat most of the time, but be able to trailer if I wanted to take a trip to, say, the Apostle Islands or the North Channel. In time, I would also like to head south when cold weather arrives.

Currently, I'm 47 and don't mind trailering, but I also do not enjoy having to set up and take down everytime we sail. Our current boat takes about 45 minutes to set up and 30 minutes to break down.

[Bob23]

Steve:
   Welcome. I currently sail a 1985 23/2 down here in NJ. They are well built, tough little boats with a lot of sitting headroom. I find accomodations are great, although my wife does not enjoy sailing at all.
   With 45% of her weight as ballast, she can take a knockdown quite well. I say this because, although I've never sailed on the Great Lakes, I've read that conditions can be quite rough at times.
   I also moor my boat; wouldn't want to trailer-sail a 23, although there are some who do. I find that proper set-up time at a boat ramp would be bit excessive for my liking.
   Best to you...Bob23 in Southern NJ

[kchunk]

lol... Bob, first time I read your post I thought you were still talking about your wife. You went from how "she doesn't enjoy sailing" to "45% of her weight is ballast" and "she takes a knockdown quite well".  lol...  I thought, "OK, I don't know you or your wife, but that ballast comment was a little harsh, but knocking her down and complimenting her on it is just down right uncalled for!"

I got it straight the second time I read it 

I apologize for the interruption. Now we continue with your thread already in progress.

-Greg

[Paul]

LOL:

Funny, I thought the same thing for a moment. 

[Mundaysj]

I have to agree with Bob (although I don't personally know his wife or her ballast - LOL) .  I would not want to trailer my CP23 very often.  It took two strong young men to put her mast up.  I suppose you could rig some type of pulley, but it is much simpler to just moor her.  An occasional trip wouldn't be terrible ... just wouldn't want to do it every weekend. 
How tall is your wife?  I'm pretty short (5'2") and I find weekends aboard to be roomy enough.  But 2 weeks on her would be pushing my limits (especially with a tiny sink and no proper head).  However, if your wife enjoy's camping then roughing it on a CP23 would not be so bad.  As far as "little" compact cruisers go, I personally think the CP23 is a beauty!!
Best of Luck to you,
Sherie

[Bob23]

As with most folks in thier mid 50's, both my wifes and my ballast has increased slightly over the years! As far as taking a knockdown, well...I don't know...and sure don't want to find out! I might recieve a reciprical knowdown!
   As I re-read my post, I noticed the time- 4:32 am. Perhaps I'm not as awake that early as I assumed!
   On a lighter note, my wife's idea of camping is at a 5 star hotel; we don't go camping although I've done a fair bit of hiking and camping in the past and love all sorts of outdoors stuff...cross country skiing, rowing, and just plain old hikes in the woods. Anything to get away from the blacktop madness.
   Thanks for a good laugh, Greg and Sherie! Usually my writing is more consistent than that. By the way, I also don't make my wife ride on the boat trailer...she gets to use the car!
   Bob23, recovering from a writers "Knockdown"!

[mrb]

Welcome Steve

Looking on sailing Texas web site I think I saw a 23 for sale today.

Don't give up on hearing more on your questions, seem's like site is a little slow this time of year.

Good luck on your search.
Melvin

[elibobeli]

Melvin,

If you are still out there, and are interested in looking at an Eclipse, I am 20 minutes north of GR and sail out of Muskegon and where ever else I can get her in the water.  I am a little younger with young kids and don't mind roughing it.  My wife and I have camped in it both on the water on off.  Apostles and North Channel are in our future and I look forward to it.

A visit is always welcome either at the house or in the water.

Allan (elibobeli)