23 Pilot house to Bahamas

[frank]

 We picked the boat up last thursday and trailered her to Indiantown marina to rig and provision. Named her "Sadie Girl" after our golden retriever ;-) The mast is up, bimini and solar panels attached and hopefully by tomorrow night it will be ready to launch. It's been fun trying to get things to 'fit' and doing the 'what goes where' stuff. The 'to-do' list is long but getting better. Long range forecast isn't looking that good for a crossing but we are hoping to be at Green Turtle Cay for Christmas. I'll post a few pictures of the launch after it happens. Liking the boat so far!!

[Salty19]

Frank,

Congratulations on the new pilothouse!  Bon Voyage and do keep us posted!  We're all anxiously awaiting to hear of your adventures. One day I hope to be doing the same...

[Bob23]

Frank:
   Yes, do keep us posted and, don't take this as a threat but if you don't post photos, the CPYOA Cold Beverage Authority may show up and drink all your beer!
   Many congratulations on the boat and may she take you on many wonderful voyages. I bet she's a real eye turner at the marina.
   Looking at the PH got me thinking: I wonder if Gerry and the boys would consider converting older 23's to a Pilothouse? I'm almost afraid to email them- what if they say yes?
Bob23

[bob lamb]

WOW!  Congratulations Frank.  I'll be watching carefully to see your progress on sailing to the Bahamas on your new PH>  I really love mine and would encourage others to consider converting theirs (Go ahead and ask, Bob 23   Us "older sailors" need standing headroom!!

BobL   CP23dPH
B'lest B'yond B'lief

[mikew]

Bob23- The sailboat Company in Richland , NC does pilothouse conversions on older Compacs. They can also make an "aftermarket"
house for the 23. Contact: www.ipass.net/sailboat/
Bob Lamb- I like your PH 23 conversion. Curious what materials you used to construct and finish your house.

Frank, good luck on your new boat, yes pictures will make our long cold Northern winters go by faster.

Mike  

[frank]

Sorry for not posting sooner.  here is a link to pics and notes on our trip down the Keys, then the crossing to Bahamas and Abaco tour.

http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php/topic,3447.20.html

[Billy]

Awesome! One of these days I'll make a trip similar on my 19. Just have to convince the admiral.

[frank]

With planning and a good eye to the weather....totally doable with your 19.  Have fun

[pdx23p]

Wow, great trip Frank! Beautiful pictures. Thanks for posting.

[Billy]

With planning and a good eye to the weather....totally doable with your 19.  Have fun

Thanks for the words of encouragement!

[frank]

A few words on my experience with the pilot house. The diesel has more than enough power! (my 6500lb Flicka seemed underpowered with the 9hp diesel at times) Docking was super easy...pull up at a 45 with the dock on port side, turn in, apply reverse and the prop walk takes you in nicely. Steering from the inside was awesome! Felt odd sailing with one hand on the wheel and the other arm resting on the window ledge like in a vehicle  :-)  The boat sails better than I expected and was stiffer than I expected as well. The pilot house acts like a windbreak while at anchor. After useing a Flicka"s "private head"...the 23's seemed huge. It isn't....but try a Flicka's  ;-)   While I typically don't order furling....it was extremely nice to use. I thought the boat was well thought out and offered a lot on 23ft.