Time to update the 23?

[chas5131]

The 23 with a keel centerboard and styled like the Eclipse would be a knockout.  More sail area would be nice.
That could get my wallet out of my pocket.

[NateD]

Sounds like you want a Precision 23? It has a little more sail area, centerboard/keel configuration, and it is a little lighter.

I'm just jokin with ya. I chose the Com-Pac over the Precision because of the look/style and quality of the boat, but adding a stainless centerboard that required very little or no maintenance would be nice. It would be possible to retrofit one, but it would involve considerable time (and/or expense).

I think the CP23 Pilothouse IS the update to the 23. I would love the standing headroom and enclosed head, but I don't care for the looks of the thing (plus I couldn't afford it anyway).

[HideAway]

With the pilothouse priced around $70k I'd be looking at a Dana 24 which is about the same cost albeit used.   Two very different boats to be sure- neither of which I will have to be concerned about -  A boat, or anything else for that matter, that is paid for is worth more than one that is not 

As I heard the story the original plans for the 23 included a centerboard, but Compac opted for the high tech keel.   I think the boat is better for the fixed keel - just don t ask me that when i m launching   M 

[Shawn]

As a 23 owner that leaves the boat in the ocean I would *hate* having to deal with the maintenance issues a centerboard would add. It is tough enough just trying to get the bottom of the keel painted. You would need a lift to extend the board to scrape it and paint it for the next season. Inside the trunk would be even harder.

Shawn

[Bob23]

   In the words of no less an authority than Gerry Hutchins himself: "the 23 is one model we have no plans to change". Of course, that was before the Pilothouse.
   My friend had a Seaward 22 with swing centerboard. After sealing it up, he could tell no difference in the pointing ability.
  "If it works, don't fix it." I like my 23 just the way it is.
Bob23

[newt]

Hold on now. I am modding the following:
Rudder foil
Rear steps
Ss bowsprit
Baby stay
Dual backstay with adjustable tension
Possibilities-
Running back stays
Thicker chain plates
(And you guys wonder were I have been all year:-) )

[Salty19]

NEWT!!!   Welcome back, good to see you here.

I like the adjustable/running backstay idea.  And the foiled rudder..you'll be amazed.

While I haven't sail a 23, with such a long production run you would think it would be updated.
Well, it has.  Over the years they have upgraded various aspects of the boat.  Some subtle, some not.
Same basic form.

I agree with Bob..it's not broken so don't fix it.

[chas5131]

How well does it point as it is?   
Are diesel models hard to find?

[Bob23]

I believe Gerry was talking about the basic hull and interior layout of the 23. They have made many changes over the years and continue to do so. It seems that the 23's are made to order...I can't believe they sell too many these days but I could be wrong.
Hi, Newt- yes, it seems you have been busy. Maybe if I didn't spend so much time here, I'd be sailing more! Looks like nice mods, mon! Thicker chainplates make sense...longer too?
Chas:
   The 23's are not high pointing boats but, with a foiled rudder and good sails, it's adequate, for me at least. I sail in a tidal area and because of the keel, the tide direction and strength as well as the  wind direction and strength affects how high she'll point. But taking tide into account, they just are not the highest pointing boats out there.
   I guess you can find deisel 23's. Someone here at the site just bought one in San Diego.

[Greene]

How well does it point as it is?   
Are diesel models hard to find?

There is a diesel version for sale in Madison, WI at the Boathouse. 
http://www.madisonboathouse.com/Page.aspx/pageId/68230/Home.aspx

I believe they have a few Com-Pac cats, a 25 and another 23 sitting on their lot. 

Mike

[NateD]

How well does it point as it is?   
Are diesel models hard to find?

There is a diesel version for sale in Madison, WI at the Boathouse. 
http://www.madisonboathouse.com/Page.aspx/pageId/68230/Home.aspx

I believe they have a few Com-Pac cats, a 25 and another 23 sitting on their lot. 

Mike

I think that 23 has been on the market at least since I was looking for a 23 back in mid-2009.

[Greene]

I believe you are right.  At that price it will still be there in 2014 as well.

Mike

[chas5131]

Wish they would make it like the Eclipse, with a centerboard and open transom.  That would be unbeatable.
An outboard on an open transom is much easier to handle.

[NateD]

Wish they would make it like the Eclipse, with a centerboard and open transom.  That would be unbeatable.
An outboard on an open transom is much easier to handle.

I gotta disagree, I'm not a fan of the open transom, just doesn't look right. Plus I like the water outside the boat, and the crew (and gear that ends up rolling around) inside the boat.

[skip1930]

I'm thinking more sail area is NOT going to yield more speed. Speed is more a function of hull shape so unless the 23's waterline is lengthened add all the sail you want. But it's only going to go so fast and no more. Hang the spinnaker...

"Center board! We don't need no stinking centerboard."

lol skip.