New import to the West coast.

[Andy]

Well maybe not all the way to the coast but at least to Arizona. One more Com-Pac 23 added to the few who reside West of the Mississippi after a fairly non eventful 2,000 mile tow. My wife and I traveled to the Duluth area and took possession of a 1988 model just prior to the 4th weekend, then spent about a week touring the North Shore area by car while having the trailer gone over by a local mechanic. Saw some beautiful scenery and met some great people before heading back to Tucson.

At the moment she's resting on her trailer in the yard while I do a bit more tweaking with lights, etc. and while waiting to see what tropical storm Dolores decides to do. After which we'll finish up the last 250 miles or so to San Carlos and the Sea of Cortez.

Since she's been a fresh water boat all her life this will be the first time in salt water and will probably remain so for pretty much the full time I'll have her.  The first splash won't be until about November (our sailing season down there is mostly Nov. thru May) and then will be stored back on the trailer under cover until the following season. Meantime I've been reading horror stories on past posts about electrolosis, dissimilar metals, corrosion, and all the other things that go bump in the night around salt water. Far be it from me to compromise a lady but I'm not finding any corrosion around the rudder areas mentioned and I don't wish to initiate any  now. I'm considering the delrin bushings in the gudgeons as suggested just to prevent any of it starting. On the other hand I've read such positive things about the Ida rudder I may decide to go that route and replace the blade since there is some slight pitting on that, but still rebush with delrin.  Don't think there are any bushings in there now, just straight stainless bolts and aluminum casting. No wear on the bolts by the way. How about the pivot bolt for the kick up, should that be bushed also? And the thru bolts for the tiller attatchment ? This could be unending.

Are there any other areas that should have particular attention in a salt water environment?  Oh yes---I've read of anodes or zinks. Where and how are they installed?

Anyway I'm happy to import another Com-Pac to the area, I'm only aware of a couple of other 23's, one in Puget Sound and another in the Portland area. Strangely enough a sixteen footer popped up that was for sale here in Tucson just a few weeks ago before I left.  Disappeared off the radar almost immediately though---go figure.

Andy.

[Bob23]

   Andy, first let me welcome you and an advanced "Thank You" for inviting all of us down to sail with you at the Andy Sea of Cortez first annual Christmas Bash! You're a swell guy!!!  I have a 1985 23/2 here in NJ and the first season I owner her, or should say- she allowed me to own her, I had no zincs and the salt water ate up my rudder gudgeon. I had to replace it. There is aluminum, bronze and stainless back there so it's a battery waiting to happen. I have 4 zincs just on the rudder area alone. One on  the blade, one on the housing, and one on the lower bolts and one on the rudder pivot bolt. Yeah, you can tell I like a bit of overkill. It works. I also use nylong washers and bushings wherever it makes sense.
   Congrats on your new 23! They are indeed wonderful little yachts.
Bob23

[Andy]

   Andy, first let me welcome you and an advanced "Thank You" for inviting all of us down to sail with you at the Andy Sea of Cortez first annual Christmas Bash! You're a swell guy!!! 

No problemo Bob! San Carlos is reachable thru Nogales, Az. or the Panama Canal, depending on your time frame.

Sounds like I need to educate myself regarding anodes. supposedly there's already one in the Sailpro, haven't checked its condition yet, and should pursue adding some to the rudder area.

Thanks--Andy.