San Juan 23 Technical Tips.

This web site is dedicated to all San Juan 23 sailboats that love to be pampered for I fervently believe that a boat responds well to good treatment.  So treat her well and talk kindly to her while on board, for she is listening.  (It wouldn't hurt to quietly thank the Clark family for a good design).   I document modifications & repairs to Panache & other SJ23s here to show you the how and why. (cont'd below)
(Don't even ask me how much time I've invested in Panache, let alone this web site.  I could be quite wealthy at $1.00 / hr.)
 

  UPDATED, 2023-09-16 *

A - TRAILER (towing & storage)

B - HULL * (structural integrity)

C - CABIN (creature comforts)

D - OUTBOARD * (push required)

E - ELECTRICAL * (& electronics)

F - RIGGING * (standing & running)

G - CHEMICALS (about)

H - SPECS/HANDLING (lots of #s)

J - HOW TO (related techniques)

P - PROJECTS, JOBS & PHOTOS.  (How others pursue their projects & those I work on)

______   Contact me  _______

sailors have cruised through the San Juan 23 web site since the first Tech Tip (B01) was published May 26, 1999.  Chuck started this web site a few years earlier and has since crossed the bar.  From Chuck and myself, enjoy.

ACROSS THE BAR

Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin

June 2023 - Panache was engulfed in smoke in her slip (front left).  At times the opposite shore, 1/2 KM away, was totally obscured.  The smoke from Alberta's forest fires extended over a lot of Canada, USA & the Atlantic.  Click on image to see more.

I'm waiting for updates from a busy globe traveling guy to complete Tech Tips B11a and F38.

  THOUGHTS of the DAY

Life ends when you stop dreaming.
Hope ends when you stop believing.
Love ends when you stop caring &
Friendship ends when you stop sharing.

 REALLY USEFUL STUFF!  
_________________

Join the Distribution List
and or Skipper List

View SJ23 Google Group
(requires Google Password)
_________________

Nautical Terms

Sailing Links *

San Juan History.

SJ21, SJ21, SJ24, SJ30, SJ34

SJ23 Parts

   SJ23s For Sale / Buy 
Buying a SJ23?  Then read FAQs and reviews from 1986 &,2013.

Don't worry about getting older
You're still gonna do dumb stuff,
only slower.

If its not yours, don' take it.
If its not right, don't do it.
If its not true, don't say it.
If you don't know, shut up.
(Japanese wisdom)

To deny someone a challenge is the greatest damage you can do to them.

Seek knowledge until understood,
Then act accordingly.

• I've sailed an SJ21, SJ23 (MKI & MKII), SJ7.7M, SJ24 & SJ28.  I doubt I will ever sail an SJ26, 30 or 34.  There aren't any around here.  The SJ23 and SJ28 have many similarities.  Despite their weight difference they handle quite similar.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 DISPLAY SETTING      *SEARCH*     PRINT    KNOWLEDGE     LEGALESE 
 

(Cont'd from above)  Over the years I've gleaned many ideas and bits of information from different sailors and added them to an applicable Tech Tip or created a new one.  It's how the data base grows.  Its OK to post your project or problem on the SJ23 distribution list for subscribed members to view or you can email it directly to me.  In either case this is a great way for others to learn or help you solve it.   Your project doesn't have to be a complete remake of the boat!  So set your camera resolution to fine and image size to 1024x768, dip your quill in an ink well and write a brief description.  Then email it to me.  Honestly it's not that difficult!
 

DISPLAY SETTING - The Tech Tips are formatted for a display setting of 1024x768 using Firefox, MS Edge, Safari or any other browser.  They show OK on a tablet but are too big for a smart phone unless you rotate it to landscape view.  This increases text size and you can zoom in / out.  For a better view, pair your tablet to your smart phone.
(Views 403000)

  *SEARCH*  - Unfortunately there is no server based search tool for this web site.   *But if you type: https://sj23.yottahost.io "search term" into Google, it will show your search results from only this website.

You can also type "Ctrl F" (from your keyboard) to search through an index or a document.
 

PRINT - I compose each Tech Tip to be printable on (8.5x11)" paper so you can carry a copy to your boat.   It's a lot easier to scribble notes on paper than on your laptop!

Go to "print preview" in your browser and scale it to fit your printer. 
 

KNOWLEDGE - I don't know everything about the SJ23, yet!  Much of what I know is documented in these Tech Tips!  I am very grateful for the missing bits of info that dribble in from other owners.  Many are not even aware how valuable the information in their question is.  I generally update the applicable Tech Tip with the info gleaned from their approach to solving the problem.  This knowledge is provided in the true spirit of the Internet, "A free exchange of information for the benefit of all." 
 

MEASUREMENTS - The SJ23 sailboat was constructed using Imperial dimensions (metric) which I continue to use on this web site.  The measurements (metric) shown are taken from Panache and I have taken great care to ensure accuracy.  Please measure your own hull for an exact fit.  It is the best and most accurate way.  However, if you find a dimension or description in error I would appreciate hearing from you.  After all, I was wrong once before and I suppose it could happen again! 

LEGALESE - The modifications shown in these Tech Tips give you an idea of what can be done to repair or upgrade an SJ23, or any other pocket cruiser for that matter.  The Tips are directed to those individuals who possess "opposing thumbs" or know people who are suitably equipped!  You assume all responsibilities for misplaced pencil marks, cutting too short/long, picking up the wrong tool or not understanding what you're about to do!  I cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss resulting from the use of information provided herein.  That's enough of the legalese.  Geeze.
 

Bob P. Schimmel, SJ23 Tech Tips Editor. Contact me