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, 2024-11-21

A - TRAILER (towing & storage)

B - HULL (structural integrity)

C - CABIN (creature comforts)

D - OUTBOARD (push required)

E - ELECTRICAL (power & 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)

_____  *  SEARCH  *  ______

 

website counter sailors have cruised through the SJ23 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

End of season updates for Panache.

- The new backstay was perfectly in tune with the rest of the "strings" that held the big stick up.  She sailed very well because of it.  Tech Tip F34a.

- The deck tracks were extended Tech Tip F06 for the new jib added to Panache's inventory.  This is the third full hoist jib in the SJ23 fleet.  Tech Tip F21.  Panache feels so solid that I may never use my 150% genoa again. All of this is incredible considering how close I came to loosing the mast 5 months ago.

- The new "cleaner" I discovered finally removed 30 years of coal dust imbedded on the deck.  Its amazing how well it removed the grunge from the dimples to clean like factory new.  Tech Tip G07.

There was just enough water to haul Panache out this Fall but I did have to back the trailer to the bottom of the ramp, which is really unusual.  Who pulled the drain plug on the lake?
 

 REALLY USEFUL STUFF!  
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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.

 

  THOUGHTS of the DAY

Don't worry about getting older
You're still gonna do stupid 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.

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

  • 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       Contact me      PRINT     LEGALESE 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Cont'd from above)  Over the years I've gleaned many ideas and bits of information from different sailors and added it to an applicable Tech Tip.  It's how the data base grows.  Many are not aware how valuable their contribution is.  This knowledge is provided in the true spirit of the Internet, "A free exchange of information for the benefit of all." 

Its OK to post your project or question via 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.  Bob
 

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.
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  *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 search results from only this website.

You can also type "Ctrl F" (from your keyboard) to search through an index or a Tech Tip you have open.
 

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 a screen!

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

MEASUREMENTS - The SJ23 sailboat was constructed using Imperial dimensions which I continue to use on this web site, with metric shown as (XXmm) for my Canadian and international buddies.  The base 10 numbering system is so easy to work with.  The measurements shown are taken from Panache and I have taken great care to ensure accuracy.  But please measure your own hull for an exact fit as it is the most accurate.  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