Aquarius23 fixed keel

[Dan413]

Hello all
I'm new to boat ownership and sailing. However, I have crewed and been sailing throughout my life. I recently acquired an Aquarius23 fixed keel sailboat, and to what I see, doesn't need much to get her looking fresh and clean.

I decided to reach out to the community for some information, direction, and advice.
I've tried to look up information about the fixed keel as to the draft and weight but so far no go.
I also curious what most people use to buff/wax the hull to make it look young again, any particular item, or name brand?

I haven't inspected the mainsail to it's entirety, but there is some repair work done to it. Where can I go to look for a new mainsail?
One last one, what is recommended for the wood trim to make it look fresh again?
May the wind always be in your favor.
Cheers.

 

[rgranger]

Nice looking boat and trailer
Congrats

 

[rgranger]

Hello all
I'm new to boat ownership and sailing. However, I have crewed and been sailing throughout my life. I recently acquired an Aquarius23 fixed keel sailboat, and to what I see, doesn't need much to get her looking fresh and clean.

I decided to reach out to the community for some information, direction, and advice.
I've tried to look up information about the fixed keel as to the draft and weight but so far no go.

Try sailboatdata.com

I also curious what most people use to buff/wax the hull to make it look young again, any particular item, or name brand?

Main sail on this forum has an entire write up. Find one of his posts and look at the links on the bottom of his post.

I haven't inspected the mainsail to it's entirety, but there is some repair work done to it. Where can I go to look for a new mainsail?

You can call the people who run this forum. They have been good to me

One last one, what is recommended for the wood trim to make it look fresh again?

If it is teak you will be surprised at how a good sanding will bring it back. Then oil. If not teak consider replacing with trex. You will never have to mess with it again.

 

[Dan413]

Thank you for the direction. I'm going to start sanding tomorrow. Looking forward to the a maiden sail.

 

[jssailem]

Hello @Dan413 and congrats on your new to you boat..

1. Not sure about your identification of the boat. I may be something else. Here is the data about an Aquarius 23. https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/aquarius-23.. It is listed as a “swing keel” not a fixed keel.

2. also curious what most people use to buff/wax the hull to make it look young again,

   Here is the best info on the forum about making your boat sparkle. https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/tips-for-a-great-buff-wax.117266/

Good luck Dan She looks pretty good.

 

[Dan413]

Thank you. Reading the forum now.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

thank you guys for the referral to this sailor

 

[rgranger]

Hello @Dan413

1. Not sure about your identification of the boat. I may be something else.

The Hull Identification number will tell you the manufacturer.

https://itstillruns.com/read-boat-hull-identification-numbers-7556671.html

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If a boat is state registered, the certificate on it usually will indicate make

 

[jssailem]

state registered, the certificate on it usually will indicate make

Mine did. Said my sail boat was a power boat and manufacture was "Unknown".
took two years to correct. The clerk did not want to do it all at once.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

That would not happen in VA, maybe on Planet Pluto

 

[Dan413]

I did just that amd it says coastal recreation size 23. So I started sanding the teak trim to get the varnish off to prep for the new coat amd I found the plate. Its an aquarius 23, made in Strasburg va.

I just cant find anything on a fixed keel. The original brochure says a fixed keel is custom made.

On a side note. Im pretty punped how she looks with the old bubbled varnish sanded down.

My task after this is to determin if its fractional or masthead. Hows the best way to determine that? Measure the sails?

 

[rgranger]

My task after this is to determin if its fractional or masthead. Hows the best way to determine that? Measure the sails?

Does the forestay go to the top of the mast? If so it is a masthead. Does the forestay tang terminate about 3/4 the way up the mast? If so, it is fractional.

 

[rgranger]

Masthead

Fractional

 

[jssailem]

I like pictures...
MAST HEAD rigged sail boat.

Fractional rigged Sail Boat.

supporting @rgranger statement about where the "forestay" connects to the Mast.

 

[rgranger]

@jssailem

I don't think I've ever seen a "jumper" stay before. Very interesting idea. I can't imagine needing one on a boat as small as the one in the diagram however I can imagine its need on a very large mast.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I suspected but glad you found the plate indicating strasburg, VA. There was another company associated with that boat called R & K Sailboats in Strasbourg and if memory serves me that was their boat as well. They went out of business and the molds were sold. Forgot what happened after that.

 

[Dan413]

That did it! Thank you. Fractional rig it is!

 

[Dan413]

You guys are awesome! I appreciate all the input

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

You will find it on Sailboat Data. I recall faintly Coastal Recreation and remember a 23 when visiting the factory of all places in the Shenandoah Valley of virginia which I found to be Odd. reference is also made to the Balboa 23. Sloop Rig