Family crusing the h23
Chuck, When my wife and I bought our h23 in 12/86, our only child (Kara) was 8 mo. old. We day sailed during our 1st summer,and started spending overnights during our 2d summer. BTW, its fairly easy to bungy-cord a travel crib into the cabin. There have been no problems regarding placement of the head. The key is that its not being used that much of the time. I assume that you have the plywood bottomed cushions to cover the portapotty and its foot well, so that the full V-berth is available for sleeping. For storage, remember that there is a fair amount of storage under the seating and the V-berth, in the quarter-berth, and in the cockpit lazerette locker. At bed time, if you are away from shore facilities, make sure everyone gets their turn before lights out. That will avoid most problems. Occassionally someone will need to use the head in the middle of the night. ITS OK. Move sleepers out of the V-berth temporarily, then restore order and get them back in bed. They'll fall asleep quickly, no big deal. We've discussed installing a privacy curtain at the bulkhead, but its never been a sufficient problem to get any priority. The longest time on the boat was a week cruising the San Juans in Washington when the kids were 6, 8 3/4 and 11 yrs old. Even with all the gear and supplies that required, no big deal. Just scoot things out of the way to use the head, then replace the cushions and resume your prior activities. Go ahead and start bringing the kids for overnights aboard. You'll find it easier than you think, and enjoyable too. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
