Howdy! I just thought I'd take this chance to throw up a 'new guy' thread in here. I've been lurking on this site for a few weeks now, but just finally got around to registering. My name's Cody, I'm an 18 year old student at the University of Texas at Austin. I've been in love with sailing my entire life, thanks to my dad. I grew up sailing a Catalina 25 and then a Beneteau 44.5. After I moved to Austin I had no sailing friends, no boat friends really, and i didn't know a single person with a sailboat on the lake. It had been probably a year since I've sailed and I was honestly starting to have withdrawls! So, I bit the bullet and said 'you only live life once, live for the moment' and made my purchase. I bought a 1986 Hunter 23. I got a pretty good deal on her and she's in great shape! There are only a few minor things that need attention, like any other boat. As of now she doesn't have a name, I was thinking something along the lines of 'Phaenomena'. Right now she's docked at Lakeway Marina on Lake Travis, but I can only use this slip for another month or so. As far as docking the boat, I'll definitely want to keep it in the water, I've just got to find a place to do so. Instead of dropping $200 a month at your run-of-the-mill marina, I thought I'd try to find somebody who lives on the lake and has a spare slip so that we could simply exchange services. They let me use thier slip, I let them use my boat! The boat needs a new mainsail cover. This one's naaaasty. The main has a small tear in it that I've given attention to with some sail tape for the time being. I need to invest in an anchor. Most of all, this thing needs a stereo! I'm in the process of formulating some kind of stereo system into the boat, I'm currently shopping for the components. Alrighty, enough of my blab, I just wanted to give myself a proper introduction and whatnot. Do any of you have any suggestions for a new boat owner? Maintenance tips, pointers toward fun gadgets that I need, etc etc?
It's about time!
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Cody, welcome and congrats on your...
new boat. I'm not familiar with the H23, but if you have specific questions any and all will be happy to answer. Regarding some kind of stereo system, does your boat have a battery and or motor that can supply DC power? If so a good quality DC radio like in most cars can produce pretty good music. Some DC radios are designed for the marine environment, but being in fresh water a regular car radio (new or used) should work just fine. Terry
new boat. I'm not familiar with the H23, but if you have specific questions any and all will be happy to answer. Regarding some kind of stereo system, does your boat have a battery and or motor that can supply DC power? If so a good quality DC radio like in most cars can produce pretty good music. Some DC radios are designed for the marine environment, but being in fresh water a regular car radio (new or used) should work just fine. Terry
Welcome aboard Cody
You are the latest of several new H23 owners in the last several weeks, which makes us old timers (I've had mine 5 months in water)excited. Make use of the archives - you will be overwhelmed by both H23 specific posts and general information. On my H23, previous owner mounted a car stereo in the face of the sliding galley. We removed the galley for restoration, so I can't so how the stereo actually worked, but it looked ok and seemed like a logical solution.
You are the latest of several new H23 owners in the last several weeks, which makes us old timers (I've had mine 5 months in water)excited. Make use of the archives - you will be overwhelmed by both H23 specific posts and general information. On my H23, previous owner mounted a car stereo in the face of the sliding galley. We removed the galley for restoration, so I can't so how the stereo actually worked, but it looked ok and seemed like a logical solution.
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In response to the 'daddy raised you right', I agree, but I hope this isn't insuinating any kind of financial mockery. The money for the boat was earned 100% by myself, but thanks for your concern. I don't mean to come across as harsh or grumpy or rude, but it's pretty irking to hear people make comments like that about me, and it happens quite often. I just happen to be an overall self-made success. The car stereo idea, we're on the exact same page. I've got a typical DC car stereo head unit and I plan on installng it under the stove, right where you're talking about. My biggest problem, i think, will be finding a place to put speakers and engineering some form of a housing for them. I'll make another thread about this, but does anyone have typical line lengths available for the H23? Namely the main halyard and jib sheets. Thanks for the warm welcomes!
In response to the 'daddy raised you right', I agree, but I hope this isn't insuinating any kind of financial mockery. The money for the boat was earned 100% by myself, but thanks for your concern. I don't mean to come across as harsh or grumpy or rude, but it's pretty irking to hear people make comments like that about me, and it happens quite often. I just happen to be an overall self-made success. The car stereo idea, we're on the exact same page. I've got a typical DC car stereo head unit and I plan on installng it under the stove, right where you're talking about. My biggest problem, i think, will be finding a place to put speakers and engineering some form of a housing for them. I'll make another thread about this, but does anyone have typical line lengths available for the H23? Namely the main halyard and jib sheets. Thanks for the warm welcomes!
Cody
Welcome, your boat looks awsome! Its a great boat, and you will love it. My only regret is that I didn't buy one when I was 18! Ohhh the girls I would have had. Freds a good guy, his comment was only a compliment. This is a great site, and you will learn alot about your boat here, I have. Good luck, and keep us posted.
Welcome, your boat looks awsome! Its a great boat, and you will love it. My only regret is that I didn't buy one when I was 18! Ohhh the girls I would have had. Freds a good guy, his comment was only a compliment. This is a great site, and you will learn alot about your boat here, I have. Good luck, and keep us posted.
Save on a stereo, for now
You can save on a stereo for now. Just purchase a portable CD player the runs on both AC and DC (batteries). It will last for multiple seasons. Then you can use the money to get your main fixed.
You can save on a stereo for now. Just purchase a portable CD player the runs on both AC and DC (batteries). It will last for multiple seasons. Then you can use the money to get your main fixed.
Pretty boat!
Welcome aboard Cody! A friend on Lake Erie lives on his H23 and I have always admired the lines, a really pretty boat. You should pull out the existing running rigging(halyards and sheets) by attaching messenger lines. Then measure what you have. When purchasing new allow extra length for running the lines back. If not already done of course. I have enjoyed making a lot of my own canvas since purchasing my H37C in 1998. See the Sailnet site for some ideas.
Welcome aboard Cody! A friend on Lake Erie lives on his H23 and I have always admired the lines, a really pretty boat. You should pull out the existing running rigging(halyards and sheets) by attaching messenger lines. Then measure what you have. When purchasing new allow extra length for running the lines back. If not already done of course. I have enjoyed making a lot of my own canvas since purchasing my H37C in 1998. See the Sailnet site for some ideas.
H23 Live aboard on Erie?
Hi Ed - probably a dumb question, but does he stay on through the winter with bubblers in the water and heaters in the cabin?
Hi Ed - probably a dumb question, but does he stay on through the winter with bubblers in the water and heaters in the cabin?
stereo
Hi Cody, Since I "burned out" my kids on sailing I'm glad to hear about a success story. I'm sure you'll love the H23 as I do. I've done many small projects that I feel have significantly improved the livability of the boat. Namely cutting out some interior bulkheads to provide better ventilation and access to the under berth storage. I'll attach a picture. Note in the forward corner of the shelf, my stereo speakers. (They are on both sides) I know most people prefer them in the cockpit but I prefer not to cut holes in my hull if not necessary and I'd rather not have a blaring stereo outside. I enjoy it mostly in the cabin at night. I've also used velcro to attach many things including radios and wiring directly to the carpeted cabin walls and roof. Feel free to email me directly with any questions. mikeepp@mindspring.com
Hi Cody, Since I "burned out" my kids on sailing I'm glad to hear about a success story. I'm sure you'll love the H23 as I do. I've done many small projects that I feel have significantly improved the livability of the boat. Namely cutting out some interior bulkheads to provide better ventilation and access to the under berth storage. I'll attach a picture. Note in the forward corner of the shelf, my stereo speakers. (They are on both sides) I know most people prefer them in the cockpit but I prefer not to cut holes in my hull if not necessary and I'd rather not have a blaring stereo outside. I enjoy it mostly in the cabin at night. I've also used velcro to attach many things including radios and wiring directly to the carpeted cabin walls and roof. Feel free to email me directly with any questions. mikeepp@mindspring.com
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Mike, that looks great. Did you also cut out the little piece of wood on the port side as well? When you say that you used velcro to attach things to the carpet... is that all you used? Does it seriously hold the weight? I agree with you on the stereo comments. If I want to hear the tunes outside, I'll just turn it up.
Mike, that looks great. Did you also cut out the little piece of wood on the port side as well? When you say that you used velcro to attach things to the carpet... is that all you used? Does it seriously hold the weight? I agree with you on the stereo comments. If I want to hear the tunes outside, I'll just turn it up.
Cody
Because of your age, well, when you gain more experience in life you will find that the things you say like "I've been in love with sailing my entire life, thanks to my dad." will solicit comments like 'your daddy raised you right'. And if YOU are irked by them, that's YOUR problem. Also keep in mind that another great gift your father has given you is your drive to be self made. That's priceless. You need to do one of those 'Arab bows' to him and chant 'I'm not worthy'. But you're young and you'll figure it out. Again, welcome.
Because of your age, well, when you gain more experience in life you will find that the things you say like "I've been in love with sailing my entire life, thanks to my dad." will solicit comments like 'your daddy raised you right'. And if YOU are irked by them, that's YOUR problem. Also keep in mind that another great gift your father has given you is your drive to be self made. That's priceless. You need to do one of those 'Arab bows' to him and chant 'I'm not worthy'. But you're young and you'll figure it out. Again, welcome.
Go for it!
Good on you, Cody! Go for it! What you learn now from that 23 will serve you later as you move up in size and aspirations. My last boat, a 27, was bought as a "school" boat to apply my skills and get back into sailing. Simple solutions work best. I used an old car stereo and a donated power amp and speakers to put sounds on that boat. It could kick butt against any of the boomers on their powerboats! Enjoy and learn! S/V Intrepid '83 H34 #113
Good on you, Cody! Go for it! What you learn now from that 23 will serve you later as you move up in size and aspirations. My last boat, a 27, was bought as a "school" boat to apply my skills and get back into sailing. Simple solutions work best. I used an old car stereo and a donated power amp and speakers to put sounds on that boat. It could kick butt against any of the boomers on their powerboats! Enjoy and learn! S/V Intrepid '83 H34 #113
Sterio
Here is a cool place for a sterio. There is a 3/4 inch gap at the top of the box on the other side for heat. The Pioneer has a nice little remote that is perfect for the cockpit, and even neck deep in water sitting on a PFD. Zip lock baggy a must for this application. But as far as speakers, Small book shelf cabnits anywhere out of the way will fill the cabin with plenty of audio. I like what Mike did also. But if you have to jam outdoors, and I understand if you do, try to find these small Klipsch speakers in this link. I'm not suggesting the whole system in the photo, but if you can get those little speakers, they sit on rubber feet and are perfect to move around the boat where ever with plenty of wire. I wrap what wire I don't need around the base and everything stays ship shape.
Here is a cool place for a sterio. There is a 3/4 inch gap at the top of the box on the other side for heat. The Pioneer has a nice little remote that is perfect for the cockpit, and even neck deep in water sitting on a PFD. Zip lock baggy a must for this application. But as far as speakers, Small book shelf cabnits anywhere out of the way will fill the cabin with plenty of audio. I like what Mike did also. But if you have to jam outdoors, and I understand if you do, try to find these small Klipsch speakers in this link. I'm not suggesting the whole system in the photo, but if you can get those little speakers, they sit on rubber feet and are perfect to move around the boat where ever with plenty of wire. I wrap what wire I don't need around the base and everything stays ship shape.
line
I've had a few people reccomend this site for line, but I'm sure there's bound to be a cheaper place online to buy line. Anybody have any reccomendations? I also need a new tiller and a mainsail cover. I'd love to find these used and/or cheap. Any suggestions on that? As far as the stereo goes, I just bought a Sony Sport S2 water resistant boombox that plays MP3 CD's and whatnot. It was cheap and doesn't require me to cut big holes in my boat. It's been working great so far, it gets suprisingly loud. I've also got a question regarding my solar panel. The boat came with one, but the connector was broken, so I bought a new one. Now, when I'm looking at the 2 wires coming out of the panel, they're identical! There isn't a red/black wire, one of them doesn't have a stripe on it, there's no way to tell them apart! I followed the line inside the cabin and they're the same. Does this panel need to be wired +/- or does it not matter? Thanks y'all!
I've had a few people reccomend this site for line, but I'm sure there's bound to be a cheaper place online to buy line. Anybody have any reccomendations? I also need a new tiller and a mainsail cover. I'd love to find these used and/or cheap. Any suggestions on that? As far as the stereo goes, I just bought a Sony Sport S2 water resistant boombox that plays MP3 CD's and whatnot. It was cheap and doesn't require me to cut big holes in my boat. It's been working great so far, it gets suprisingly loud. I've also got a question regarding my solar panel. The boat came with one, but the connector was broken, so I bought a new one. Now, when I'm looking at the 2 wires coming out of the panel, they're identical! There isn't a red/black wire, one of them doesn't have a stripe on it, there's no way to tell them apart! I followed the line inside the cabin and they're the same. Does this panel need to be wired +/- or does it not matter? Thanks y'all!
cleats
Another quick question. The jibsheets have these dock-style cleats, and I'm REALLY not digging them. Do any of you know the measurement from hole to hole or the part number off the top of your head for some cam ball-bearing cleats?
Another quick question. The jibsheets have these dock-style cleats, and I'm REALLY not digging them. Do any of you know the measurement from hole to hole or the part number off the top of your head for some cam ball-bearing cleats?
Cody, for line, I outfitted with these guys.
http://www.cajuntrading.ca/ For solar panel polarity, (or any polarity) use a multimeter. When the sun is shining, just hold the leads to the mystery wire. And it does matter. Multimeter's are as important as sails and keels now days.
http://www.cajuntrading.ca/ For solar panel polarity, (or any polarity) use a multimeter. When the sun is shining, just hold the leads to the mystery wire. And it does matter. Multimeter's are as important as sails and keels now days.
Line
Fred, what kind of line do you reccomend from there? I know nothing about all these different kinds of rigging, is XLS what I want? Do I want 1/2", or what? Does Cajun's compare to the XLS Braid sold here? Is it much cheaper?
Fred, what kind of line do you reccomend from there? I know nothing about all these different kinds of rigging, is XLS what I want? Do I want 1/2", or what? Does Cajun's compare to the XLS Braid sold here? Is it much cheaper?
What a day!
Thank Neo! Hey, I was wondering what that back bar life-line thing is called. My boat doesn't have one, so it makes it pretty hard to find a place to put my drinkholders. I got the solar panel all wired up today, polished up the interior a bit, threw all the lines in the washing machine and got them all pretty again, filled up the gas tank, scrubbed the scum (and paint) off the rudder (oops), re-mounted the companionway footstool supports, installed the radio, etc. What a day! One odd thing, though.. my boat is full of hundreds of ANTS!!! How the heck did they get in there?! why the heck are they there in the first place?! I've got no food or anything onboard. Anybody have any ideas? How should I get rid of them? I'm still not very clear on what I need to do with all this ugly teak. I've heard that I should us Cetol, but I don't know what that is, where to use it, how to use it, how to prep, etc. Do any of you chaps have a link handy that shows me a step-by-step process of making my wood pretty? Thanks again!
Thank Neo! Hey, I was wondering what that back bar life-line thing is called. My boat doesn't have one, so it makes it pretty hard to find a place to put my drinkholders. I got the solar panel all wired up today, polished up the interior a bit, threw all the lines in the washing machine and got them all pretty again, filled up the gas tank, scrubbed the scum (and paint) off the rudder (oops), re-mounted the companionway footstool supports, installed the radio, etc. What a day! One odd thing, though.. my boat is full of hundreds of ANTS!!! How the heck did they get in there?! why the heck are they there in the first place?! I've got no food or anything onboard. Anybody have any ideas? How should I get rid of them? I'm still not very clear on what I need to do with all this ugly teak. I've heard that I should us Cetol, but I don't know what that is, where to use it, how to use it, how to prep, etc. Do any of you chaps have a link handy that shows me a step-by-step process of making my wood pretty? Thanks again!
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