Sailing an 86 h23.5 in ocean

[derrickh23]

I have never sailed my 86 h23 in the ocean but am planing a trip to the Keys
in February. I have sailed 30+ footers in the ocean but never something this small. It is a shallow draft with a wing keel and I was just looking for some advice as to weather or not this boat is stable enough for this trip. I would love any advice or info any one may have. Thanks

 

[Mike Howell]

It's stable enough...but watch the weather

I owned the 23 in the 90s. It's definately a boat that would work well in the Keys. If you wouldn't take the boat out in certain weather in St. Augustine, don't take it out in the Keys.

Don't run aground!!! The keel is often called a 'danforth' keel. Heeling over doesn't decrease the draft. Study the charts well and make sure you have a working depth sounder.

I was in the keys last weekend...I love sailing there.

Have fun,

Mike

 

[jbmayer]

Sailing in the Keys

I took my H23.5 down to Key West in June and had a great time. The main channel there is 35 feet deep, so no trouble, but once you get out of the channel watch out. We went out to a few isllands and snorkeled around a few wrecks and had a great time. The Atlantic side is on a reef, mostly 8-15 feet deep, so it gets choppy, but not "rough". The bay side is shallow, so not much sailing there. We sailed out of key west, so you would need to be able to raise the mast while motoring like you can do on the 23.5 since you need to go under 2 bridges. The weather is very consistant in Florida, so watch the forecast and don't go out far when a front is forecasted.

 

[derrickh23]

Thanks for the info if any one has anything to add it would be great. We are putting in, in
key Largo I dont think we will be going all the way to key west but again I really do appreciate it.

 

[jbmayer]

Pennecamp park used to have a marina, and mooring balls where you can stay on the boat. They had showers in the park. Lots of good sailing around KL and north to Elliot Key as well. Nice marina at Elliot key also. Jack

 

[Mark Major]

You can do it at ease, especially that time of year. There is inside and outside passage depending on where you start and finish; I've done each, in both directions, in my boat.