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 onboard, for she is listening, (and it wouldn't hurt to quietly thank the Clark family for a good design).   I document all modifications to Panache & other SJ23s here as it is a great platform for sharing info.
(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.)
 

TECH TIP INDEX
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A - TRAILER (towing & storage)
B - HULL (structural integrity)
C - CABIN (& creature comforts)
D - ENGINE (push requirements)
E - ELECTRICAL (systems)
F - RIGGING (running & standing)
 G - CHEMICALS (about & how to's)
H - SJ23 SPECS (lots of no's.)

BOAT PROJECTS - Click on this link to review how other sailors pursue their dreams plus ones I'm working on. 

web counter sailors have stumbled on the SJ23 web site since the first Tech Tip was published on May 26, 1999.  Chuck started this site a few years earlier.  One day we met for breakfast and agreed to add technical stuff.  He has since moved on to help with family interests.  The rest is history as it happens.  Enjoy.   Contact me 

"Mistake are proof that you are trying."

Some Tips last tweaked on 2017-09-10

My cabin LED lighting project is now complete as is the wiring of the power panel.  The only time I see real darkness is in the shoulder seasons which is when these lights will come in handy.  See Tech Tip E11 for more info.

 

The water may look dirty but is actually quite clear with visibility to 7'.  This has been my easiest haul out ever with the marked guide posts.  Read the details in Tech Tip A01 showing the guide posts during haul out. 

REALLY USEFUL STUFF!
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Nautical Terms

Mooring Design for a Pocket Cruiser

Sailing Links

San Juan History.

SJ21, SJ21, SJ24, SJ30, SJ34

SJ23 Parts

 * SJ23s For Sale *
Buying a SJ23, then read FAQs and reviews from 1986 & 2013.

  Contact me 

  • I've sailed an SJ21, SJ23 (MKI & MKII), SJ7.7M, SJ24 & SJ28, but not the SJ30 or SJ34.
    The SJ23 and SJ28 have many similarities.  Despite their weight difference I think they handle very similar.


 DISPLAY SETTING     SEARCH     PRINT   KNOWLEDGE     LEGALESE         ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISPLAY SETTING - The Tech Tips are formatted for a display setting of 1024x768 using any of the available browsers, although my preference is Firefox.  SEARCH - Unfortunately this web site is NOT SEARCHABLE.  This feature is not available with free space on a TELUS server.  However, you can use "Ctrl F" (entered from your keyboard) to search through an index or a document.  
 		 PRINT - I've made each Tech Tip printable on (8.5x11)" paper so you can carry a printed document to your boat.   While viewing the Tip online go to "print preview" in your browser and scale it to fit your printer. It's a lot easier to scribble notes on paper than on your laptop!
KNOWLEDGE - I don't know everything about the SJ23, yet!  Much of what I know is documented in these Tech Tips!  The missing bits and pieces of info come from other owners to whom I am grateful.  Usually I update a Tech Tip with the new info gleaned from their approach to solve a problem.  Many of these fixes improve the longevity of the hull.  I can't see doing otherwise.  This knowledge is provided in the true spirit of the Internet, "A free exchange of information for the benefit of all." 
 

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! 
 The dimensions shown match Panache.  I have taken great care to ensure accuracy but I cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss resulting from the use of information provided herein.   Measure your own hull to ensure an exact fit.  It is the best way.  However, if you find my dimensions or descriptions in error I would appreciate hearing from you.  After all, I was wrong once before and I suppose it could happen again!  That's enough of the legalese.
                                                                                  Bob P. Schimmel, SJ23 Tech Tips Editor. Contact me