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 on board, for she is listening.  (It wouldn't hurt to quietly thank the Clark family for a good design).   I document modifications & repairs to Panache & other SJ23s here to show you the how and why. (cont'd below)
(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.)
 

 SITE UPDATED, 2026-02-03  

A - TRAILER (towing & storage)

B - HULL (structural integrity)

C - CABIN (creature comforts)

D - OUTBOARD (push required)

E - ELECTRICAL (power & electronics)

F - RIGGING (standing & running)

G - CHEMICALS (about)

H - SPECS/HANDLING (lots of #s)

J - HOW TO (related techniques)

P - PROJECTS, JOBS & PHOTOS.  (How others pursue their project & those I work on)

_____  *  SEARCH  *  ______

 

This site is generously hosted by
 Voyager Systems
The new server is awesome.

Projects for 2026

Its time to get on with my off season projects.  I have several in progress and others that will be started soon.  Above all, repairing my outboard must be completed and tested prior to splash day.  Problem is, its a tad cool here to be working on it now and skiing is a way better option than greasy fingers in a cold garage. 

I thank all of you who have submitted your project photos in 2025.  Those were interesting conversations.  Some of your photos were added to the applicable Tech Tip and I've inserted your ideas in others.  Its always good to have this input.  Much appreciated and how we learn and expand the knowledge base.

The SJ23 shown above belonged to a buddy who passed away recently.  It is looking for a new owner. 

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website counter sailors have cruised through the SJ23 web site since the first Tech Tip (B01) was published May 26, 1999.  Chuck started this site a few years earlier and has since crossed the bar.  From Chuck & myself, enjoy.

 REALLY USEFUL STUFF!  
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Nautical Terms

Sailing Links *

San Juan History.

SJ21, SJ21, SJ24, SJ30, SJ34

SJ23 Parts

  SJ23s For Sale / Buy

Buying a SJ23?  Then read FAQs and reviews from 1986 &,2013.

 

  THOUGHTS of the DAY  

Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin

ACROSS THE BAR

Three influential people lost from the San Juan world.
 

  • I've sailed an SJ21, SJ23 (MKI & MKII), SJ7.7M, SJ24 & SJ28.  I doubt I will ever sail an SJ26, 30 or 34.  There aren't any around here.  The SJ23 and SJ28 have many similarities.  Despite their weight difference they handle quite similar.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR


 DISPLAY SETTING       Contact me      PRINT     LEGALESE 
 

  MORE THOUGHTS of the DAY

I am so glad I grew up in the 60s & 70s!
I did so much stupid shit and
there is no record of it, anywhere.
So don't worry about getting older.
You're still gonna do stupid stuff, only slower.

If its not yours, don' take it.
If its not right, don't do it.
If its not true, don't say it.
If you don't know, shut up.
 

Life ends when you stop dreaming.
Hope ends when you stop believing.
Love ends when you stop caring.
Friendship ends when you stop sharing.

If you don't break things, everything would work.
What kind of life would that be?

To deny someone a challenge is the greatest damage you can do to them.  People learn by making a mistake, then move on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Cont'd from above)  Over the years I've gleaned many ideas and bits of information from different sailors and added it to an applicable Tech Tip.  It's how the data base grows.  Many are not aware how valuable their contribution is.  This knowledge is provided in the true spirit of the Internet, "A free exchange of information for the benefit of all." 

Its OK to post your project or question via the SJ23 distribution list for subscribed members to view or you can email it directly to me.  In either case this is a great way for others to learn or help you solve it.   Your project doesn't have to be a complete remake of the boat!  So set your camera resolution to fine and image size to 1024x768, dip your quill in an ink well and write a brief description.  Then email it to me.  Honestly it's not that difficult.  Bob
 

DISPLAY SETTING - The Tech Tips are formatted for a display setting of 1024x768 using Firefox, MS Edge, Safari or any other browser.  They show good on a tablet.  If you rotate your smart phone to landscape, it increase text size and you can zoom in / out.  For a big screen view, pair your smart phone to your tablet.
(Site count backup 409,700)

  *SEARCH*  - Unfortunately there is no server based search tool for this web site. 
*But if you type: https://sj23.voyager.hosting "search term" into Google, it will show search results from only this website.

You can also type "Ctrl F" (from your keyboard) to search through an index or a Tech Tip you have open.
 

PRINT - I compose each Tech Tip to be printable on (8.5x11)" paper so you can carry a copy to your boat.   It's a lot easier to scribble notes on paper than on a screen!

Go to "print preview" in your browser and scale it to fit your printer. 
 

MEASUREMENTS - The SJ23 sailboat was constructed using Imperial dimensions which I continue to use on this web site, with metric shown as (xxMM) for Canadian and international sailors.  The base 10 numbering system is so easy to work with.  The measurements shown are taken from Panache and I have taken great care to ensure accuracy.  But please measure your own hull for an exact fit as it is the most accurate.  If you find a dimension or description in error I would appreciate hearing from you.  After all, I was wrong once before and I suppose it could happen again! 

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!  I cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss resulting from the use of information provided herein.  That's enough of the legalese.  Geeze.

Bob P. Schimmel, SJ23 Tech Tips Editor. Contact me