Calling All North American Spirit 23 Owners

[lionshooter]

OK Paul. You actually found a rare Spirit 23 for a steal. That was luck. But finding a hatch for one? No one could be that lucky. Take the old plastic hatch to a fab shop and they can make an identical duplicate from fiberglass. I have duped many boat parts over the years, dorades, comings, hatches. But it will cost some $$$.
Sell more insurance
Stan

[PaulSims]

haha, yea that would be nice. But the hatch was gone when I got it. haha so out of luck going that direction. I made one from scratch, but don't like the way it turned out. Debating glassing up the hatch and cutting a flush mount into the foredeck..

[lionshooter]

Good option.

[windyway]

I have a fiberglass hatch left over I can sell you for $100 + shipping if you want it. PM me & I'll send you a picture of it.

[PaulSims]

Email I got from Mr. Alspaugh 1-14-2010. FYI

"Paul,
I have 4 hatches from my latest production run. They are smoke colored plexiglass and cost $295.00 each including shipping and handling to the lower 48 states. If you are interested I accept checks, paypal and major creditcards. I can be reached at 405-818-9296 for any questions.
Thank you,
James Alspaugh
Sailors Valet "

I'm sure he won't mind me advertising for him.

[WhoDat]

I've enjoyed reading about all of your boats. I have owned a 1977 North American Spirit 23 for 6 years and she is my favorite boat to sail. She has beautiful lines and is very comfortable both to move around on and to sail. She handles bad weather beautifully and inspires confidence when other boats are heading to port. I purchased her from the original owner and sail her on a lake in Northwest Louisiana. Mine is not the pop top version and has a solid rudder as opposed to the swing rudder. My engine mount is also on the port side where I see some of yours are on the starboard side. I'll post pics soon.

[windyway]

Whodat ! Great to hear from you! I would love to see a picture of that fixed rudder. I agree the lines on these boats are just awesome! I've only sailed her 6 times so far, basically finished the sea trials from the restoration, but once was in 16 knot winds and she just FLEW! I was sailing down 12 ft waves like she finally made it home! GREAT BOAT !!!!

[a1fa]

Bump!

I have owned NA23 boat for the last 3 years, and I love it.
My current project will be to get it out of the water and restore all the wood, and, bear with me now -- 36v 101lb thrust propulsion.

I will have 2 sets of 3 parallel linked 12v deep cycle batteries that will come out of super computer UPS backup system, and an additional 12v battery for all accessories. The navigation lights, cabin lights, and all trim lights will be replaced with LEDs. I know, they are not CG approved, but.. they are much brighter than normal lights anyway.

Currently the boat is powered by 6hp SeaHorse. The problem is, while the motor works very well when running, it's a bitch to start, and a big chore to get it up and down out of the water... The motor is at my friend shop getting serviced. I am thinking about selling it, but part of me wants to leave it as a backup to the electric motor.

Do you guys have any experience with electric trolling motors, especially with 36v or 48v? The power and the charging are not an issue for me. I'd like to hear your experiences. I sail at a reservoir, so currents are not bad, but wind does pickup sometimes and it does white-water. The 6hp has no problems slowly cutting through those waves.

I'll leave you with pictures from yesterdays engine pickup chore

[a1fa]

[windyway]

A1FA why don't you get a 9.9 with elec start & remote controls, my 9.9 works awesome!