KenMcCulloch
New member
Any observations about these boats? A friend is interested in one and has asked me to have a look.
Leisure 23 bilge keeler
- Thread starter KenMcCulloch
- Start date
Tam Lin
Well-known member
I had one a while back. Solid boat, not the best sailer in the world, bilge keels. We would often sail backwards if tacking into a light wind and strong tide!
Inside, the dinette over one side meant that you walked to one side of the boat and the floor was slanted, which I didn't like.
A nice boat for pottering about and cruising and a good owners' association. As usual, some people will like them and others won't. If that is the sort of boat your friend wants then he can't go far wrong with it.
Inside, the dinette over one side meant that you walked to one side of the boat and the floor was slanted, which I didn't like.
A nice boat for pottering about and cruising and a good owners' association. As usual, some people will like them and others won't. If that is the sort of boat your friend wants then he can't go far wrong with it.
Modulation
Member
Pretty much agree with all of that. I had on about 20 years ago. Big advantage was it had excellent headroom for 23 feet. It was a poor sailor though and that's what made me sell it. It,s under canvased if you want a bit of speed.
Tintin
Well-known member
[Blatant plug on] I don't suppose he is interested in the larger Leisure 27, a fin keel to boot? 
[Blatant plug off]
[Blatant plug off]
peteK
Well-known member
I Have the 23sl with a larger than standard genoa sails ok,agree its a bit under canvassed as standard.Have had both versions the 23sl has more headroom
although the hull is the same.
johnphilip
Well-known member
Why are there no recent examples of this boat? Because design moved on and improved so they stopped making them. Draw your own conclusion.
JumbleDuck
Well-known member
Seen any recently made Stradivarius violins? Draw your own conclusions.
Croak
New member
Did they not die?
greggron
Well-known member
I would agree with this. In addition, internal size is ok for small people, but access to heads and sleeping arrangements for more than one 6ft 'bloke' can be uncomfortable. Feels solid and safe though.
Tintin
Well-known member
I believe the factory burned down. They didnt stop making them for the reason you are suggesting.
Seashoreman
Well-known member
I have the 23sl and sought it out as a good design (for me) that ticked all the boxes. I have not noticed the sloping floor, but the standing headroom makes for comfortable galley work. They have a massive table which becomes useful at anchor/marina. I sail alone most of the time and I can handle this boat from the deep cockpit with a feeling of safety. Speed not such an issue for day-sailing and coasthopping.
Most importantly the Leisure Owners Association website is extremely helpful and friendly. Last year a couple of members put together an online owners manual for this boat which has most info you need. This boat has no history of common failings or osmosis and a good example takes very little fitting-out time, mostly cosmetic. Suits me Sir.
Most importantly the Leisure Owners Association website is extremely helpful and friendly. Last year a couple of members put together an online owners manual for this boat which has most info you need. This boat has no history of common failings or osmosis and a good example takes very little fitting-out time, mostly cosmetic. Suits me Sir.
mrming
Well-known member
A recent study showed that professional violinists couldn't tell a Stradivarius from a new violin in a blind test:
http://phenomena.nationalgeographic...violins-arent-better-than-new-ones-round-two/
Not sure what that says about the Leisure 23, but if boats have moved on so much, what is the modern day equivalent? (e.g. safe, 23ish feet, lots of accommodation for the size)
johnphilip
Well-known member
Apologies for the inaccuracy. I'll come clean, they may be /have been wonderful for some but never appealed to me.
I would be very disappointed if the last 40 years of yacht design has not lead to any progress. In my opinion it has.
Perhaps it was an upbringing on dinghies that makes me hanker for a boat with lines and that will sail to windward against a tide.
A modern day equivalent? Now a days few yachts are built at that size but I would suggest the Hunter 23' Duette/Horizon were a stage further in evolution.
KenMcCulloch
New member
Thanks for the contributions. Went to have a look this morning, not a bad wee boat, it would not be my choice at all but may well be just the thing for my friend.
Seajet
...
Stradivarius and Leisure 23 in the same sentence; now I can go to my grave happy I've seen everything !
In fact a good solid boat but not exactly an Ocean Greyhound, I remember meeting a chum with his when I casually called ' how goes it Dave ? ' and my crew muttered ' sideways ! '
Similar to but much better than a Newbridge offering, she should look after your chum as long as he keeps power on - sail or if necessary engine.
I think I have the original brochure somewhere if required.
I think the keels are encapsulated moulded jobs ? If so beware any grounding damage allowing water ingress, this can be bad news causing the encapsulated ballast to rust and swell, bursting the grp.
colhel
Well-known member
Mine travels perfectly well forwards.Never heard of one bursting, can you direct me to an example please?
Seajet
...
colhel,
no need to get uppity, I was mentioning a possible problem with all encapsulated keels.
As for progress forwards or sideways I'd guess a lot depends on how one sails; if pinching to windward and sacrificing drive then it will generate increased leeway, my boat does the same if one stalls the keel.
no need to get uppity, I was mentioning a possible problem with all encapsulated keels.
As for progress forwards or sideways I'd guess a lot depends on how one sails; if pinching to windward and sacrificing drive then it will generate increased leeway, my boat does the same if one stalls the keel.
Seashoreman
Well-known member
They are not encapsulated. Some serious wiffle talked on here, just ill informed personel opinions. Talk to an owner. End of.
Seajet
...
OK Seashoreman I stand to be corrected, I did say ' ? ' !
I still reckon the L23 keels are moulded rather than bolt on, I'd have a look and take pics but the ones at my club have gone now; I'll dig out the brochure unless you can prove different in the meantime ?
Seashoreman
Well-known member
To save you the effort they are bolted on and then the bolts are covered with 'that flow stuff'. If you wish to spend time on this research you can do it through the owners website. There has never been a reported issue with the keels on these boats. Don't quite understand your interest or is it vendetta, or do you just hate the L23 keels? Ah...now I understand, you love only your own boat design. I have a Mondeo but I don't expect to convert the world?
The L23 suits me just fine for my time, money and type of sailing. I am not saying it is the best boat design of all time, I have sailed bigger and better but these days I just sail for pleasure and leisure, geddit?
