The Bluejacket was first offered in the daysailer version, with a roomy cockpit and an open cuddy. In 1970 the MORCEE version was offered, adapted to comply with the Midget Ocean Racing Club Rule (MORC) by fitting a self-bailing cockpit and enclosed cabin.[1][7]
The hull, deck and interior liners are built by the hand-layup method using polyester resins, 1⁄2oz/sqyd (16.95g/m2) mat and 24oz/sqyd (813.7g/m2) roving throughout the boat. Positive flotation is provided by large blocks of foam contained inside the cockpit seats and in the bow.[6] The deck is reinforced with plywood that is sandwiched into the laminate.
The boat has a draft of 3.75ft (1.14m).[1] It displaces2,000lb (907kg) and carries 900lb (408kg) of iron ballast.[1][3] The Bluejacket 23 has a theoretical hull speed of 5.61kn (10.39km/h).[9] The design has a PHRF racing average handicap of 240 and a hull speed of 5.6kn (10.4km/h).[6]
Keel
The fin keel is of cast iron with a double resin coating to prevent corrosion and is of a hydrodynamic design supplying maximum lift with good stability. The keel is mounted to the hull and has a separate moulded keel grid that provides greater strength in this area. The keel is attached with 3⁄4in (19mm)stainless steel flat head bolts, nuts and flat washers. No gasket is used to mount the keel as the mating surfaces are well matched. Keels are mounted at the factory using a silicone marine sealer between the keel and hull.[3][10][11]
Rudder
The rudder is a spade type made of fiberglass with a brass rudder stock. The rudder port is a bronze tube with bushings top and bottom. Steering is by tiller. The tiller head is cast bronze and is held on with a pin. This pin passes horizontally through the head and stock. An allen screw locks into a key in the rudder stock. The tiller is straight grained ash. The rudder can be rotated a full 360 degrees if needed.[3][11]
Deck hardware
The Bluejacket 23 has deck hardware of stainless steel, Marinium, and chromed brass. Fiberglass winch bases mount two No.1 snubbing winches used for headsail sheeting.[3] All hardware is either bolted through or tapped into metal which is bonded into the laminate.[3][10][11]
The boat includes running lights, interior light, switches, wiring, fuse box, battery and case.[3]
All wood trim is No. 1 grade, oiled teak and includes hand rails on cabin, cabin trim, cockpit trim and rub rails. The tiller is straight grained ash.[3]
The lazarette contains a built in outboard well, which includes access hatch and well plug. This well is bulkheaded off from the main hull and is of the self-draining, non-filling type. There is an access door through the bulkhead for outboard operation [recommended 3 - 6 H.P. (not supplied)]. A shelf for gasoline tanks and a well plug that fairs the well opening in the hull for racing is supplied. The well can take on water in some conditions. The manufacturer recommend minimizing this by removing the motor from the well when not in use, inserting the drain plug when under way.[3][11]
MORC version accommodations
The cabin is fully enclosed and has two fixed lights in the cabin top for visibility and interior illumination. The companionway closes with teak hatch slides. Forward a double V berth is raised a few inches above the cabin sole and is fitted with two 3" foam cushions.[11] To port, supplied as standard, is a galley unit with sink and integral water tank filled through a plug located in one corner. To starboard, provision has been made for installation of a marine head (optional). Two forward utility shelves are moulded above the berths. There is a small hatch in the cabin sole top access the bilge. Cabin headroom is 37in (94cm).[3][6]
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