Coastal Recreation 1975 Aquarius 23 ~ Hull Number 1475
A23 burnt, sunk and rescued by Laurence Boag. About twelve years ago he found her, brought her home to Northern California and did a total restoration and has enjoyed her since. You will notice a Canadian flag in the upper right photo, this picture and the one on the far left are from a summer cruise to Sidney Spit and Princess Louisa Inlet in Canada. The Aquarius 23 has a 165 pound swing keel as well as a hefty 815 Pounds of ballast in her shoal draft keel. A true keel / centerboard craft referred to in Coastal Recreation's brochure as a skiff bottom with ballast, as there is a centerboard trunk inside the cabin which is hidden by the bulkhead for the galley / head separation. They also offered a fixed keel model. If you would like the other specifications of the A23 download the [ PDF ] brochure. She is a very well mannered and laid out boat with lots of storage and a useable galley with great headroom due to the pop Top over the cabin. She tows easily, is very economical and quite comfortable. Her shoal draft keel allows her to operate in shallow waters and her swing keel gives her upwind performance. The A23 was a very popular boat for Coastal Recreation. Many were sold and there are still plenty available on the used market in of course, various conditions and prices.
The name Tracy Ellen is from Laurence's sister who passed away at age 18 from cancer. She was a great sailor and raced Lido sailboats in Newport Harbor where they grew up. Laurence knows she appreciates the recognition. And from all of the pleasant memories she certainly deserves it. During the refit, and after Laurence has showed her special attention with a new depth sounder, solar battery charging, GPS, and the Honda 8hp outboard. Laurence has a second craft on the Photo Site, Graceful Exit a PSC Dana 24. A sailors dream come true. The Dana for offshore blue water sailing and the A23 for gunkholing. Looks like retirement is going to be a busy time.
The name Tracy Ellen is from Laurence's sister who passed away at age 18 from cancer. She was a great sailor and raced Lido sailboats in Newport Harbor where they grew up. Laurence knows she appreciates the recognition. And from all of the pleasant memories she certainly deserves it. During the refit, and after Laurence has showed her special attention with a new depth sounder, solar battery charging, GPS, and the Honda 8hp outboard. Laurence has a second craft on the Photo Site, Graceful Exit a PSC Dana 24. A sailors dream come true. The Dana for offshore blue water sailing and the A23 for gunkholing. Looks like retirement is going to be a busy time.
Photos and Story by Laurence Boag
"Tracy Ellen"
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