Sailing Performance & Handling
The Blue Moon 23 is not a boat for those in a hurry. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the "heavy" category, it relies on momentum and a generous sail area to move through the water. The gaff-rigged cutter configuration provides a versatile sail plan, allowing the skipper to drop the staysail or reef the mainsail easily as conditions freshen. Its full keel and significant weight—often exceeding 8,000 pounds depending on construction materials—provide exceptional tracking and a motion that is far more comfortable than the "corky" feel of modern light-displacement cruisers.
Owners often report that the boat feels remarkably secure in a blow. The long keel ensures it holds its course well, even when the helm is left unattended for short periods, though it does make backing under power a challenge. The gaff rig requires a bit more "string-pulling" than a modern Bermuda rig, but it lowers the center of effort, reducing heel and making the boat feel much larger than its 23 feet. Editorial reviews from WoodenBoat Magazine have historically praised the design's ability to "heave-to" comfortably, a critical safety feature for a small vessel in big seas.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite its short length, the Blue Moon 23 offers a surprisingly functional interior, thanks to its wide beam and relatively high freeboard. Most layouts feature a classic "V-berth" forward, followed by a small but capable galley and two settee berths in the main cabin. Because many of these boats were built from plans rather than on a production line, interior finishes vary wildly—from utilitarian steel to exquisite teak and mahogany joinery.
The cabin trunk provides enough headroom for most sailors to sit comfortably, though full standing headroom is generally absent. Ventilation is typically provided by a forward hatch and traditional bronze opening ports. Sibling designs by Thomas Gilmer often provide context for the Blue Moon; for instance, the "Bluegill" is a smaller 16-foot variant for day-sailing, while the "Ariel" represents a larger evolution of the same heavy-weather philosophy.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Blue Moon 23 has earned a cult following in the "small boat, big ocean" community. Thomas Gilmer himself featured the boat prominently in his literature, including his book A Design for Life, where he discusses the evolution of his seaworthy designs. The vessel is frequently cited in traditional sailing circles as the ultimate expression of a "traditional" small cruiser, often appearing in publications dedicated to classic boat construction and maintenance.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers must tailor their inspection to the specific hull material of the boat in question, as the Blue Moon 23 was built in several mediums:
- Steel Corrosion: For steel versions, the most critical areas are the "dead zones" in the bilge where water can sit against the hull. Pay close attention to the chainplates and the area around the rudder post for signs of bubbling or thinning metal.
- Wood Hull Integrity: In cedar-on-oak versions, inspect the hood ends of the planks at the stem and the sternpost. Soft spots in the deck core—often caused by improperly bedded deck hardware—are a common find in older wooden examples.
- Rigging Hardware: The gaff rig utilizes many blocks, lines, and unique hardware like gaff jaws and leathered mast hoops. These require more frequent maintenance than standard aluminum spars; look for UV damage on the wooden spars and "alligatoring" of the varnish.
- Ballast Encapsulation: If the boat features internal lead or iron ballast, ensure there is no evidence of the ballast shifting or moisture penetrating the encapsulation material.
Community & Resources
The most significant technical resource for this model is the Thomas Gilmer design archives and the broader community of traditional sailors. Organizations like the Traditional Small Craft Association (TSCA) often host discussions and technical data regarding Gilmer's designs. For those maintaining wooden versions, the technical forums and archives at WoodenBoat provide an exhaustive library of repair techniques specific to this type of heavy-displacement hull.
The Verdict
The Blue Moon 23 is a timeless vessel that appeals to the heart as much as the head. It is a boat for the traditionalist who values safety and craftsmanship over speed and modern convenience.
Pros:
- Exceptional sea-keeping and heavy-weather stability for its size.
- Iconic, traditional aesthetics that turn heads in any harbor.
- Versatile gaff-cutter rig allows for many sail combinations.
Cons:
- Slow performance in light winds due to heavy displacement.
- Limited standing headroom and compact living quarters.
- Higher maintenance requirements, particularly for wood or steel hulls.
