E-23
Porter,
The E-23 was a lot of fun. It was small enough to be easy to sail alone. I could sail into my berth, luff the main at the last moment, jump off and stop the boat. If I tried that today with my present ride, I would take out part of the dock.
Mast
It is not overly important to use internal halyards. Be sure to put turning blocks on the deck in order to bring the halyards into the cockpit. The original factory mast was somewhat light. Do not drill or carve too many holes in it. Remember, the perforated postage stamp was invented before we were born. If the spreaders are original, put stonger ones on. The spreaders are only stock aluminum tubing. I think the original ones were designed for lawn furniture.
To rake the mast aft install two cable sheaves on the lower part of the backstay where it divides into a yoke. Attach a block and tackle system to the sheaves. The block and tackle is fastened onto the side of the motor well.
Keel
The keel is cast iron, weighs 1300 pounds, and may be seeping water into the bilge. The keel is held in place by short, 1" diameter, galvanized plough bolts. When the keel was bolted on at the factory it was caulked with the acrylic sealers they used then.
It was fun, Porter, talking about these things after all these years.
Frank