General Category - Pearson Owners and Enthusiasts > Boat Handling
Potential owner P323
jwstahl:
Well! Thanks very much for all the instructive replies - I must admit I didn't expect so much thoughtful advice so quickly. I've read a few other threads on this site since my original post, and I see that this is an extremely helpful forum - another advantage to buying a P323 that I did not appreciate.
Yes, the boat has an autopilot, as well as helm-mounted chartplotter w/integrated radar (lots of fog here,) both of which I think are essential for single-handing in this area. Electrical wiring was completely re-done within the past 4 years and a recent survey is quite positive.
The tip about the seakindly motion is important - I suppose I could try the halyards, reefing system, vang, outhaul, etc. as they are, and lead lines aft later if I thought it necessary. Might save some money, and increase cocktail cruise suntanning space. The harness belay padeye is a great piece of advice - thanks.
Has anyone tried a 2-bladed fixed prop on a p323? My prospective boat has a Volvo MD11C 23hp diesel, which may be slightly undersized using the 2 hp/1000lb rule. Anyway, aligning a 2-bladed prop vertically might help performance under sail (old pre-folding-prop racing procedure.)
I won't be racing this boat seriously - I've got my one-design for that - but a non-responsive boat is no fun for me. New England base PHRF for this boat is 174, comparable to an Ericson 32 and quite a bit quicker than a Cape Dory 31. Do folks find these estimates accurate?
Will the P323 tack through 90 degrees or less?
Lots of questions. I may be pushing my welcome. Anyway, thanks for any consideration and advice.
John
Dave:
My boat has the Volvo MD11C. We have been caught is some pretty nasty storms both inshore and 50 miles out. It has never had a problem pushing the boat through any weather at hull speed. Keeping the passages around the cylinders cleaned is a whole different story.
Libations Too:
--- Quote from: jwstahl on January 27, 2014, 07:25:12 AM ---Will the P323 tack through 90 degrees or less?
--- End quote ---
I hope others chime in with their answers to this question. The simple answer from me with my boat, sails, prop, and sailing skill (or lack thereof), is no. At 50 to 60 degrees apparent I can make good progress all day long in breezes above about 8 knots. As the wind speed increases I can usually point higher but as I approach 48 to 50 apparent I begin to struggle to maintain VMG. I can sometimes sail higher but VMG usually suffers. In a good breeze with little chop I can sometimes get to 45 apparent but most of the time I sail in the range of 50 to 55 apparent. When the breeze gets light I need to fall off to maintain boat speed...it is in these conditions where I think the 3-blade cruising prop is a real liability. On the other hand, in these same conditions I can often "cruise" at 3 to 4 knots with the engine (MD11C) running at idle speed and the 3-blade prop taking big bites to move us along.
Dolce_Vita:
Richard,
Your experiences mimic mine almost exactly. It took me a couple of seasons to learn that the best VMG was at less than the highest the boat could point.
I also found that the boat likes to sail "on her feet", so I tend to reef early. At 15 kts, I put in the first reef on the main, or reduce the (roller furling) jib a little, or both, depending on sea state. At 18 kts wind, with both sails reefed, the boat will still do 6 - 7 kts and the crew is much more comfortable than if we were burying the rail.
rbrtfeld:
I have the MD 11c with the 17 inch 3 bladed prop. It does dragalot in light air. I ended up puttting in a 15 inch Maxi-Prop feathering prop. It helped alot. the only bad thing is the cost. If you decide to get one, ask for a boat show discount. That will save you two or three hundred. I hate paying full retail for anything. Good luck
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