Messages

1

Boat Handling / Re: Potential owner

« on: March 02, 2014, 08:31:09 AM »

Thanks rkfitz.  More good info.  I'm looking at another boat this week, but I'm definitely leaning toward the P323.  Good points about shoal draft and engine power in current.
How do you find the boat's upwind performance in BI, FI, and LI Sounds?
John

2

Boat Handling / Re: Potential owner

« on: February 03, 2014, 11:27:52 AM »

Thanks again for all the advice.  I'm getting a pretty good picture of the boat's many strengths and few weaknesses.
One final question (which may strike some as weird) - has anyone worked out polars on this boat?  I'm not expecting Etchells-type close-windedness, but I know I'll be sailing upwind quite a bit given our prevailing southwesterlies around here.
My wife's uncle once told me that gentlemen don't beat to windward - I guess he had me figured out.
John

3

Boat Handling / Re: Potential owner

« on: January 27, 2014, 07:25:12 AM »

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     

4

Boat Handling / Potential owner P323

« on: January 25, 2014, 10:50:10 AM »

Hello,
I am seriously considering purchasing a well-maintained 1982 P323.  I've been a one-design racer for many years, but I'm retiring in a few months and will finally have time to do some cruising in LI Sound & Narragansett Bay.  I have concerns about the P323's ability in light air, which is common around here in the summer.  Also, my prospective P323 does not have lines led aft - I expect to be single-handing a fair amount, and I wonder what experienced owners think about this.  Finally, there are no inboard jib leads - wouldn't they help sailing this boat upwind?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
John