Topics

1

Mast and Spar Issues / Hey Rusty Pelican...spreader hose clamps?

« on: May 24, 2015, 03:39:20 PM »

Hey Bob,

I saw you post on the fix you did with hose clamps on your spreaders. Do you happen to know what size hose clamps those are? My boat is already in water and I want to get up the mast to do the same as you did.

Thanks in advance,

Chet

2

Mast and Spar Issues / Mast "clanging" internal conduit loose?

« on: January 20, 2015, 08:12:55 PM »

Hi all,

Last year our mast developed an annoying "clang". I suspect there is an internal wiring conduit that may have broke loose, but I can't really see up in there too well. Has anyone else dealt with this issue?

Chet

3

Interior Structures / Replace Teak and Holly cabin Sole?

« on: January 20, 2015, 07:58:48 PM »

Our cabin sole is tired, and I am looking for options. I have considered trying to replace it with a new teak and holly plywood veneer, but I am a bit hesitant to tackle that.

Has anyone had success either replacing the wood floor, or installing something else?
Any tips/tricks/advice much appreciated!

Thanks

Chet

4

Ports & Hatches / Fixed ports won't come out ???

« on: March 16, 2013, 06:03:40 PM »

Hi all,

We are trying to get our fixed ports out of the cabin sides to re-bed them, and the inside aluminum trim ring came off easily, but the actual window frame will not come out. We were able to get a putty knife all around the outside bezel, and I don't think that sealant is holding in. It is just loose enough that we can push it out in most spots about 1/8" from the cabin top, but that is it. Does anyone know if these frames are supposed to just push out from the inside? It almost seems as if the inside of the frame has a lip on it that won't allow it to push out (but we really can't see what the problem is).

Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks,

Chet

5

Sails and Canvas / Anybody know if a 10 foot main sail cover works?

« on: June 08, 2012, 09:30:41 AM »

Hi all,

I'm looking to replace the sail cover on Blue Heron, and I see that standard covers are typically available in 10 or 12 foot sizes. I think our boom is 11 feet, and I wonder if a 10 foot cover will fit?

Anybody gone through this exercise already?

Thanks

6

Deck Mounted Hardware / Companionway dimensions?

« on: May 22, 2012, 08:34:19 PM »

Anybody know the dimensions of the companionway? Our boat was broken into over the weekend and the thieves broke our hatch board. It was a one piece plexiglass board about an inch thick, and we are just going to cut a plywood board for a temporary replacement. Thanks in advance if anyone happens to know the dimensions... It would save me a day this weekend!

Chet

7

Exterior Finish and Fiberglass / Restoration of BLUE HERON (VIDEO SLIDE SHOW)

« on: May 14, 2012, 08:15:17 PM »

Ahoy!

We finally finished restoring the the topsides of BLUE HERON. We stripped off the old paint, compounded, polished, and waxed. It is truly amazing that the original gelcoat came out as nice as it did...not bad for a 35 year old boat! Anyway, I have a video posted on Youtube...check it out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPjeSCGOiZ0

8

General Discussion / Need help for USCG documentation

« on: November 22, 2011, 10:59:57 PM »

Hi gang,

I would like to get my boat federally documented so that I can offer sailing charters. My problem is that the USCG requires something like a statement of origin...basically a letter from an officer of the company that  manufactured the boat, stating that the boat was made in the USA...but since Pearson Yachts is out of business, I don't know how to get that.

Have any of you been through this or does anyone have some advice as to how I can get this "proof" that the boat was built in the USA?

Thanks,

Chet

9

Exterior Finish and Fiberglass / Stripped the paint off of Blue Heron's Hull !!

« on: November 09, 2011, 06:39:11 PM »

We decided to use a paint stripper to remove the paint job that was applied by some previous owner.
Not sure what kind of paint it was...guessing it was your basic marine enamel. We used Smart Strip by Peelaway...available at Sherwin Williams, and we were pretty happy the product. Anyway, we were worried that the old paint was hiding some ghastly repair, but we were pleasantly surprised to find the original Light Blue hull in great shape! Now we will see if the Gelcoat can be brought back to a uniform color and high gloss. link to slideshow on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDoM5UhRhzw

10

Sails and Canvas / What size / type of bimini?

« on: July 14, 2011, 09:09:14 AM »

Hi gang,

It has been hotter than blazes this summer, and the Blue Heron needs some shade!

Does anyone know of a pre-fabbed bimini that will would work well on the P-323?

I've seen other boats with rather small bimini tops mounted on the stern rail, but they don't look like they would provide much coverage...any thoughts or experience with those?

I've also looked at those "Anchor Shade" temporary type shades...looks like a pretty good size, but obviously cannot be used when under sail. then again, I usually only wish for a bimini when its hot and there is little to no wind, so maybe they would be ideal...thoughts?

Thanks!

Chet

11

Deck Mounted Hardware / Anchor Windlass?

« on: June 01, 2011, 06:56:20 AM »

Hi gang,

I was out this weekend and dropped anchor for a bit (mainly to test the new anchor roller we installed), and I was reminded of just how much work it is to haul anchor out of a mucky bottom . It got me to thinking that a windlass would be a real benefit, and would probably lead to a lot more overnights and anchoring in general.

Anyone have experience with a particular windlass that they either liked or disliked? Any installation tips regarding the Pearson 323?

Thanks in advance!

Smooth Sailing...

Chet

12

Steering System, Hull Structure / WEEPING RUDDER SKEG

« on: May 23, 2011, 08:08:59 AM »

Anybody notice water weeeping from their rudder skeg? If so, any ideas on what to do about it?

Thanks,

Chet

13

Boat Handling / "Sailing" at anchor...

« on: May 13, 2011, 08:38:12 AM »

Does anyone else have this issue? The last time we anchored, our P323 sailed back all night long. there was no sensation of moving when we were in the cabin until we looked out the windows...then, wow!  We were zipping back and forth at a pretty good clip.

we had at least  7:1 SCOPE, and the wind it was blowing 12 to 15 knots all night. Maybe this is normal?

We are thinking of making our own "anchor riding sail"...

Any comments?

Chet

14

Exterior Finish and Fiberglass / Fastest way to give old paint a new shine?

« on: April 10, 2011, 04:56:22 PM »

Hi swabs 

I'm looking for advice on how to restore the finish on previous painted topsides. I have a heavy oxidized dark blue hull that I hope to bring back to a respectable gloss. So far, I plan on trying some finesse it compound and some kind of electric buffer. The other thought was to wet sand. Anyone have experience with either of these methods? This is. Previously painted, gelcoat

Thanks in advance for any advice

Chet