Messages

1

Engine and Drive Train / Re: Electric Drive

« on: January 13, 2024, 04:10:51 PM »

This could be an interesting thread to follow.

Recently, I acquired a P323 in very good condition for a '78 (or any year for that matter). The Volvo MD11C is. having some problems with overheating, so I've decided to repower her with electric 12KW. Unlike you, howewver, I would like to outfit her with solar panels and a generator for emergency backup. The Volvo starts, runs at idle very well, but overheats with the alarm sounding at about 2500 RPM. It does burn oil.

I haven't pulled the motor yet, and am collecting needed tools get it pulled. With that said. what to do with the V-Drive trans....should I keep it or invest in the Trunderstuck reduction gear. It's winter up here on the Jersey shore and while no snow yet, the temps could be warmer for this job to begin.

The V-Drive is pretty bulletproof.  Ours, on our 1977 P323, has been trouble-free since we bought the boat in 2009.  We've put almost 2000 hours on it since then. And Walter will still support and rebuild them IFF you have the original stamped serial number tag still attached and readable.

2

For Sale and Wanted / Re: Prop

« on: June 20, 2023, 03:15:00 PM »

Hi Dick,

We have a 15x9 three blade on ours. I don’t think there’s room for anything bigger than 15, and I find that the 9 pitch is a little under-proped for our Atomic4.

And we can’t back up well either. Has a horrendous prop walk in reverse.

3

New Member Introductions / Re: Tips on Initial Inspection

« on: June 15, 2023, 01:28:18 PM »

Hi Mike.

Examine the base of the mast for corrosion.  Pearson used a mild steel mast step. This, in contact with an aluminum mast in a damp bilge, tended to rot away the base of the mast.  The fix is to pull the mast, cut off the corroded part (usually around 4"), and have a new mast step built out of aluminum or G10 to avoid corrosion.  Allow ~$750 - $1000

Pull the access plates and examine all the chainplates for signs of leaking or rusty stains. Several early 323's have had chain plates snap due to crevice corrosion.  The good news is that they are all straight flat bar stock, and easy to have replacements fabricated. I was able to get them fab'ed from 316 SS for around $100 ea.

Good luck!  The 323 is a fine choice.  We've had ours for 13 years and love it.   

4

Plumbing and Galley Systems / Re: Deck drain/scuppers P31-2

« on: May 16, 2023, 12:08:44 PM »

If the Forespar parts don’t fit, you can always just grind down the Marelon flange till it does. Shouldn’t take much.

5

For Sale and Wanted / Re: Canvas Cover for P27

« on: March 10, 2023, 10:44:31 PM »

Please contact Robert directly.  I'm just the messenger.

6

General Discussion / Re: TO ALL ON THIS SITE from Capt. Rob

« on: February 14, 2023, 12:25:28 PM »

I've been there too, while spending a few weeks at Harbourtown Marina at Ft Pierce.  For those of you local to Annapolis, think Bacon's x100!

7

P323 / Re: Pearson 323 Rig Tension using a Loos Gauge

« on: February 13, 2023, 12:51:43 AM »

Those numbers are similar to what I’ve been using.   The original settings when I bought the boat were so low that the downwind shrouds would flop around loosely!

However, when tuned up properly, I started experiencing mast “pumping” in a fore-aft direction whenever there was significant wind abeam of the boat. This usually only happens when tied up in a slip, although I have experienced it when motoring in a crosswind.

I’d be interested in hearing if you have anything similar happen.

8

P323 / Re: Pearson 323 boat speed under power?

« on: February 13, 2023, 12:35:26 AM »

Thanks for the info Ed!

What types of speeds do you get when battling 20-25 knot winds? Does your speed drop of dramatically?

It depends strongly on the sea state. I once powered thru a 35 kt gale on the Chesapeake. As long as I kept to a windward shore I could manage 2-3 kts, but as soon as passed an open spot with lots of fetch, speed would drop to zero with each wave. Average was about 1kt.  It was most unpleasant.

9

For Sale and Wanted / Canvas Cover for P27

« on: January 16, 2023, 09:41:25 AM »

Posting this for a friend of a friend:

---------------------------------------

I have a canvas boat cover (two piece) for a Pearson 27 that I have no use for down on the Gulf Coast.
Anyone with a P27 who is interested can contact me at 210-383-9840.

Robert

10

General Discussion / Re: Pearson Ensign 22 - Wind Indicator

« on: December 21, 2022, 11:11:46 AM »

The Davis Windex has been a staple choice among sailors for ages. For the Ensign, I would recommend the Windex-15:

https://windexdevelopment.com/shop/products/windex-15/

https://www.amazon.com/Windex-Davis-15-Wind-Vane/dp/B00TLEX5SA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1W4KPY5KG42E0&keywords=windex+wind+vane&qid=1671638281&sprefix=windex+wind+vane%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-2

It mounts via a vertical stud on the base socket.  You will have to either drill and tap a matching hole in the masthead fitting, or attach some sort of horizontal flat bracket with a mounting hole, and attach the windex there with a locknut.

11

General Discussion / Re: skegg repair

« on: November 11, 2022, 12:29:22 PM »

No, I've stayed exclusively with WEST System epoxy.

12

General Discussion / Re: skegg repair

« on: November 09, 2022, 01:18:32 PM »

I would recommend thickened epoxy.  If strength is not your primary concern, a cellulose-based thickener, such as West 403, is fine.  Otherwise, use milled/chopped glass fibers to thicken.  The result will have better structural qualities, but it will be harder to sand fair.  Follow with some kind of barrier coat, then bottom paint as normal.

13

General Discussion / Re: mast foot bracket.

« on: October 31, 2022, 11:31:59 AM »

Carter did not make or keep plans for the 323 step, unfortunately.  When I did mine, galvanic corrosion had badly eaten the bottom of the mast, requiring the removal of 4" if it.  The new mast step had to make up this difference.  I sent Carter the old rusty steel step plus the cut-off mast section and they used them as a pattern.

14

New Member Introductions / Re: New Member/Owner

« on: October 26, 2022, 02:42:26 PM »

David,

  Welcome to the forum!  Lots of good information and helpful people here.  Don't be shy about asking any question.  And we love pictures!

  On a personal note, its great to have another P323 here on the upper Chesapeake.  Our P323 (S/V Dolce Vita) is on Bodkin Creek,  just inside the mouth of the Patapsco River.

  You should also look up the Pearson Sailing Assoc. of the Chesapeake Bay (cbpsa.org).  PSA has weekend rendezvous about once every month, as well as a spring meeting and a December Christmas party.

15

General Discussion / Re: mast foot bracket.

« on: October 26, 2022, 02:27:48 PM »

David,

  The yard painted my aluminum mast step with Awlgrip.  This has held up perfectly at the step/mast interface, but there is some surface corrosion around the stainless steel lag bolts and washers that secure it to the keel, as I did not provide any additional galvanic isolation there.