Messages

1

Boat Handling / Re: Weather Helm P323

« on: March 23, 2026, 11:50:58 AM »

Does these sailing characteristics translate over to the P-32, what is the difference between the 32 & the 323?
I've only sailed my boat a couple times;  under main and under a # 2 in light air, no chance to develop any kind of feel for the boat. I'm so looking forward to getting out in the Bay and putting the boat through its paces!

Been told she's gets rolly-polly close to dead-down wind... great to have this performance feedback from owners!

2

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Back-Stay Adjuster

« on: March 14, 2026, 11:59:06 AM »

I've done some research which has not uncovered much in the way of a Back-Stay tensionser/adjuster for a 80' Pearson 32 information. Looking for a replacement for a worn-out "STERN"- hydraulic rig. Back-stay is 3/16" rod and "pin to pin" is distance @ 36 ". Leaning towards mechanical (Cost),

Welcome recommendations! See attached for a Rig I put together. I've been made aware by smarter people than me that this design was not the most "safe or efficient" way to support or "tension" the rig on my boat.

Hey, It's my first boat...I know racing J29's, Olsen 30's I  could could put some serious bend in the stick with a rig like this. It was probably part of a "spit-bckstay with cascading blocks... 

3

Deck Mounted Hardware / Cabin Top Winches

« on: March 10, 2026, 04:07:24 PM »

My 80 P-32 has a "unique" cabin top configuration, just forward of the mid-ships hatch and aft of the mast. A Reefing Line "Clutch with its own winch, then two additional winches Port and STBD, supposedly used for a "stay-sail" which I have. Anyone with this configuration? Have they used it for its original purpose, re-purposed the winches, or removed the winches and blocked-off the holes or added ventilation or something else ?

I see them taking up extra room for "Bay" sailing... thanks for any insight.

4

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Re: Main Sheet Length

« on: February 25, 2026, 01:43:50 PM »

Rule-of-Thumb:

Main sheet Length = Boat Length X 2.5,

My P-32 ~~ 80ft. second on stepping up the line quality!

5

P32 / Re: 1979 Pearson 32 Portlights

« on: February 25, 2026, 01:10:22 PM »

https://beckson.com/

6

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / P32 Adding a Furling Rig

« on: January 06, 2026, 01:22:10 PM »

Have an opportunity to purchase a "slightly used", Harken MK IV Roller Furling Rig. Any recommendations on furling rigs for 1980-P32, currently configured with a "Tuff-Luff". Still like to race, but anticipate much more cruising time. TY!

7

Engine and Drive Train / Re: 80" P-32 exhaust system

« on: January 03, 2026, 10:42:24 AM »

Happy New Year !

Boats still high and dry, small details to wrap engine (throttle-xmission cables, coolant recovery tank. Winters settled in, convinced myself a good idea to delay launch until March. Hull, rudder clean, prep and paint needs attention. I was was really looking forward to starting the engine for the first time! I stepped-up the exhaust hose diameter from 1 1/2" (M15, 11HP) to 2" (M25, 22 HP). The exhaust riser was build with a 2" output flange.

Concerned I may have mucked-up the exhaust "back-pressure"... ?
The hose run is approx. 15 feet, riser to transom.

picture after recent haul, 9/25. had been in water for 3 years.

8

Engine and Drive Train / Re: 80" P-32 exhaust system

« on: December 16, 2025, 12:36:22 PM »

Thank-you, and yes already soiled...

9

Engine and Drive Train / Re: 80" P-32 exhaust system

« on: August 26, 2025, 12:54:34 PM »

Update;
recent short haul...

10

New Member Introductions / New Broke Owner

« on: May 08, 2025, 10:55:17 AM »

Hello from the middle Chesapeake... Many years cursing/racing on othgers people boats, have my own now in a P-32 1980 and learning much about the boat through many renovations. Very nice to have this resource, hoping I can bring something of use to the forum.

Currently having "fitment" issues between the original M15 mounting footprint and the replacement M25 mounting footprint. The foundation engine mount bolt spacing, which I  assumed to be " the universal "atomic 4" footprint, (14.5 "center stud to center stud of mounts), is in fact 16 " between centers. The replacement M25 I'm installing is configured for the 14.5 mounting configuration. Also, the transmission coupling to shaft coupling (a "drive saver") will have roughly an 1 1/2" gap and not going to mate w/o some shaft/coupling re-configuration. Current shaft is 1 "@ 57.5 inches long. Anyone experienced anything like this when re-powering?

Close to hauling boat to try and work out details, should of done a bit more homework, its a challenge with a 40 yo vessel. Thank-you and Cheers!

11

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Re: Jib and Main lines/halyards. what is the right length and gauge?

« on: April 23, 2025, 04:07:53 PM »

Found this very helpful, along with the attached chart...

https://rigworks.com/selecting-rope-length-diameter-type/

12

Engine and Drive Train / 80" P-32 exhaust system

« on: April 22, 2025, 10:34:38 AM »

Good day,

This site as been a great discovery! After many years of racing , cruising and assisting with maintenance on OPB's,  I finally landed one of my own a couple of years ago; a 1980 Pearson 32 which "featured" a Universal M15/5411engine. As I learned from many that spent time on the P32 w/M15, she was under-powered and "motor sailing was usually the way to go. This coupled with the engine being straight "raw water" cooled, requiring a good amount of attention to maintenance. Lack of attention to this element of this motor lead to the demise of the engine and removal for scrap.

Fast forward, After two years finally scored a totally re manned M25 with all the upgrades, new control panel, motor mounts, and a custom built riser assembly for the exhaust. Upgraded exhaust hose from original production to Vetus hose and plastic waterlock muffler to a CenTek muffler. The original muffler was installed directly below the riser output of the old motor. The new muffler's location will be shifted several inches aft and to port off C/L.

Should I feel comfortable routing the new exhaust hose just as they did for the production build ? Thanks for any insight and forgive all of the details, its been quite a journey jut finding a replacement! Cheers