Recent Posts

1

Engine and Drive Train / 1979 Pearson 323 Volvo Penta MD11 fuel and air filters question

« Last post by diamondgirlsails on September 08, 2025, 08:05:02 PM »

Diamond Girl is a 1979 Pearson 323 (hull 163) with a Volvo Penta MD11 diesel engine that is running great.  I need to change the fuel filter (I have an internal filter canister on the engine, and an water separator mounted above the engine on the port side).  Can someone provide a supplier for ordering the correct part(s)? 

I'm assuming I'll need to pump air out of the fuel lines after I change the fuel filter.  Any tips/suggestions when doing this?  I have the manual and have read those instructions, but just looking for 'real world' encounters with this process. 

How do I go about cleaning the air filters?  Are there parts I need for the air filters? 

2

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

« Last post by 323Voyager on August 27, 2025, 05:28:28 PM »

Looks great. Hopefully the engine pan stays that pretty.

3

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

« Last post by J.Twighlight on August 26, 2025, 12:54:34 PM »

Update;
recent short haul...

4

P323 / Re: Icebox conversion

« Last post by diamondgirlsails on August 24, 2025, 09:18:51 PM »

Here's a video of my install: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19XvZwVwTD/

5

P323 / Re: Engine Gauges

« Last post by 323Voyager on August 11, 2025, 06:04:28 PM »

Part Delivered.
I didn't see you around so I placed it in the port side cockpit sandwich cubby.

6

Interior Structures / Salon Bulkhead

« Last post by 323Voyager on August 05, 2025, 06:59:00 PM »

Both of my bulkheads , the main Salon and the V Birth were rotted out at the bottom. I removed and replaced them. Attached are pics from the Salon Bulkhead once replaced. I still have some filling and painting to do, as well as sanding of the wood work and clear coating.The Salon bulkhead was remade in 3/4 marine play and veneered with 1/4 ply on Salon side, so now the bulkhead is 1" thick. Completely coated in epoxy and tabbed in with several layers of glass. The upper Veneer is Maple the lower was just 6mm marine ply. I covered the seem with chair rail and framed out the top with Sapele.

The V Birth bulkhead is 1/2" marine ply, and coated both sides in glass. I plan on just painting that white on both sides, and possibly tiling the head side. Haven't decided yet.

Pics attached, Questions or concerns let me know.

7

Interior Structures / Re: Microwave and Induction top cabinet

« Last post by 323Voyager on August 05, 2025, 06:47:46 PM »

Dovetailed drawers, and inlaid bottom drawer with tiger maple.

8

Interior Structures / Microwave and Induction top cabinet

« Last post by 323Voyager on August 05, 2025, 06:46:14 PM »

I built a gimbaled microwave and cooktop cabinet. It still needs to be mounted as well as fiberglass work and painting. It has a small drawer next to cooktop for spatchulas and cooking utensils and a lower drawer to hold pots and pans.

Pics attached.

9

Interior Structures / Nav Table Top

« Last post by 323Voyager on August 05, 2025, 06:12:54 PM »

Just an update on my slow progress. I made a new Nav Table top. I continued with my interior wood theme of Sapele, hard maple and tiger maple for accents.
I split the top so it will open wider and so you can just open a smaller section to access pencils, scissors and small items.
The small section is 6 inches wide and opens on a brass piano hinge. The wider section uses brass 2" hinges.
I still have to fill old holes and cracks in the fiberglass. Also I think I'll add a drawer in the side like Dave displayed in a prior post.

Any questions let me know. Otherwise here are the pics.

10

P323 / Re: Icebox conversion

« Last post by diamondgirlsails on August 04, 2025, 07:35:55 AM »

Thanks for the info and suggestions.  I'll post updates here.

I also found an older thread that discusses this topic: https://www.pearson323.com/forum/index.php?topic=695.0