Pearson 323. should I walk or offer$$$

[champlain94]

Hello. I'm looking at this 1977 pearson 323 sold as is where is. I have to offer a price I will post some
Pics. Let me know if I should make an offer or walk. It has a Volvo md11. Was supposed to be running when
Dry docked three years ago. Bilge is full of water and motor is very rust. A couple of spider cracks in fiberglass and distortion in side of hull where shrouds hook on each side.

I thought I posted multiple pics. Only one at a time will post and
There huge. I apologize. I am new. I will have to resize them probably before posting

[overbored]

If that is a picture of the rusty engine then you should walk. you may need a shovel to clean that bilge. Fresh water or Salt? you may want to consider a surveyor. even if you get it dirt cheap it still may cost you more then you can buy a good boat for.

[champlain94]

This is a picture of the bilge at about midship. It full right to the
Floor level. With nastiness.

[killarney_sailor]

Based on that I would run away,not walk away. Lots of good boat bargains to be had.

[paul323]

Okay, I am a fan of the 323 - heck I own one - so may be a little biased :-) They are great boats.

I am hesitant to say "walk" or "run", without understanding your situation. In good condition, a 323 is worth ~$30K, and is a sweet boat. So there are a few questions to ask yourself. The big one is - are you looking for a boat to sail now, or a restoration project.

1) Are you open to paying - and waiting - for what could be a long restoration?
Hypothetically, if you got the boat for $1, and invested $20K, you would be ahead. Maybe a year later. The P323 are well built, and so the damage *could* be minimal.

2) The bilge is full of yuck. Okay, so it has been on the hard for a couple of years, rainwater has filled the interior bilge, which has then become stagnant. Dirt and smells are a big warning, not necessarily terminal!

3) Engine rusty, unsused for 3+ years. This may not be fixable. Say $10K for a new engine (installed). If this is your only problem, and the price is right....

4) My biggest concern are your comments about hull distortion around the shrouds. The shrouds are secured by chainplates, bolted into the hull. Essential structural components. If you do indeed have distortion and crazing in this area, it may indicate severe structural damage which would mean a write-off. The 323s are strong - it would have taken quite a lot to damage that! Perhaps somebody dropped it? Seriously!

Unfortunately a photo of a dirty bilge is not a lot to give sound advice on! If you are still interested, get a surveyor in for a quick look-over (not a full survey); s/he will be able to give you an idea of the scope of the work required, and a guess at a fair price. Don't necessarily run - but make sure you look further with your eyes wide open.

[BubbleheadMd]

shudder...

Please tell me that the engine isn't UNDER that water?

[jsaronson]

Empty the bilge. get a hot start and sees if the engine turns over. Check the sails - about $1500 each to replace.
After the survey, prepare a budget. Double it.

[champlain94]

Thank you everyone for replying I know it takes time and effort. I like this Pearson also I thought I wanted an Alburg 30 and I still might but the Pearson has more room and performance. They were built well and a good all around boat The engine is not under water I was told they are salt water cooled so that doesn't help the engine when it comes rebuild time and $$$$ parts. Sometimes cheaper to buy another motor then rebuild but then again i might not have to do anything major to it. There's a little distortion on each side where the chainplates are. Its a little vertical line 1/4' x 8' . Also on the hull from the water line down there are hundreds of little round divots I would assume it is blistering i know a lot of older sailboats will have these as long as water doesn't penetrate i guess its ok. I will try to post more pics I will not pay more then $3500 for this boat Maybe im crazy but there are tons of boats out there. We will see I don't mind it sitting on the hard for awhile and doing some work I have all of Don Casey's books and many many more THis old boat, inspecting the aging sailboat Etc. Etc. I am very mechanically inclined but body work nope never touched fiberglass in my life But i am intelligent, veracious reader, and quick learner The marina its at charges $4.50/ foot on the hard and $7.50/foot for docking 28' minimum on the intercostal waterway but your 25 miles either way to get to the ocean. What I am saying is I will leave it right where it is and will work on it there if I buy it The boat is only six miles from my house. I just started sailing I have been taking lessons on a 44' CSY I have been on boats all my life just never Sailboats I love it love it love it The wife hates it hates it hates it Well she can stay home lol I will try to post more pics Its been four days now and the gentleman has not responded to the two emails I sent him. I hope he gets back to me soon I have many questions and am anxious Thank you again for any info and help. Bryan from Myrtle Beach

[champlain94]

Spider crack. I don't think it's anything
To serious?

Can you add more
Then one
Pic in the
Same
Post?

[champlain94]

Mast base needs some
Sealing