Pearson 323 - suitable bluewater cruiser??

[michaeledelson]

Hi all,

I am planning a trip to Bermuda next may/june aboard my 1979 Pearson 323 and I was wondering if that boat is considered an suitable bluewater cruiser. The rigging is in good shape, the diesel runs very well, and the boat is in great condition overall.

This is going to be my first major passage and I''m looking into all aspects of it so I can avoid dissaster while at sea.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Mike

[kimberlite]

have you looked into the orc regulations to see what is mandated for such a passage.
do you have a ssb, life raft, 406 gpirb etc?
eric

[michaeledelson]

406 Epirb, check. Liferaft, check. SSB? Wazzat?

I have over a year to learn and buy what I need, and I have only begun to plan.

Among my current inventory or to-buy list:
Wooden pegs (for sealing leaks), new through-hulls, engine overhall, new standing rigging, some kind of weather fax device, 3 GPS untis, GPS chartplotter, Loran, sea anchor, life-sling, safety harnesses and lines, and of course the 406 epirb and liferaft.

I''m sure I left something out, but like I said, I have a year.

What I really want to know is people''s opion on the suitability of the boat for this type of passage.

Mike

[navtron]

I''ve done it on a 30 Newport ''84, it was a delight! Can you do it on yours? If you don''t think it is a joy ride or joke....every moment is a combination of excitment and danger! Feeling your boats'' moans and groans and knowing their the right ones and always being alert on the foriegn ones are Your job at ALL times. Anything can happen out there...even the silly thinks can put you and your crew in Danger. A sound vessel with sound alternatives in the grip of possible disaster is the key. As you get more miles and experience offshore, things will fall into place....but never let down your guard.....I''ve sailed Bermuda, Bahamas, East Coast offshore, Was in that Storm, Valentines Day Feb. 14, 2000 off Georgia in Gulf Stream. Two Tornadoes killing 13 people ashore...destroying homes..etc...Winds topped out at 74 kts on Wind Indicator... Surfing a vessel down the wave faces for 2 days was as I said at the beginning... Exciting and Dangerous...I see you are beefing her up and putting on the safety Equip. Your on the right track. Good Luck and Enjoy, you will remember the First time for Life!

[hansdg]

If your boat is in good shape and you have the necessary safety equipment, then it is really the skill of the skipper/crew that determines whether you can make the passage. People have crossed oceans in all kinds of vessels. A good friend of mine says that a vessel is as seaworthy as its captain!

Good luck!

[gregpecaut]

Start with taking her out in all kinds of weather. If a 40k wind seems like it's too much for you in your boat, stick to coastal cruising. If you have everything under controll and feel you and the boat can handle more, go for it. Tiller time is important. Learn as much about weather and boat handling as you can. Knowing your boat and it's equipment is more important than what boat you use. Like the other fellow said, it's the captain that makes the boat.

[chuck711]

The Only thing I would make sure is your rudder ( post etc.) is in good
shape everything else is just fluff........

Before I would bother with a EPIRB or Liferaft I would have a satelite phone aboard.........

[resdog]

No one has answered his question about the 323. Check out this thread.

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/buying...son-323-a.html

I don't think Bill Shaw ever considered the 323 an ocean crosser but more a coastal cruiser. The 323's I've been on were big/roomy and heavy 32 footers. Nice boats.

[SailorMitch]

Maybe no one answered the question because it was asked in 2001? Perhaps the original poster has been to Bermuda and back several times by now. Plus, there's a 323 in my marina that has made that Bermuda trip, and several others in blue water down through the years.