1978 Pearson 323 Sloop for sale with an assumable live aboard slip in Punta Gorda Florida. $29,900

Bill Shaw drew the lines of the Pearson 323, eschewing IOR design rules (which were so popular in the 1970s) for a more practical aesthetic that would be safe, easy to sail, and comfortable to cruise. He hit the right notes with this 32-footer because over an eight-year period between 1976 and 1983, 385 hulls of this classic plastic were produced in Portsmouth, RI—and many are still enjoyed by passionate owners today.

The hull is solid fiberglass with an encapsulated, elongated fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder. The beam (10’ 3”) is moderate by today’s standards, and the transom is vertical, leaving room for the installation of davits or self-steering gear. This boat has the davits installed.

The masthead sloop rig has a keel-stepped mast with a single set of spreaders. It supports 478 square feet of sail area, over half of which is in the large headsail. She will sail five knots in eight knots of true on a close or beam reach, which won’t set any records but the 323 is first and foremost a cruiser, not a racer. Under power, the original design was pushed by a 30 HP Atomic 4 gasoline engine with a V-drive. Many owners have since repowered, however, and diesels have made an appearance. This boat the motor has bee replaced with a Yanmar 3GM30 (30 hp).

The interior maximized cruising comfort. Although there was an early flirtation with a quarter berth to starboard, it was soon replaced by a dedicated forward-facing nav station. Today, the boat will sleep five: two in the V-berth, two on a berth formed by the hi/lo table at the dinette to starboard, and one on the straight settee to port.

The galley is next to the companionway steps to port and is L-shaped with an icebox/refrigerator, a sink, a two-burner stove, and stowage outboard. Water tanks totaling 70 gallons are under each settee and fuel is 30 gallons. Both were respectable capacities for their time, and are even by today’s standards.

Having only 32 feet to work with, Shaw decided to make the head a pass-through space. Positioned between the forward master stateroom and the saloon, the head occupies a hull-to-hull sliver of space with the toilet to starboard, a locker to port and an optional shower with teak grate flooring in the middle. It may not be ideal if someone is in the V-berth and wants to go aft, but how much time do we really spend in the head outside of a quick shower?

Yacht World

This vessel has been lovingly maintained and updated by its current owners.

Electronics

Raymarine hybridtouch Chart Plotter

Raymarine Anemometer

Standard Horizon Depth

Standard Horizon Speed

Raymarine Auto Helm (works but needs some attention)

Standard Horizon Explorer VHF

Inverter

Galley

Origo 4000 Two Burner Alcohol Stove (Gimbled)

Adler Barbour Refrigerator Freezer

SS Sink

Hot and Cold Pressurized Water

Microwave (Gimbled)

Sails/Deck

Mast Refurbished (2021)

Masthead Sheaves (2021)

New Mast LED Mast Lighting including Tricolor navigation stack (2021)

New Standing Rigging W Sta-Lock Fittings (2021)

Split back stay with new chain plates installed (2021)

New Running Rigging (2022)

Harken MKIV Ocean Furling System (2021)

New Jib halyard (2022)

Main Sail

150 Genoa

Storm Sail

Boom Vang

Lewmar 40 2 speed winches

Electric Windless

CRQ Anchor with 150 Ft Chain Rode

Spare Danforth Anchor with Rope Rode

New Dodger, Bimini and Main Sail cover (2019, 2022, 2023)

Cabin

5 berths

TV

CD Player (New speakers)

Raritan Toilet

New Thru hull fittings and hose for Head

Rod Storage (roof of Cabin)

Misc

Dripless Shaft Bearings

Bottom Paint every 2 years (Jan 2022)