Built between 1976 and 1983 by Pearson Yachts, this William Shaw-designed 32-footer represents solid American cruising boat construction from the era when fiberglass sailboats were reaching maturity. The 323's traditional masthead sloop rig and fin keel with skeg-mounted rudder configuration delivers dependable performance for coastal cruising and weekend sailing. With a displacement of 12,800 pounds and 4,500 pounds of ballast, this boat offers the stability and seakindly motion that Pearson built its reputation on during the 1970s. The moderate sail area of 477 square feet provides manageable sail handling for couples or small crews, while the fin keel design ensures reasonable pointing ability and maneuverability in tight quarters. Shaw's design emphasizes comfort and practicality over pure performance, evident in the boat's generous beam and traditional proportions. The comfort ratio of 31.84 suggests pleasant motion in a seaway, while the capsize screening value of 1.71 indicates good stability characteristics for coastal and near-offshore sailing. The 323 appeals to sailors seeking a well-built, no-nonsense cruiser capable of extended coastal passages. Its Pearson pedigree means solid construction quality and a design philosophy that prioritizes seaworthiness and crew comfort over racing performance.
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What is the Pearson 323's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Pearson 323 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Pearson 323's comfort ratio?
The Pearson 323 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 31.84. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Pearson 323 safe for offshore sailing?
The Pearson 323 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.71. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Pearson 323?
The theoretical hull speed of the Pearson 323 is 7.03 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Pearson 323 weigh?
The Pearson 323 has a displacement of 12,800.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 32.25 ft.
How much does a used Pearson 323 cost?
Based on 7 recent market listings, used Pearson 323 sailboats typically sell for between $4,000 and $27,500, with a median asking price of $21,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Pearson 323?
The Pearson 323 was designed by William Shaw, first built in 1976.