Getting Ready for an Offer On a 323

[OCSailor]

Have looked at a specific 323 several times now, and have done a considerable amount of research on the model and am just wondering about the things I may have missed. I have read the Owner's Manual, but without specific knowledge about the boat that can be less than optimum. The specific boat I'm looking at has the Force 10 stove with the shelf for a microwave

I am trying to determine if there are specific problems or concerns I should be looking at prior to making an offer. This boar has a furling main and headsail. I am aware of the compromises there and can accept them

Some of the things that are a cause of concern are the single battery house bank, the leaking 'skylights' and the capacity of the storage tanks, and would welcome any feedback on these or any other issues of concern.

I look forward to any advice from current , or previous, owners.

Thanks,

Richard

 

[Kings Gambit]

Have not owned this model, but the things you mention as potential “issues” are not untypical concerns generally. Did not mention whether or not it will be your first boat. Unless an owner has used the boat for more than overnighters, I would expect minimal battery bank. You’ll need to up grade for extended period away from the slip. Leaky hatch overhead can usually be serviced with a replacement gasket. But the “quick and dirty” way is to apply silicone grease to to the seal routinely. The tankage is what it is. It’s likely only a problem if you’re going to be away from shore services for extended period, as in cruising Mexico, etc. Install a bladder for more water capacity. Carry jerry “cans” for extra diesel. If I’m going somewhere where I might have trouble getting diesel, I put on an extra 12-15 gallons in “cans.” The only way I know to get more tankage with these newer boats short of reconstruction is by getting a larger one.

 

[danstanford]

They are a great boat that handles and sails well. I had the jib replaced with one maximizing the size and it did improve speeds both up and down wind.
Cannot comment on the problems with that boat but as a model they were great. My old one is for sale on Lake Ontario.

 

[DougM]

I have owned a 323 since 2004. Its a basically trouble free boat. It can be a little bit tender, so in building wind it wants to be reefed sooner rather than later. Otherwise its easy to sail, and trims readily to a point where it will hold a course in steady wind without touching the wheel.

Mine is a conventional rig, which is personal preference, so I don’t have the heartburn some have had with the in mast furling.Most of the hardware is good quality, off the shelf, and easily replaceable. The winches are Lewmar #30s which have been trouble free. However, if I had a choice, I would have opted for #40s. The original ProFurl jib furler is certainly adequate, but due to winter storm damage in storage, I replaced it with a Harken furler. Over time, I have replaced most of the blocks with Harken products, as the Lewmar blocks were getting a bit tired.

The placement of the cleats for dock lines could be better, and they are maybe a bit undersized. The lack of midship cleats as delivered was a problem for me, but that was easily changed.

My boat has the Yanmar 2GM20F diesel which is certainly adequate, others I have seen have the 3GM which probably causes a bit less inherent vibration than the 2 cylinder with a 2 blade prop. The mounting pad on the stern rail for the dinghy outboard in my opinion is extremely untrustworthy and needs to be strengthened for anything more than a one cylinder 2hp outboard.

Engine access for service is OK, difficult though to get at the dipstick to check oil, and almost impossible to get at the fresh water pump to change the impeller without removing it. The battery setup as delivered by the manufacturer, is workable, but somewhat odd. It really doesn’t seem to matter which of the two is designated as the starting battery, and which is the house battery. I have lived with it but it can be easily modified. There a plenty of other places in the boat where a 2nd house battery could be added, as well as an anchor windlass battery.

Since I mainly use my boat as a day sailer, I have not even used the galley stove or the microwave. In fact, the microwave may still have the original packaging inside. Interior wise, the boat has just begun to show signs of the clear coating separation from the wood surfaces that had been a common complaint by other Beneteau owners.
I have never had any port leaks. I do have the usual hairline gelcoat cracks around the hatch openings, and around the winch bases, bit never to the extent that they are problematic.

There is not a lot I would change with the boat for the type of sailing I do presently. I know others on this site who have made positive changes to fit their sailing needs, and perhaps they will add their 2 cents.

 

[BigEasy]

Overall, nice boat. As far as battery capacity, you need to determine how you’re going to use the boat and the power demands that you will need. Fairly easy to size the battery bank to your requirements. With regards to the leaking skylight, if it is the flush mount / non opening type, it is a PIA to reseal, I know because I have resealed mine twice and it needs to be done again. I have previously used the sealer that Beneteau used and last time used Sika flex. Next time I will try Dow 795uv. I would have the present owner hire a professional to reseal it or discount the price accordingly; it’s at least an 8 hour job. Good luck with your offer; hope things work out.

 

[jeepbluetj]

They're a nice boat. As mentioned, battery capacity can be an issue.

If you're location is correct, getting a slip may be one of your biggest issues.

 

[OCSailor]

They're a nice boat. As mentioned, battery capacity can be an issue.

If you're location is correct, getting a slip may be one of your biggest issues.

Yep. Been on the list for 2 years. 2 weeks ago I went from 20th to 7th on the list so I figured I better start looking in earnest...

Thanks for the replies gentlemen, I appreciate it .

Doug, this particular boat is a 2006 and has the 3YM20.

BigEasy, I read of your travails with the skylight, which is why I posed the question here. It seems there's never enough battery, but I'll work on optimizing the lights/power draws before I tackle that. It does have an electric windlass.

The DC distribution panel seems a little sparse (12 circuits and no spares) compared to some of the other boats (Catalinas) I've looked at. Has this affected your ability to upgrade your boat?

Richard

 

[jeepbluetj]

7th should be pretty soon on the 30ft list. If you're not completely set on the 323, also look at the Catalina 320 - should check off lots of the same boxes. (I personally prefer the 320, but others don't)

If my 35ft slip comes up (I'm almost at the top, 7 years and counting) That'll open up a 30 foot slip..

 

[Bluenose]

A better boat is the B331 if you can spring for it. It was phased out for the B323. Slightly longer, but a lot more in cruising capabilities, and more robust in every way. But depends what you want to use it for, of course.

 

[Ron20324]

My 2006 has the 3ym20, and the engine access is very good. Early on I did a 16 day sail up the Chespapeake Bay, into the Atlantic, back up the bay to Annapolis. 4 people, and it was a good trip. The 2 burner and oven were sufficient, with a BBQ on the rail. I've done alot of mods, some are on the "Boat Info" tab on the left side of this forum. I really should post them all one of these days. A mod was to add a third (31) battery. Changed the black ground to red pos so each batt has it's own on/off switch. I alternated which of the 3 batts is off line overnight, so they are in effect a start battery, with flexibility. There are alot of places you can, and should, add storage if you have the skills and tools.