Potential 323 Owner

[br111]

Hi All,

I have a couple of questions on the 323 I'm hoping you can answer that haven't turned up so far using search.

1. Why do I see two sizes spec'd for the holding tank (13g and 20g) and has anyone refit a 13g to 20g? We've had a 311 in the past (formerly on Lake Michigan), and found the 13g to be a bit of a pain with company onboard for the weekend. Unfortunately, it appears the favorite place for the AC unit is in the sail locker, and I'm guessing it will be right up against the bulkhead spot for the holding tank, no?

2. Is the 20GM sufficient? The 18hp 20GM was sufficient to drive a 311 in 5 foot waves on Lake Michigan (at least I never felt like I couldn't power through), but the 323 weighs quite a bit more (I've seen two numbers: 8400lbs, which puts it close to the 311's displacement, and 9300lbs in the North American brochure). It seems the 9300lb number would explain the move to the 30GM. Is one number dry and the other loaded?

From everything else I can tell, the 323 is pretty much a 311 redo fixing several of the things I complained about. But, from your posts I can see it didn't lose its speed (yes, I too have seen over 8kts) :dance:

Thanks in advance, and sorry to be redundant if already asked. Okay to PM me too. And to the fellow with the 361 corroded thru hulls, mine did it on fresh water, but not horribly.

 

[alanwir]

Beneteau 323's

HI Br111:

I am sure you will get a number of emails on this issue, I guess I am just seeing your question first.

There is a specific website for the 323:
323sailers@beneteau 323 owners. net

However the larger issue at hand is the fact that I believe some of the earlier 323's came over from France and were not actually built in S. Carolina.
Hence the major difference in specs, however there are many more qualified to answer you questions.

FYI, my mini concern has always been the diesel fuel load, which if I recall correctly is only 17 gals max.

And then finally, I have found the 323 to be a great bang for the buck.

I would recommend 1 maintenance program beyond all the standard items to follow and that is the item of the cutless bearing. It is my belief, that this item is an easy to evaluate and is key to the performance of the Yanmar engine. It should be at least taken a close look at, when ever you are on the hard or if and when you have ever "swallowed any line-fishing or otherwise" But the experts on this forum all know this well and if you owned a 311, then I am sure you do too. On the 323, this is a much easier fix than other boats and if there is a problem, you will quickly see it in the vibration in the engine. Yes, I know, what an observation and please do not giggle too hard over this.

 

[Ron20324]

Alan, I did a doubletake at your web site. I looked at the web you listed and got nothing. Perhaps you meant our http://www.beneteau323owners.net/ ? I thought all 323's sold in the US were made here. I have seen a picture and brochure of the Europen-made models, and they are somewhat different.

My owners manual lists the holding tank at 13 gallons/50 L. I recall someone on the 323 site was putting in a bigger tank, but I don't know what came of it. I'll ask the site. I often have three or 4 people for a weekend and the tank is okay. It helps to have people use a shoreside facility before shoving off. Likewise, if they know there is a shoreside facility, they can wait until back at the slip if need be.

My 2006 323 (hull 136) has a Yanmar 3YM20, listed at 18 hp in the owner's manual, though I think the dealer told me 22 hp when I bought it. The service manual says 20 hp. At any rating, the engine has done me very well. I did put on a folding prop. When I hauled out two years ago the man on the travel lift said the boat weighed 13000 pounds. That's full of her regular equipment and supplies, fuel, water, but no people.

The owners manual lists the 323 as design category B, good to 13-foot waves, force 8 wind, with a displacement of 12,192 pounds, 5530 Kg.

Ditto the cutlass bearing wear.

 

[DougM]

I have a 2004 b323. Built in South Carolina. It has the Euro version Yanmar 2GM20. Its plenty of horspower to push the boat, but i probably would have preferred a little more horsepower. The 2 blade stock prop is worthless, Especially in reverse. Prop walk (normal) is a pain. Considerable hull vibration at speed mostly attributable to the 2 blade prop. I never considered the cutless bearing to be a contributor. I'll have to look into that, although I look it over every year before I put the boat back into the water. I have never picked up any fishing line. Could be that the soft bearing gets lopsided because of the shaft hanging in it after a couple of years.

The diesel tank is probably too small for normal cruising. My problem is that I have yet to use more than 2 or 3 gallons of fuel in a season, and there doesn't appear to be an easy way to drain the old fuel and clean the tank. ( some of the fuel in my tank has to be 5 years old by now). the marina guys were supposed to drain it last fall and use the fuel in their shop heater.

The holding tank is too small for extended cruising, but is in a location that should make it easy to replace. The existing tank is simply secured to a bulkhead in the lazarette. If somebody were to buy my boat right now, they would be mildly surprised at the state of the holding tank and the head... never used, since we are primarily day sailors.

 

[br111]

Thanks for the help, guys. Much appreciated. -- SK