The Pearson 323 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The sailing press generally gave positive reviews to the Pearson 323, praising its practicality, comfort, safety and ease of sailing. For example, Zuzana Prochazka wrote in YachtWorld:

"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."

Owners of the Pearson 323 tend to be very satisfied with their boats and often share their experiences and recommendations on online forums and associations. For example, one Pearson 323 owner wrote on SailNet:

"Anyone considering one of these is strongly encouraged to buy one. When I bought the boat, it was the largest boat I could afford, but I am now in a position to buy just about any boat I can convince myself I want (within reasonable limits). But I love my boat so much that I can't imagine selling it."

No, the Pearson 323 is not in production anymore. Production ended in 1983 after eight years and 385 builds.

There were no alternative versions of the Pearson 323 built by Pearson Yachts, but there was an early version that had a quarter berth to starboard instead of a nav station.

The builders of the Pearson 323 were Pearson Yachts, founded in 1959 by cousins Everett and Clint Pearson in Bristol, Rhode Island. They were pioneers in using fibreglass for boat construction and produced many successful models over the years. However, they faced financial difficulties in the late 1980s and early 1990s and eventually sold their assets to Cal-Pearson Corporation in 1991. The company ceased operations in 1997.

The average cost of a secondhand Pearson 323 depends on the condition, age, equipment and location of the boat. According to YachtWorld, the current listings range from $9,900 to $29,900, with an average of $18,000.

The Pearson 323 is comparable to other sailboats in its class such as the Catalina 30, the Hunter 34 and the Tartan 34. It has a similar length, beam, displacement and sail area, but a slightly deeper draft and a smaller fuel capacity. It is more seaworthy and comfortable than some of its competitors, but also less agile and speedy. It is a good choice for cruisers who value practicality, durability and affordability over performance and style.