Pearson 323
Built 1976–1983 by Pearson Yachts
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About the Pearson 323
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1976–1983
- Builder
- Pearson Yachts
- Designer
- William Shaw
- Length
- 32.25 ft
- Waterline
- 27.5 ft
- Beam
- 10 ft
- Draft
- 4.5 ft
- Displacement
- 12,800 lb
- Ballast
- 4,500 lb
- Hull / keel
- fin keel
- Rig
- sloop
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 30 gal
- Water
- 38 gal
- Water heater
- AC + engine · factory option
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
- Steering
- pedestal cable · Edson
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 30 gal
“30 Gallons (U.S.) FUEL CAPACITY” — owner's manual (1978), pearson323.com · “30 gallon monel or aluminum fuel tank” — owners' association (1977), pearson323.comBuilder's 1978 owner's manual and the 1977 Pearson information pages agree.
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Water 38 gal
“two (2) standard 19 gallon water tanks ... Total standard capacity 38 gallons” — owner's manual (1978), pearson323.com · “Total capacity of 38 gallons or 78 gallons with optional bow water tank” — owners' association (1977), pearson323.comStandard is two 19 gal tanks under the main-cabin berths, 38 gal in total. An optional 40 gal bow tank under the V-berth brings it to 78. The figure we listed before, 70, matches neither.
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Holding unknown
Builder specs mention a holding-tank toilet system with Y-valve but give no capacity.
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Water heater AC + engine · factory option
“SECTION XI. B: OPTIONAL HOT AND COLD PRESSURE WATER SYSTEM ... Hot Water Heater ... at the forward end of the starboard” — owner's manual (1978), pearson323.com · “Optional Equipment ... Hot and cold pressure water system” — owners' association (1977), pearson323.comPearson's 1978 owner's guide lists hot and cold pressure water as an option (standard boats have a galley foot pump and vanity hand pump). The optional heater sits in the starboard cockpit locker and is heated by an engine cooling-water coil or, if the boat has shore power, an electric element. No capacity given.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
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Bow thruster unknown
The 1977 Pearson specification pages (standard and optional equipment, reproduced by the owners' site) list no thruster.
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Stern thruster not fitted
Our earlier figure of none had no source. The builder's specification and optional-equipment list names no thruster, but the option list shown is only partial.
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Steering pedestal cable · Edson
“Edson steerer with 5" Ritchie compass. Emergency tiller.” — owners' association (1977), pearson323.com · “Individual throttle and clutch controls mounted on steering pedestal.” — owners' association (1977), pearson323.com · “Edson Pedestal Steerer ... Chain & Wire Rope Assembly ... Adjustable Crossed Wire Idler ... Drive Wheel” — owners' association, pearsonyachts.orgPearson's detail specifications (on the owners' site) give an Edson pedestal steerer with emergency tiller. Edson's steering data sheet S-826 for the Pearson 323 shows a 28 in. wheel, with chain and wire rope over a crossed-wire idler to an 8 in. drive wheel on the rudder stock.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Shoal fin keel with skeg-hung rudder; balsa-cored deck. Standard Atomic 4 gas engine (sailboatdata lists 30 hp) with a 2-cylinder Volvo Penta diesel optional, both through a Walter V-drive; boat walks to port in reverse. Many have since been repowered. Sources read do not state whether the hull is solid or cored.
Engines fitted
-
Atomic 4 (Universal) 5103-UJVD, V-drive — 30 hp, gas, single
standard
Standard auxiliary: 30 hp 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 2:1 reduction into a V-drive. The 1978 owner's manual (search excerpt) gives the model as 5103-UJVD with Aqua-Pak V-drive.Sources: goodoldboat.com · pearson323.com · pearson323.com
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Volvo Penta MD11C — 23 hp, diesel, single
factory option
Factory diesel alternative: 2-cylinder, 1.91:1 reduction into a V-drive. The 1978 owner's manual (search excerpt) lists it at 23 hp.Sources: pearson323.com · goodoldboat.com · pearson323.com · 82353.activeboard.com
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Beta Marine 28 — diesel, single
common repower
Beta Marine's US forum posts a photo of a Beta 28 installed in a 323 and recommends the Beta 25 or 28 with a ZF V-drive for this boat.Sources: 82353.activeboard.com
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Yanmar YM30 (as listed) — diesel, single
common repower
A 1977 323 listed as repowered in 2005 with a freshwater-cooled Yanmar 'YM30' (single listing).Sources: southbaysail.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
Neither the 1977 specification nor the 1978 owner's guide lists a generator; shore power itself was optional. The guide mentions a generator only in a generic fueling checklist.
Manuals and brochures online
- Owner's manual Pearson 323 owner's manual (1978) (1978) — pearson323.com
- Spec sheet Pearson 323 detail specifications (1977 Pearson information pages) (1977) — pearson323.com
- Document Edson Steering Data Sheet S-826, Pearson 323 (pedestal steerer, chain and wire to drive wheel) — pearsonyachts.org
Hosted by the builder or an owners' association; they own the copyright.
Known problems for this model
-
V-drive makes packing gland hard to reach running gear
Both engine options drive through a Walter V-drive, which makes adjusting the stuffing box nut very awkward.goodoldboat.com
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Aging steel fuel tank fuel
The original 30-gallon tank appears to be galvanized steel; on boats this old it should be checked for corrosion.goodoldboat.com
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Balsa core delamination and leaking ports deck
Leaking portlights are common, and the balsa-cored deck delaminates around mounted hardware.goodoldboat.com
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Chainplate and mast step corrosion rigging
Stainless chainplates and the mast step can suffer crevice corrosion; gelcoat cracks around deck-level chainplates are reported and warrant a survey.goodoldboat.com · sailnet.com
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Blisters hull
Hull blistering is commonly found on these boats.goodoldboat.com
Engines & parts
Universal Atomic 4 parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Atomic 4 (Universal) 5103-UJVD, V-drive”
Tens of thousands were built (sources say from 40,000 to 50,000). Despite being out of production for decades, the engine is well supported: Moyer Marine sells parts, rebuilt engines, fuel pump rebuilds and exhaust parts, and hosts an owners' forum; Old Lyme Marina and others also supply parts, and electronic ignition upgrades are available.
Parts sources: Moyer Marine
Common problems (3)
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Raw-water cooling scale and corrosion cooling
Most Atomic 4s are raw-water cooled, so the block scales up and corrodes, especially in salt water; cranking without starting can also flood the engine with seawater through the exhaust.goodoldboat.com · moyermarineforum.com · keelindex.com
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Gasoline vapor fire/explosion risk fuel
Gasoline vapor is heavier than air and settles in the bilge, so ventilation, blower use and shutting the fuel valve (a stuck carburetor float can overflow) matter.goodoldboat.com
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Ignition and fuel system faults electrical
Points, condenser, cap and wires, plus gummed carburetors and contaminated fuel, are the most common reasons an Atomic 4 won't run well.keelindex.com · goodoldboat.com
Maker’s service schedule (9)
| Engine oil & filter change | 50 hrs | “3. FIFTY HOUR CHECK a. Using sump pump, remove all oil from crankcase. Refill with a good grade oil as specified in Tabl” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 50 hrs | “e. Clean fuel pump strainer.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Heat exchanger & oil cooler cleaning | 50 hrs | “b. Inspect oil cooler and remove any accumulation of grit or dirt.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Clean flame arrestor | 100 hrs | “b. Inspect flame arrestor to be sure air passages are clean and free from oil. If dirty remove and wash with kerosene.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Check clutch (reverse gear) adjustment | 100 hrs | “4. ONE HUNDRED HOUR CHECK ... c. Check adjustment of clutch.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 150 hrs or 1 yr | “5. ONE HUNDRED FIFTY HOUR CHECK a. Check valve tappet adjustment.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Spark plugs inspect / replace | 150 hrs | “b. Remove, clean, and reset spark plugs.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Transmission fluid change Universal V-drive unit (V-drive installations only; the standard reverse gear shares engine oil) | 500 hrs | “(2) After the first 50 hours of operation, drain unit and refill ... (3) Change lubricant every 500 hours of operation.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Complete overhaul | 3,000 hrs | “At the end of three thousand hours of operation the engine should be completely overhauled.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
Service part numbers (8)
| Oil filter optional add-on oil filter (not standard equipment) |
Universal 276236 | “2 Element or Cartridge 1 276236 (Oil Group, Oil Filter, Not Standard Equipment)” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Raw-water impeller Oberdorfer N202M-03 / N202M-07 replacement raw-water pump (Universal pump 295625) |
Oberdorfer 6593 | “5 Impeller 6593 6593 6593 6593 6593 1 (N202M, N202M-03, N202M-07 parts list)” — manufacturer, pumpsandpartsonline.com · “Impeller : Catalog # 6593, Impeller” — dealer, pumpagents.com |
| Raw-water pump kit Oberdorfer N202M-03 / N202M-07 raw-water pump |
Oberdorfer 10725 | “REPAIR KIT N202M N202M-03 N202M-07 10725” — manufacturer, pumpsandpartsonline.com · “Catalog # 10725, Repair Kit, includes O-Ring, Snap Ring, Impeller, 2 x Lip Seal” — dealer, pumpagents.com |
| Drive belt alternator belt (Prestolite and Motorola alternators) |
Universal 239387 | “19 Belt 1 239387 (12 Volt - Motorola 51 Amp Alternator)” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Spark plug | Universal 273276 × 4 | “8 Spark plugs, champion 4 273276” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Thermostat late style, from 1967 / serial #79476 (Holley 145 F, on cylinder head) |
Universal 200206 | “12 Thermostat Kit 1 200206 consists of 262278 and 261601” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Thermostat Dole type, before serial #79476 (on manifold) |
Universal 200207 | “13 Kit, Thermostat (consists of 275965 & 261144) 1 200207” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Zinc / anode fresh-water-cooled engines only (Universal heat-exchanger kit) |
Universal 299760 | “23 zinc pencil 1 299760 (Cooling, Fresh Water System, after serial #79476)” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Sources disagree on first year, last year, number built — left blank rather than guessed.
Volvo Penta MD11C/D / MD17C/D parts: limited
Factory optional engine — you entered “Volvo Penta MD11C”
Produced 1975–1984 and developed from the MD2B/MD3B, sharing many internals but with cylinder liners. European specialists (Poseidon Marine) sell overhaul kits, liners, piston rings, bearings, gaskets, water pump kits and fuel parts; genuine parts are listed by Volvo dealers. Some items, such as original injector fuel lines, are discontinued.
Parts sources: Poseidon Marine (MD11/MD17 parts), Power Products Systems (genuine Volvo Penta parts), US Boatworks (NLA Volvo parts)
Common problems (2)
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Leaking injector lines with discontinued replacements fuel
Owners find the high-pressure lines from injection pump to injectors leaking and genuine replacements no longer available, forcing custom-made lines.facebook.com
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Saildrive parts hard to find running gear
MD11C engines paired with early saildrives have parts that are difficult to locate.cruisersforum.com
Maker’s service schedule (9)
| Engine oil & filter change | 50 hrs | “skall oljan bytas första gången efter 20 driftstimmar och i fortsättningen var 50:e driftstimme” — manufacturer, albinmotor.com |
| Engine oil filter change | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Oljefiltret skall bytas första gången efter 20 driftstimmar under inkörningstiden och sedan vid vartannat oljebyte.” — manufacturer, albinmotor.com |
| Transmission fluid change Reverse-gear (non-saildrive) installations | 200 hrs | “Oljebyte i backslag (var 200:e driftstimme)” — manufacturer, albinmotor.com |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 50 hrs | “ÅTGÄRDER VAR 50:e DRIFTSTIMME: ... Ventilspel. Kontroll och justering” — manufacturer, albinmotor.com |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Luftfiltret bör demonteras och rengöras var 100:e driftstimme, eller en gång per säsong.” — manufacturer, albinmotor.com |
| Drive belts inspect / replace | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “ÅTGÄRDER VAR 100:e DRIFTSTIMME ELLER MINST EN GÅNG PER SÄSONG: ... Kontroll och byte av kilrem för generator” — manufacturer, albinmotor.com |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “ÅTGÄRDER VAR 100:e DRIFTSTIMME ELLER MINST EN GÅNG PER SÄSONG: ... Kontroll av kylsystem (Kontroll och byte av pumphjul)” — manufacturer, albinmotor.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Finfilterelementet i bränslefiltret skall bytas minst en gång per säsong.” — manufacturer, albinmotor.com |
| Injector test / service | 3 yrs | “Vart tredje säsong bör insprutarna inlämnas till dieselverkstad för rengöring och kontroll” — manufacturer, albinmotor.com |
Service part numbers (6)
| Oil filter | Volvo Penta 22057107 Replaces 834337 |
“p.90 "MD5, MD11" block: Oil filter — 22057107” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Volvo Penta genuine oil filter to replace old model 834337 … MD11C/D … MD17C/D” — dealer, foxschandlery.com |
| Fuel filter spin-on filter |
Volvo Penta 21492771 Replaces 829913, 3825133 |
“p.90 "MD5, MD11" block: Fuel filter, spin-on — 21492771” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Brandstoffilter Volvo Penta 21492771 (vervangt 829913) … MD11,MD11D,MD17,MD17D” — dealer, bakker-ijlst.nl |
| Raw-water impeller MD11C/D with sea-water pump cover plate held by 4 screws |
Volvo Penta 21951342 Replaces 3586496, 875583 Also: Johnson 09-808B |
“p.90 "MD5, MD11" block: Impeller kit (cover plate with 4 screws) — 21951342” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Impeller kit for Volvo Penta RO: 21951342 3586496 875583 MD5 MD6 MD7 MD11 09-808B” — dealer, poseidonmarine.eu |
| Raw-water impeller MD11C/D with sea-water pump cover plate held by 6 screws |
Volvo Penta 3586494 Also: Johnson 09-806B, Jabsco 4528-0001, Sherwood 9979 |
“p.90 "MD5, MD11" block: Impeller kit (cover plate with 6 screws) — 3586494” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “MD5A* MD6A / MD11C*, MD11D* … Volvo Penta: 875807-0 803729 3586494 876689” — dealer, poseidonmarine.eu |
| Raw-water impeller MD17C/D |
Volvo Penta 22222936 | “p.90 "MD3, MD17" block: Impeller kit — 22222936” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “IMPELLER KIT … Denne delen passer til... MD11C,MD11D,…,MD17C,MD17D” — dealer, volvopentaparts.shop |
| Thermostat | Volvo Penta 876080 | “Compatible with the following engines: … MD Series: MD11C MD11D MD17C MD17D MD1B MD2B MD3B” — dealer, marinepartsystem.com · “Thermostat Kit 876097 / 876080 suits Volvo Penta MD1B, MD2B, AQD3B, MD3B, MD11, C,D, MD17, C,D” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Yanmar 6LP (6LP-DTE / STE / 6LPA-STP) parts: good
Factory common repower engine — you entered “Yanmar YM30 (as listed)”
Supported by Yanmar dealers; the cooling stack (charge-air cooler, oil cooler, heat exchanger) is the main service expense.
Parts sources: Mack Boring & Parts (Yanmar distributor)
Common problems (2)
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Neglected cooler service cooling
The charge-air cooler, oil cooler and heat exchanger need regular removal and cleaning; a failing raw-water oil cooler can leak oil into the cooling water.youtube.com · facebook.com
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Turbo problems limiting rpm exhaust
Engines that won't reach rated rpm under load or burn oil are often traced to turbocharger wear or fouling.bertram31.com · facebook.com
Maker’s service schedule (17)
| Engine oil & filter change 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 125 hrs or 6 mo | “Perform the following maintenance every 125 hours of operation or 6 months, whichever comes first. Changing the Engine O” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Fuel filters & water separator 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Perform the following maintenance every 250 hours or one year of operation, whichever comes first. Replacing the Fuel Fi” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Drain fuel tank water and fuel/water separator 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 50 hrs or 1 mo | “perform the following procedures every 50 hours thereafter or monthly, whichever comes first. Draining Water From the Fu” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Perform the following maintenance every 250 hours or one year of operation, whichever comes first. ... Changing the Cool” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Engine pencil zincs 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Perform the following maintenance every 250 hours or one year of operation, whichever comes first. ... Checking or Repla” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Turbocharger inspection 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Perform the following maintenance every 250 hours or one year of operation, whichever comes first. ... Cleaning the Turb” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Air filter / intake silencer 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Perform the following maintenance every 250 hours or one year of operation, whichever comes first. ... Cleaning the Air” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Adjust remote control cable 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Perform the following maintenance every 250 hours or one year of operation, whichever comes first. ... Adjusting the Rem” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Exhaust mixing elbow inspection 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 500 hrs or 2 yrs | “Perform the following maintenance every 500 hours or 2 years of operation, whichever comes first. Cleaning or Replacing” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Replace fuel lines and rubber hoses 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 500 hrs or 2 yrs | “Replace fuel line and rubber hoses every 500 hours or 2 years, whichever comes first.” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Drive belts inspect / replace 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 500 hrs or 2 yrs | “Perform the following maintenance every 500 hours or 2 years of operation, whichever comes first. ... Adjusting or Repla” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Raw-water pump impeller 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “NOTICE: Replace the seawater pump impeller every 1000 hours even if no damage is apparent.” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Valve clearance check / adjust 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “Perform the following maintenance every 1000 hours or 4 years of operation, whichever comes first. ... Adjusting Intake” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Injector test / service 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “Perform the following maintenance every 1000 hours or 4 years of operation, whichever comes first. Checking the Fuel Inj” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Replace timing belt (dealer) 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 1,250 hrs or 5 yrs | “Perform the following maintenance procedures every 1250 hours of operation or 5 years, whichever comes first. ... Replac” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Heat exchanger & oil cooler cleaning 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 1,250 hrs or 5 yrs | “Perform the following maintenance procedures every 1250 hours of operation or 5 years, whichever comes first. Cleaning t” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
| Check battery electrolyte level 6LPA-STP2 / 6LPA-STZP2 (2007 Yanmar manual) | 50 hrs or 1 mo | “perform the following procedures every 50 hours thereafter or monthly, whichever comes first. ... Checking Battery Elect” — manufacturer, nhmr.nl |
Service part numbers (8)
| Oil filter | Yanmar 119770-90620-12 Replaces 119770-90620 |
“6LP(A) Basic Service Kit ... 119770-90620-12 1 OIL FILTER (12 PACK)” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “Oil Filter: 119770-90620 , 119770-90620-01 ,119770-90620-12” — dealer, staycoolpumps.com |
| Fuel filter | Yanmar 119773-55710-12 Replaces 119773-55710 |
“6LP(A) Basic Service Kit ... 119773-55710-12 1 FUEL FILTER (REV) 12” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “Fuel Filter: 119773-55510 , 119773-55710 , 119773-55710-12” — dealer, staycoolpumps.com |
| Raw-water impeller | Yanmar 119773-42600 | “Impeller Kit: Impeller 119773-42600 , O-ring 119773-42570” — dealer, staycoolpumps.com · “Replacement Part Number: 119773-42600 ... Fit For Yanmar Engine: 6LP, 6LPA, 6LP(A)-DTE(P, 6LP(A)-STE(P” — dealer, fridayparts.com |
| Drive belt | Yanmar 119775-77260 × 2 | “119775-77260 Alternator belt. 2 required.” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “It fits Yanmar 6LPA, 6LPA-STP, 6LPA-DTP, 6LPA-STP2 engines.” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
| Air filter | Yanmar 119593-18880 | “6LP(A) Basic Service Kit ... 119593-18880 1 FILTER, AIR 65MM” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “Air Filter: 119593-18880” — dealer, staycoolpumps.com |
| Zinc / anode | Yanmar 119574-44150 × 4 | “6LP(A) Basic Service Kit ... 119574-44150 4 ZINC, ANTI-CORROSIVE” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “(5) 119574-44150 (2) Heat Exchanger (2) Oil Cooler (1) Fuel Cooler. Some models may only use 4” — dealer, staycoolpumps.com |
| Zinc / anode | Yanmar 119574-18790 | “119574-18790 (1) Zinc” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “Zinc Kit: 119773-92600 , (1) 119574-18790 Intercooler” — dealer, staycoolpumps.com |
| Thermostat | Yanmar 119773-49550 | “119773-49550 Thermostat / 119773-49570 Gasket” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “It fits Yanmar 6LPA-STP, 6LPA-STP2, 6LPA-STZP, 6LPA engines.” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Steering
Edson — Pedestal chain-and-wire steering parts: good
Edson (New Bedford, MA) still sells service parts: chain-and-wire kits, sprockets, idlers, pull-pull conduit steering and internal pedestal parts, and keeps steering data sheets by boat model, many decades old.
Parts sources: Edson Marine (service parts)
Common problems (3)
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Old or slack steering wire steering
Edson advises replacing steering wire about every five years, checking tension with the wheel locked, and inspecting under load annually; owners often find decades-old stiff wire.usna.edu · youtube.com
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Lubrication and fastener checks steering
Chain, wire, sheaves and pedestal bearings need regular oiling or greasing, and clevis/cotter pins and bolts should be checked monthly to avoid failures.usna.edu
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Replacing engine control cables in the pedestal steering
Swapping throttle/shift cables inside an Edson pedestal is a common owner job requiring removal of the wheel shaft sprocket pin.forums.sailboatowners.com
Edson — Traditional geared steerers (worm / rack-and-pinion) parts: good
Edson says its traditional wheels and geared steerers are still available, now built with modern materials; rack-and-pinion steerers are offered for transom-hung and inboard rudders.
Parts sources: Edson Marine (traditional steerers)
Model sources (9)
sailboatdata.com · goodoldboat.com · sailnet.com · goodoldboat.com · pearson323.com · pearson323.com · 82353.activeboard.com · southbaysail.com · pearsonyachts.org
Other Pearson models
- Pearson 26 1970–1983
- Pearson 30 1971–1981
- Pearson 34 1983–1986
- Pearson 35 1968–1982
- Pearson 365 1976–1982
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.