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Ericson 38-blue water boat?

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After a very bad experience with a very dishonest vendor who tried to flog his POS Ty 37 onto me I am back looking at potential boats for coastal cruising but that are also blue water capable. A seller has just contacted me and advised his 1986 deep keel, E 38-200 has been substantially reduced in price. I really like the E 38-200 but I am concerned the construction is a bit light duty for the rigors of true blue water sailing. I don't want to be the owner of a boat that is restricted to coastal cruising or is at risk in rough weather. Can anyone out there speak to this? Have any circumnavigated? Weak spots in construction? How about the spade rudder? Your thoughts and comments are very appreciated. Best regards!  

svHyLyte

Ericsons were generally well built boats and the 38 is a very nice sailing yacht but, having sailed aboard one of the boats several times, I think you will find that storage capacity is somewhat limited for truely long term cruising. FWIW...  

HyLyte, Thanks for the response Hylyte, its appreciated. Perhaps for a singlehander or a 2 person crew there would be enough load capacity? Any thoughts?  

Wannabe- My observation was/is based upon a few daysails only and may not be particularly valid. I just recall that the yacht did not seem to have much storage capacity and I only recall that because it was a subject of discussion between my wife and I on our way home afterwards. She, of course, drags everything under the sun along when we travel and noted that she'd have no where to put half of her "things" with which I agreed although I did point out that a few less "things" might be appropriate which led to a whole other discussion. In any case, the yacht sailed, and handled, very well albeit our trips were only between Alamitos Bay and, at the most, Angel's Gate near San Pedro. FWIW...  

TQA

I remember seeing one where a liveaboard couple had converted one of the quarterberths to storage with a slideout base and partions.  

Thanks TQA. I should add/clarify that the boat would initially be used as a coastal cruiser up and down the coast of Mexico. I may never go much further but it would be nice to have a boat capable if I ever decide to cross an ocean. From the reading I have done online they seem to be capable of crossing oceans and have done so many times but obviously their intended purpose was coastal cruising. I think they have an outstanding interior layout with the head and spearate shower on the aft, starboard side. Guests could either sleep in the the double salon berth or the aft port side double. All in all the E 38-200 would be a fine coastal cruiser very capable of of some limited offshore cruising. Maybe even long term offshore cruising if set up correctly.  

There is a Member on the board, SimonV. Who bought his E38 in San Francisco and sailed it back to Australia. He would be the best person to contact to answer your question.  

Ericson 38 I know of at least one Ericson 38 that did a circumnavigation some years ago (Maverick was the boat name IIRC). In any case you should post your questions to the Ericson Owners web site which is a great resource visited by Ericson owners, former employees, and those with direct connection to the yacht designers. I'm sure you can get answers to all your questions there. EY.o Information Exchange - Powered by vBulletin  

imiloa said: I know of at least one Ericson 38 that did a circumnavigation some years ago Maverick was the boat name Click to expand...

As always you guys are awesome! Many thanks! I have looked at the Ericson owners website and found some very interesting information. As I mentioned yesterday, I think they make a quality coastal cruiser capable of offshore sailing with some modeifications and/or compromises. I think they would do very well sailing the Mexican west coast. Some of you may recall a family from Vancouver named Copeland who circumnavigated in their 1980's Beneteau First 38. I've been on those boats and I don't imagine they would have any more space or structural strength that an E38. Perhaps I'm wrong. The B 38 also had a spade rudder with a similiar PHRF rating. Cheers!  

If you do not know Ericsson are fairly well built, better than the average coastal cruiser style of the time. Very rigid construction with a grid system to distribute the loads. They were designed by Bruce King has the typical IOR affected the hull in the early 80s. My boat is in very good condition and I continued to repair or replacement / upgrade for the preparation. The rudder suspended for me is a non-issue. Many people cruise ships designed this way. Yes, you are more likely to damage the rudder in a collision. Thats the way things are..  

While I agree with kranchroy to some extent, I must say that although there are superficial similarities, there is quite a bit of difference in the build of the Beneteau First 38--which was designed and built for offshore racing--and the Ericson 38. As an example, look at the difference in the manner in which the chainplates are connected to the hull. Rather than be drawn into a debate however, it might be worth you contacting Bob Perry (NA) who offers a relatively in expensive consulting service. Remember, Free Advice is generally worth what you pay for it. FWIW...  

sailingdog

Webb Chiles sailed two different Ericsons as part of his circumnavigations. While not ideal, they're probably better than many other boats. SimonV bought an Ericson 39, not a 38 as previously posted, and sailed it back to Oz solo.  

JohnRPollard

In the '90s, Pacific Seacraft took over Ericson production. Eventually the 38 was re-introduced in a 380 version, some versions with upgraded hardware and components more along the lines of what you'd like to see on a blue-water voyager. I have heard anecdotes, however, that the extra weight was not advantageous to sailing performance. Here's an example: Ericson 380 Offshore  

Christian Williams

Sure it's a blue-water boat. Extraordinary build, conservative in all respects. Not a downwind sled. Will sail to windward through anything. Aesthetically, rewards a traditional eye. For details, Google the Ericson Forum, one of the most active yacht maintenance sites on the Internet. Here is the 38 en route Hawaii.  

Watch YouTube video of a guy single handedly sailing his 38 Eric to Hawaii and back from So.Cal. He's 75 years old! Just posted this year and awesome. Christian Williams. If he's not convincing then I can't help.  

jephotog

I don't mean to undermine Christian's experience. I also really like the Ericson 38s. But making it to Hawaii does not automatically make a boat a blue water vessel. By this standard all West Wight Potters are Bluewater boats. Mexico to Hawaii Bill Teplow's Voyage to Hawaii in a Potter 19  

And by that standard the North Atlantic is... Tinkerbell . This business of judging yachts according to some armchair standard is entertaining but misleading. You go in the boat you have. If you go at all. Then from the armchair comes the cry, "ah, but it wasn't the Southern Ocean!"  

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Best Ericson Sailboats: A Complete Guide

Best Ericson Sailboats: A Complete Guide | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Sailboats that stand the test of time are often classics and loved by many sailors. One example is looking for the best Ericson sailboats, dating back to 1964.

Ericson had an up and down history but still managed to produce quality boats. So which ones were the best out of their lineup before their demise?

Out of the thousands of sailboats this company put together, there are a handful that stand out. The best Ericson sailboats consisted of the 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35, 36C, E38, and 46 models. Each boat has a unique size and design, making them quite different from other brands at that time.

By 1999, the Ericson brand had been through enough over the years in terms of bankruptcy, ownership changes, and not keeping up with market demand by improving their boats. After poor sales that year, they decided to close shop for good, but still had plenty of produced sailboats to carry on the name.

According to experts in the sailing industry, Ericson sailboats were ahead of their time in the early 1970’s. They were a pioneer in the sailboat realm and built many classics that you can find for an affordable price today.

Table of contents

‍ Top 10 Ericson Sailboats

Through much debate, many sailors argue about which Ericson sailboat is the best. Many will claim a variety of factors influence trying to buy one today, such as price, condition, and size.

Depending on what suits your style of sailing and how you intend to use the boat will likely affect your decision on what is best. For Ericson, there are plenty of sizes and models to choose from.

1. Ericson 26

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-26"}}

The 26 model offered a good size for sailors having a small crew or operating shorthanded with a fractional sloop. This one is just shy of 26 feet long and has about a five-foot draft. These were designed perfectly for day sailing or light cruising.

Bruce King helped develop this one, which turned out to be a stiff and fairly fast boat. Since it has self-tailing winches, and furling headsails, and you can control the mainsheet from the cockpit, it is easy to operate.

2. Ericson 27

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-27"}}

The Ericson 27 debuted in 1971 with a displacement of 6,600 pounds and plenty of stability in the masthead sloop. The boat is roughly 27 feet long and sits about four feet in the water.

Many love this design since it navigated through choppy waters and responded to wind changes well. In addition, it can also sleep five comfortably.

There is enough sailing area to handle just about any condition and it is great for coastal cruising. If you have difficulty finding a crew or only want to be by yourself, this one makes it easy to handle all alone.

3. Ericson 29

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-29"}}

Another masthead sloop rig type, the Ericson 29 is about 29 feet long with a draft of 4.33 feet. This one reached popularity among those that wanted to enjoy cruising and doing it at night.

There are sleeping accommodations for up to five people and plenty of room to move around. This design was similar to other popular models they produced, but not as easy to operate by yourself like the other shorter models.

4. Ericson 30

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-30"}}

The Ericson 30 has an appeal like no other model in their lineup. They tweaked this design for about 10 years, making it one of the longer models they have played with.

It is nearly 30 feet long, has a fractional sloop, and sits nearly six feet in the water. It offers plenty of room to sleep five people and live aboard.

This is a great size to live on and learn about your boat without being too overwhelmed if you are new to that lifestyle. This one has become popular with sailors wanting to try that out.

5. Ericson 32

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-32"}}

There were multiple designs of the Ericson 32 , with two of the most popular ones being designed by Bruce King in 1969 and 1985. The one in 1969 had a lot more problems, but they are both classics at 32 feet in length and a six-foot draft.

The later model was built for four years and they produced 700 of them. You will likely see many Ericson 32s with another number associated with it due to different features like the keel type or the optional tail rig.

Both the older and newer models of the 32s are attractive boats. If you are wanting the better of the two in terms of look, handle, and speed, you cannot go wrong with the latter model.

6. Ericson 34

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-34"}}

The 34 footer installment was a good design with high-quality construction. This masthead sloop was nearly 35 feet and just over six feet of draft.

Depending on the year these were built, the exterior did not change that much in comparison to the interior. Out of all the boats that Ericson produced, they were most proud of the molding structure they used on this one.

The deck used a balsa core and had a plywood backing under the deck fittings to offer extra support. With the fiberglass hull, it provided one of the sturdiest options without compromising performance.

7. Ericson 35

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-35"}}

The Ericson 35 was similar to the 34, with some slight differences. This one is nearly 36 feet and sits around 6.17 feet in the water.

This one was a good cruiser, with some models meant for casual sailing. It handled offshore sailing very well and had the classic look.

The interior made this boat easy to live on and accommodate over five people. Whether you are racing or living on it, this boat could do it all.

8. Ericson 36C

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-36c"}}

The 36C was another beauty offered by Ericson, coming in at 36 feet and a five foot draft. This cutter rig is a great size, but you can still operate shorthanded if you do not have enough people on board.

This boat can do it all with coastal cruising, day sailing, and living full time on it. With its fiberglass hull, it is one of the lighter boats for its size. You could even race this if you wanted.

9. Ericson E38

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-e38"}}

If you are looking for a larger Ericson boat, you cannot go wrong with the E38 . At nearly 38 feet long and 6.5 feet in the water, it offers the best of both worlds for living space and is easy to handle.

With the masthead sloop, you can expect top performance while cruising. This is another quality build that you can live aboard too.

10. Ericson 46

{{boat-info="/boats/ericson-46"}}

The largest boat that Ericson put together was the 46 , coming in just shy of 46 feet and about a seven-foot draft. With another masthead sloop design, you can rest assured the performance will be there.

There were actually two versions, one that is a racer and one that is a cruiser. Over a three-year period, only 20 of these were built. Depending on which one you find, there will be slight adjustments to the performance package.

Why Erickson Boats Are Popular

A lot of nautical miles have been made on Ericson boats over the years and for a good reason. They were quality boats that had a classic look, easy to handle, and were affordable.

Back in 1965, these were primarily cruising sailboats that later adapted to a hybrid of a family-oriented cruiser. Other models specifically included fin keels, excellent bustle, and spade rudders for better performance.

You will definitely find better modern boats that have more luxury, speed, and performance compared to something that was built in the 60s to the 80s. But for the price and nostalgia, it is hard to pass up a classic like Ericson.

What to Look for in Used Ericson Boats

As with any used boat, you need to thoroughly inspect it before trying to purchase one. This means going over the sails, mast, deck, engines, and anything else that catches your eye.

Potential Cracking

There have been some reports of very early models having cracks in the deck or mast. It is hard to blame them, since many boat designs have come a long way from over 40 years of being in the water. While very few have those reports, it is worth having it inspected by a professional before buying one.

Be Happy to Walk Away

Before committing to one, make sure that you know all of the histories before buying one. This will help you tremendously before you fall in love with its beauty.

Walking away and thinking it over for a few days can greatly help your buying process. You never know how urgent a seller might be, so you might end up getting a better deal on the price if you do decide to buy it after walking away.

Why an Ericson Sailboat Could Work for You

Ericson sailboats were unique luxury yachts that were built for speed. In addition, they had enough luxury on the inside that you could spend days or live on them for a period of time.

You typically can find one for a good price, which is why they are popular compared to other boats. With similar comparisons to other top-of-the-line sailboats, they make for a competitive option.

Luxury and Price

For those that want to buy an Ericson, they are all about luxury and performance for a good price . Since most models are over 40 years old, they are reasonably priced.

Depending on the size and model, almost all of the Ericson sailboats can be found within any budget. If you have experience fixing up boats, an Ericson can be worth its weight in gold.

Living Space

Customers that typically want an Ericson enjoy the amount of living space that it offers. On top of that, it provides the speed of comparable racers or cruisers that you will find today.

If you want a boat that allows you to live on to your own standards or race as you like, Ericson boats are the way to go. They offer the perfect blend of performance and comfort.

Stiff Builds

Ericson sailboats were strongly built and have a stiff feel to them. If a stiff boat is something you are after, the Ericson models are a good fit.

This means they have a different feel when sailing. If you were to buy one, it might take some getting used to if you have only handled newer boats.

Since Ericson boats have limited builds for each year that they were produced, you likely will not see them that often. They offer a nostalgic and classic look that only a few boats provide.

This creates a sense of urgency when buying. It is important to proceed with caution and check out the boat properly before you decide to jump on one.

The Rise and Fall of Ericson

Ericson was founded in 1963 and had a few molds to base designs of boats on to get started. After about a year and a half of poor production, they filed for bankruptcy since they were not hitting the mark with customers on their designs.

They were purchased in 1965 by Mark Pitman and Del Walton, who also hired Bruce King to begin designing their lineups. King is responsible for many of the best boats offered by Ericson, who even fine tuned some of his own creations a few years later.

Later in 1968, Pacific American Industries bought out Ericson and continued to produce similar models. CML group later purchased the brand and operated from 1971 to 1984.

Pacific Seacraft later bought the molds for various models, like Ericson 34 and 38 to move on with production. The brand continued to move forward with the same old designs without many changes.

Since the brand never pushed to market its products and management was lazy in trying to think of what the market wanted, sales dipped in the late 1990s. They never went boating shows or much of anything to promote their lineup. This caused Ericson to shut down for good.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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EY.o Information Exchange

  • General Ericson Forums
  • Lifestyle & Living

Anyone with Experience with the Ericson 38-200?

  • Thread starter flashing888
  • Start date Feb 5, 2021

flashing888

Junior member.

  • Feb 5, 2021

Hi All, Love the forums and this community. I was curious if anyone has first hand experience with the Ericson 38-200? Either sailing them, working on them, living on them, etc... Any and all direct experience would be greatly appreciated. I realise that it will be your opinion and every boat will be a bit different, but I would love just the general overall outlook.. I'm also aware that being in this forum, it may be already biased.. LOL Thank you all in advance for your time and input.. cheers!!!  

Christian Williams

Christian Williams

E381 - los angeles.

Goldenstate has a full blog on his 32-200, which has the head aft as the 38-200 does. https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/ubs/blog/32-200-projects-sure-shot.11600/ Mark K's 38-200 blog is here: https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/ubs/blog/mkollerjrs-blog.8564/ The Ericson 381 is the same hull, but with the head forward. Most maintenance issues are covered here: Table of Contents for Thelonious Blog - Blogs - EY.o Information Exchange The E35s and E38s are much the same overall, I think owners would agree. They look good, sail well, and are worth restoring because built well to begin with. They appeal to sailors, not candidates for a double-berth owner salon. Ericsons are on the 1980s diet. New boats are wider at the beltline.  

Loren Beach

Loren Beach

O34 - portland, or.

Thank you all for your input and will be checking out the mentioned links.. Sorry I wasn't able to do a search first as I wanted to jump right in and post my first thread.. I appreciate everyone's time! please keep your experiences coming.. Love to hear examples like Loren's and night trips.. Cheers!  

kiwisailor

flashing888 said: Hi All, Love the forums and this community. I was curious if anyone has first hand experience with the Ericson 38-200? Either sailing them, working on them, living on them, etc... Any and all direct experience would be greatly appreciated. I realise that it will be your opinion and every boat will be a bit different, but I would love just the general overall outlook.. I'm also aware that being in this forum, it may be already biased.. LOL Thank you all in advance for your time and input.. cheers!!! Click to expand...

I crewed on a friend’s for several years of Wednesday night races, plus one Around Long Island Race. Surprisingly good upwind in light air, below about 160 apparent is slow without a chute. My 32-200 is the same way. I got my 32-200 because of my time on the 38. The 38 with its longer waterline and heavier displacement handles waves and chop better. Practical Sailor has a review on the 38, worth reading.  

Thanks for the additional input.. I fully agree with the separate shower stall.. My wife and I went aboard one and had a WTF look on our faces. We were pleasantly surprised to see that on a 38.. Love to hear how she really handles in real world sailing conditions. And yes, every boat is always a compromise. I've owned several and it always had something I wish it did or didn't.. If you want the perfect boat, spend $$ to have one custom built.. Even then, trust me, you'll think of it after the build is finished.. LOL  

David Grimm

David Grimm

  • Mar 1, 2021

Hey flasshing888, I have a 38-200. I love it. The 38 is very similar however there are two different versions of the 38-200. One has the engine under the companion way steps like the 38, mine however has the engine under the galley sink! This was done to improve agility with the weight being more centrally located.  

  • Mar 2, 2021

In the ocean it has a quiet motion with no pounding in typical summer 5 foot seas. One other advantage is how well it sails in light air. Responsive and fun to drive.  

Joliba

1988 E38-200 Contributing Member

  • Mar 5, 2021

P.S.If you have any more specific questions, l will gladly reply. Mike Jacker  

ericson 38 sailboat review

Sustaining Member

Christian Williams said: The E38-200 owner's manual and original brochures are here. This interior photo is actually of an early-80s Ericson 38 (not E381 or E38-200), with enclosed quarterberth and split saloon bench. It also happens to be missing the, er, mast. To the marketing team, a mast was just clutter. They preferred fruit and Cutty Sark. View attachment 37527 Click to expand...
  • Mar 6, 2021

Is that a satin or flat finish on the teak? Is that how they came from the factory?  

  • Mar 7, 2021

ericson 38 sailboat review

  • Mar 12, 2021
David Grimm said: Is that a satin or flat finish on the teak? Is that how they came from the factory? Click to expand...
  • Apr 2, 2021

There's a few E38-200s along the West Coast, and while it's not really in the financial cards yet, it's at the very top of the short list of boats to buy after we outgrown our E27. I love the look of the boats. The interior especially is exactly right. The perfect amount of warm wood, perfect lighting, both my wife and I are smitten with it. I'll have to look at one in person and sail it before we settle on it being "the one" though. I'm glad to hear so many commenting on how they sail too.  

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Should I buy an Ericson 38?

  • Thread starter Darryl19205
  • Start date May 18, 2006
  • Brand-Specific Forums
  • Other Sailboats

Darryl19205

I am considering buying an Ericson 38 (1986) and I want to talk with someone about the pros and cons of this boat. I'm interested in keeping it in Mexico, either in San Carlos or Puerto Vallarta. I understand that it's not a "blue water" boat, but I'd like to know how stable it is for cruising the mainland of Mexico or crossing the Sea of Cortez. What kind of keel does it have? How does it compare with other sailboats? I like the idea of full keel sailboats, but understand that they're not-very maneuverable. Is there a boat that's sort of halfway between a light weight and full keel boat? What other kinds of sailboats should I also be considering. Etc. I'd like to open up discussion with someone who can give me some good advice. Thanks! Darryl  

To North or Knot? Darryl, Good question, and all the mates can do is give advice as we know it.Keep asking questions, go to Yachtworld.com bring up Erickson's and etc. You are better off not keeping a vessel south of La Paz, they have cheap moorings there, and the yard storage is very affordable too. Further south better get good hurricaine insuance. Some of these marinas are a bit tight and a fin is much easier to swing on than a full keel. I owned an Erickson, in another life, a 30' a good little yacht, built well but I'd prefer a Morgan, Pearson or Westsail for offshore. All in All I'm thinking and Erickson stands up to most, and the hull is stronger than Hunter, Benny-toe, Jenneau et al...  

yes.... the e38 is a great cruisin' platform...let me know if you are open to partnerships, as i am in colorado and l@@kin' to get into / acess to a e38 - 82-86 in mexico or so calif...i am a priviate pilot and mexico is hrs away from the denver area...i worked at ericson inc for a number of years and have expierence w/the ericson line...they are well built, and hold their value pretty well...they do nor sail half bad either!!.. ;-) richard / colorado  

keel... the e38's came w/a shola or full keel...i think tere were a few winged keels as well...this, from the irvine, ca factory....all 3 have their good points and draw backs....  

Cruising an E-38 My family (4) cruised on a '84 E-38 for 2 years continuously(owned for 4 years, lived aboard for 2.5 yrs). Our only complaint was the tight engine compartment and some undersized wiring in the harness...all easily fixed. I added a Mars bulb to the keel making the vessel less tender which also helped with pointing and carried a bit more sail longer. The Autoprop we installed made handling much easier and a bit quicker. Maybe it isn't a bluewater boat, but a lot of bluewater passed under our keel. Our previous boat was an E-30+ that we raced and cruised on throughout the Gulf of Mexico. We never experienced a structual problem with our Ericsons...even after getting knocked down one night in a sudden gale with too much sail up in our E-38. I think the E-38 is a great vessel for the money.  

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ERICSON 38-200 Detailed Review

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If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of ERICSON 38-200. Built by Ericson Yachts (USA) and designed by Bruce King, the boat was first built in 1986. It has a hull type of Fin w/spade rudder and LOA is 11.48. Its sail area/displacement ratio 18.31. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Universal, runs on Diesel.

ERICSON 38-200 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about ERICSON 38-200 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, accomodations, contributions, who designed the ericson 38-200.

ERICSON 38-200 was designed by Bruce King.

Who builds ERICSON 38-200?

ERICSON 38-200 is built by Ericson Yachts (USA).

When was ERICSON 38-200 first built?

ERICSON 38-200 was first built in 1986.

How long is ERICSON 38-200?

ERICSON 38-200 is 9.3 m in length.

What is mast height on ERICSON 38-200?

ERICSON 38-200 has a mast height of 13.18 m.

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  • Sailboat Guide

Ericson 38-200

Ericson 38-200 is a 37 ′ 7 ″ / 11.5 m monohull sailboat designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts and Pacific Seacraft starting in 1986.

Drawing of Ericson 38-200

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The ERICSON 38-200 shared the same hull, keel, rudder, with earlier versions (ERICSON 38x) but had a new deck and interior with a recessed companionway. Shoal draft: 4.92’ / 1.50m Wing keel: 5.00’ / 1.52m Thanks to Christian Williams of ericsonyachts.org for providing corrections.

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  • Sailboat Reviews

Both the 1969 and 1985 versions of this Southern California cruiser/racer were designed by Bruce King, and may represent good values, though the early model had a lot more problems.

ericson 38 sailboat review

“Ericson Yachts,” we wrote back in a 1986 review of the Ericson 27, “was somewhat of the archetypal production boatbuilder: trendy, performance oriented, colorfully advertised, and, for the most part, successful.”

The company was formed in 1964 by Don and Gene Kohlman, two San Francisco Bay area sailors who moved south to Irvine, California to set up shop. Their first boats were what Don called “an eclectic line,” meaning they grabbed what they could—a modified Carl Alberg design, a 26-footer by W.B. Crealock and a 32′ 5.5 Meter keel boat similar to the Columbia Sabre of that same time.

The first boats were introduced in 1965. In 1971, the CML Group bought Ericson Yachts and ran it until 1984 when Gene Kohlman bought it back. He and Don managed things until 1990, when they were forced to shut down. Pacific Seacraft bought the molds for the Ericson 34 and 38 and resumed production of these two models (the former as the Ericson 35 and the latter as the Ericson 380—see PS, January 15,1998) in 1991.

Ericson 32

During this time Ericson built three 32s, the 1965 keel boat mentioned above, and in 1969, the Bruce King-designed CCA-type 32. That model stayed in production until 1978, with well over 500 built. In 1985, Bruce King designed a new 32, which lasted four years with more than 700 built. We’ll refer to King’s two designs as the ‘69 and ‘84. (Just to confuse matters, the PHRF Handicap book published by US Sailing lists a number of permutations, such as the 32-2 and 32-3 and 32-200, most of which refer to the type of keel and whether it had the optional tall rig.)

Ericson was indeed an “archetypal production builder,” competing with Pearson, Cal, Columbia, Islander and the like, all but Pearson being neighbors in Southern California. Greater Los Angeles, specifically Costa Mesa, was the epicenter of production fiberglass sailboat building during the late 1960s and 1970s. Costa “Mecca” evaporated faster than styrene, the result of stringent air pollution laws that made manufacturing too costly, and as a result of a downturn in sailboat sales, one of many in this cyclical business that every 10 years or less beheads those with their necks still stuck out. 1990, if you recall, was the year of the Gulf War against Iraq, and imposition of the luxury tax.

The Designs A close look at the ‘69 and ‘85 Ericson 32s makes for an interesting comparison. It would be fun to cut out sail plans of a bunch of 32s, designed every few years between 1965 and 2000, and stack them like cards. Flipping them quickly, one would see the overhangs come and go; keels break away from the rudders, get skinnier and deeper; and mast locations move back and forth along with aspect ratios.

The early Ericson 32 was influenced by the CCA (Cruising Club of America) rating rule, of which designer Robert Perry once wrote, “Like all good rating rules it was a development type rule and not a handicap type rule.” Among other traits, CCA-type boats tend to have long overhangs (because waterline length was penalized) and low aspect ratio sail plans with short masts and long booms. To emphasize the point, the ‘69 32’s E dimension (mainsail foot) is 13′ and the ‘85 32’s 11.5′; the P dimension (luff) increased from 31.5′ to 36′. Both have double-spreader masthead sloop rigs.

The ‘85 32 has a slightly longer waterline and retains some of the ‘69 model’s bustle just forward of the rudder—a trick to increase sailing length.

More noticeable are the changes King made to the underwater appendages. The ‘69 32 has a swept back rudder and keel, influenced probably by the latest thinking (then) in Twelve Meter design. On the ‘85 32, the appendages are vertical, with the trailing edge of the keel raked forward. In a Sailing magazine review of the very similar Ericson 35, Perry theorized this change “…may help to make the maximum thickness line more vertical and improve the general performance of the keel.” Nowadays, with so many designers concentrating ballast in bulbs at the bottom of very thin blades with narrow roots, you have almost the inverse of King’s mid-80’s V-shaped keels.

King increased all of the principal dimension in the ‘85 model. Beam jumped from 9′ 8″ to 10′ 10″. The ‘85 32 is a bigger boat all around, with more LOA, LWL, displacement, and sail area as well. But displacement/length (D/L) and sail area/displacement (SA/D) ratios didn’t change that much—284 to 253, and 16.9 to 17.3 respectively. The later model, with a lower D/L and more horsepower, will be the faster boat.

Both old and new 32s are attractive for their time.

Construction Ericson Yachts, like other production builders of its day, didn’t do anything fancy in laying up and finishing its boats. Yet they are regarded as adequately strong. Hulls are solid fiberglass. Decks are cored with end-grain balsa, and, at least in the case of the ‘85 32, plywood was inserted in place of balsa in “high stress areas.” This is fine for handling compression loads, but does not ease the worry about delamination. In our opinion, no plywood should ever be used on a boat without the end grain sealed with epoxy resin or suitable substitute. Few builders, however, have then or do this now.

With the ‘85 32, Ericson stiffened the hull with a complex inner liner called a Tri-axial Force Grid (TAFG). This molded fiberglass unit incorporates many interior structures previously made from plywood and solid wood, from the anchor locker forward, to the floors and stringers under the cabin sole, to the ice box and engine beds. It’s a much less costly way to build a boat than using individual pieces of wood. The TAFG is bonded to the hull before the deck goes on, and one hopes it is never jarred loose. Where many builders incorporate berth foundations in their liners, however, Ericson built these up from plywood, anchoring them in the TAFG.

The hull/deck joint of the ‘85 model is glassed over with four layers of 3-oz. mat and 7-1/2-oz. cloth.

Ericson 32

A few owners of both boats noted oilcanning in the hull; this most often occurs in the large, unsupported areas forward above the V-berth. An owner of a 1987 model said, “Heavy seas caused hull to flex, popping off starboard shelf trim.” An owner of an 1973 model said, “Hull distorts in heavy weather.”

Others noted the not uncommon problem of thin glass where there are sharp turns in the mold. And quite a few owners of both models complained about gelcoat flaws. Rubber rubrails deteriorate over time but can be replaced…if you can locate a supplier of the molding.

On the ‘69 32s, several owners complained also about mast compression cracking the deck (there is no compression post for the deck-stepped mast; the ‘85 32 has a keel-stepped mast), rudder bearings, wooden hatch leaks, cracked lifeline stanchion welds, and chainplate leaks rotting the bulkheads to which they are attached.

Ballast on both models is lead, much preferable to iron. In the ‘69 32, it is encapsulated in the hull mold. In the later model, it is external, with keel bolts through the TAFG.

Interior finishing is California style with lots of teak veneer, carpeting (early model) and brightly themed cushions.

Hardware quality is generally good though some items, like winches, may have to be updated. Ericson used Barlows on the early boats, Barients on the later models. Both companies are out of business now. If upgrading, self-tailers would be a big improvement.

Accommodations The interior plans are workable and straightforward, with a V-berth forward, enclosed head and hanging locker just aft of it, dinette and settee amidships, corner galley to starboard with quarter berth (6′ 6″ in the ‘85 32) and nav table to port. Obviously, there’s more space all round in the later model.

Ventilation for the ‘85 32 includes deck hatches, a Dorade and several opening portlights in the forward cabin and head. In the saloon are two long and narrow fixed portlights—Ericson’s distinctive shape with forward and aft sides slanted. One owner complained that the hanging locker is too small, and that the starboard settee is “severely angled to bow end—narrow.”

The ‘69 32s did not have good ventilation. One owner said, “opening ports would improve ventilation.” (There are, however, two small opening ports.) “Another just called it, “terrible.” Others said the berths are too narrow and the head too small. But one exclaimed, “Interior layout excellent! Good compromise for a boat this size.”

Headroom in both models is 6′ 2″.

The ‘85 32 has a 32-gal. freshwater tank located amidships with an optional 20-gal. tank under the V-berth. Holding tank is 17y-gals.

Some like the ‘69 32’s T-shaped cockpit, some don’t. Water collects at the helm because the scuppers are forward but the boat trims stern down. And a number of owners criticized the cockpit lockers for not being adequately waterproofed.

The ‘85 32 has a bridge, which opens up room at the galley; the ‘69 32 does not.

Performance Owners report that the ‘69 32 is only an average performer. Given its hull shape, it heels quickly to 20° or so, then settles in. Several owners said the boat stops “tilting” at 30°. This is typical of CCA-type boats, in order to immerse the ends and increase sailing length. “It likes to heel but remains stable,” said the owner of a 1975 model. The boat’s relatively short rig is cited as a liability in light winds. Most rate upwind performance better than off the wind. “Only boat I’ve sailed that beats faster than it reaches,” said the owner of a 1974 model. He figures 6 knots in 12 knots of breeze, sailing upwind. But then the owner of a 1973 boat said, “Goes to weather fair; off wind very fast.” Go figure.

An owner in Virginia said no one could ever get his boat to point to his satisfaction, adding that it tacks through 110°.

The boat has no significant weather helm problems and balances pretty well. A number of owners said they’d been through gales of 40-60 knots and the boat acquitted itself well.

Auxiliary power for the ‘69 32 was first a 27-hp. Palmer M60 or Atomic 4 gas engine. But readers listed a number of other power plants, including a Volvo MDIIC, 12-hp. Farymann. Access is poor. One owner modified the access “hole” from the quarter berth. The ‘85 32 came with a 21-hp. 3-cylinder Universal diesel and 22-gal. aluminum fuel tank.

Not surprisingly, owners of the ‘85 32 are much more positive about their boats’ performance. A tall rig was available, which helps in light air regions, such as the Chesapeake Bay. Similarly, the deep keel model outperforms the shoal and wing keels. “Unbelievable upwind and light air ability,” said the owner of a 1986 model.

The first reef is taken somewhat early, around 18 knots. And the fin keel requires some attention to the helm. “Wanders upwind,” said the owner of a 1987 boat. “Big rudder, easy to steer,” said one who owns a 1984 model.

The best performing 32 is the 32-200, with PHRF ratings around 150 and up. Earlier models generally rate in the 160s and 170s, with the ‘69 32 slowest at around 198 seconds per mile.

Conclusion It is clear from owner comments that considerable improvements were made to the 1985 model, solving problems with leaks, mast compression, rudder, and other niggling items. It would certainly be our choice of the two.

The early 32 seems to have an inordinate number of construction shortcomings, not the least of which is the mast cracking the deck, and gate valves on through-hulls that should be replaced with positive action seacocks.

Owner Comments “Engine is almost impossible to work on. Must remove wall from lazarette to get to clutch. Changing oil almost impossible.” —owner of 1974 model in Plymouth, Michigan

“Aft lower shrouds should have been attached to chainplates bonded to hull or inner bulkhead. Stanchions have no lateral support, some not backed, some can’t be reached from inside. Bilge should be deeper. Preventer crimped original boom on an accidental gybe in heavy air/seas. Especially good light air performer with 150% genoa or drifter/MPS. Boat is sensitive to proper sail selection and set. Very comfortable cruising for two to four. Plenty of stowage. I highly recommend the boat for excellent overall quality and ability.” — owner of 1974 model in Virginia Beach, Virginia

“Rudder is a spade type. I once bent the shaft crashing off a steep wave in gale conditions. Boat sailed fairly under jury steering. Wood frames for main hatch and companionway leak, allowing water to get to balsa core. Needs compression post for serious offshore work.” —owner of a 1972 model in Foster City, California

“Great cockpit. Don’t particularly like recessed companionway. Makes for high and ineffective dodger.” —owner of a 1989 model in San Diego, California

“Great boat! Big deep anchor locker a pleasure. Lots of ventilation. Good nav station with AC and DC panels and access to batteries and engine. Deep sink.” —owner of a 1983 model in Southern California

“Extremely happy with my boat re: quality, performance and appearance. Excellent engine. Opted for shoal draft which restricts pointing ability though she turns easily.” —Owner of a 1987 model in Hilton Head, South Carolina

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

i owned a 1977 Ericson 35. Overall great boat for my family. We were coastal cruisers along the Texas Gulf coast. Tried racing a few times and found she did not point well, but was fast downwind. Could never stay with the J boats upwind! Lost her to Hurricane Harvey.

Articles on good old boats are always welcome and too few and far between. That said, using second-hand owner opinions as a base for performance and reviews is questionable as is evidenced by the contradictory statements. I read these articles expecting hands-on sailing experience and professional evaluations.

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IMAGES

  1. 1989 Ericson 38 Sail Boat For Sale

    ericson 38 sailboat review

  2. Ericson 38

    ericson 38 sailboat review

  3. Ericson 38

    ericson 38 sailboat review

  4. 1987 Used Ericson 38 Racer and Cruiser Sailboat For Sale

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  5. 1982 Ericson 38 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale

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  6. 1988 Ericson 38-200 Sail Boat For Sale

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COMMENTS

  1. The Ericson 38 Used Boat Review

    A conservative design with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the Ericson 38 is a cruising boat that offers a V-berth cabin, a main saloon, and a quarter berth. The reviewer praises its rigidity, performance, and layout, but also points out some common flaws and modifications over the years. The reviewer prefers the bulb keel configuration for its stiffness and ease of recovery.

  2. Ericson 380

    A classic cruising yacht with a proven design by Bruce King, the Ericson 380 is a seakindly and responsive boat that lives up to its heritage. The interior is spacious and comfortable, but the cockpit is small and the headsails are challenging for weaker crew. Read the full review of this updated version by Pacific Seacraft.

  3. Ericson 38-blue water boat?

    JohnRPollard. 5678 posts · Joined 2007. #13 · Aug 5, 2010. In the '90s, Pacific Seacraft took over Ericson production. Eventually the 38 was re-introduced in a 380 version, some versions with upgraded hardware and components more along the lines of what you'd like to see on a blue-water voyager.

  4. Best Ericson Sailboats: A Complete Guide

    9. Ericson E38. If you are looking for a larger Ericson boat, you cannot go wrong with the E38. At nearly 38 feet long and 6.5 feet in the water, it offers the best of both worlds for living space and is easy to handle. With the masthead sloop, you can expect top performance while cruising.

  5. ERICSON 38

    The ERICSON 38-200 was introduced in 1986? which shared the same hull but with new deck, coach roof and interior. ... New Topic + Latest Topics: Be the first one to create a topic + Calculations Help. SA/Disp.: A sail area/displacement ratio below 16 would be considered under powered; 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance; above ...

  6. Ericson 380: Sweet Lines, Great Performance

    A review of the Ericson 380, a classic performance cruiser with graceful lines, solid construction and Swift performance under sail. Learn about the history, design, layout, systems and mechanical of this boat that has been in production since 1980.

  7. Ericson 38 for cruising?

    The Boat: 1983 Ericson 381. length 38ft, beam 12ft, Displacement @15,000lbs. Mars Metal "bulb" added to shoal draft fin keel and spade rudder. Fuel 39gal, water 65gal, holding 35gal. If you don't know Ericsons they are pretty well built, better than the average coastal cruiser type from that era.

  8. Anyone with Experience with the Ericson 38-200?

    The 38-200 has beautiful classic lines and is easy to handle short-handed. She sails well in all conditions. A downwind sail is helpful in light air. Early reefing is mandatory in a breeze.The deck and cockpit remain remarkably dry in choppy water despite the low freeboard compared to contemporary cruising boats.

  9. Should I buy an Ericson 38?

    6. - - TBD. May 18, 2006. #1. I am considering buying an Ericson 38 (1986) and I want to talk with someone about the pros and cons of this boat. I'm interested in keeping it in Mexico, either in San Carlos or Puerto Vallarta. I understand that it's not a "blue water" boat, but I'd like to know how stable it is for cruising the mainland of ...

  10. ERICSON 38: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine

    Learn about the ERICSON 38, a 9.3-meter sloop designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts (USA) in 1979. Find out its specifications, features, history, and value of this classic boat model.

  11. Ericson 38

    Ericson 38 is a 37′ 7″ / 11.5 m monohull sailboat designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts between 1979 and 1987. ... The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds. LWL ...

  12. BOAT TOUR! Inside our Ericson 38-200

    A tour of cabin of our 1988 Ericson 38-200 sailboat "Naoma." There is more information and links below if you click "Show More." So far we sailed with her ...

  13. ERICSON 38-200: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine

    Its sail area/displacement ratio 18.31. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Universal, runs on Diesel. ERICSON 38-200 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about ERICSON 38-200 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

  14. Sailboat Test: Bruce King Ericson 34

    In 1978, an IOR-inspired Ericson 34 was introduced along with the 34T (same hull with a different deck). The boat we are describing here was built by Ericson and then by Pacific Seacraft, post 1991, where it evolved into the new Ericson 35. Designed by Bruce King, the 34-2, was conceived an up-to-date racer/cruiser that combined sensible ...

  15. ERICSON 38-200

    The ERICSON 38-200 shared the same hull, keel, rudder, with earlier versions (ERICSON 38x) but had a new deck and interior with a recessed companionway. Shoal draft: 4.92′ / 1.50m Wing keel: 5.00′ / 1.52m Thanks to Christian Williams of ericsonyachts.org for providing corrections.

  16. Ericson 38-200

    The ERICSON 38-200 shared the same hull, keel, rudder, with earlier versions (ERICSON 38x) but had a new deck and interior with a recessed companionway. Shoal draft: 4.92' / 1.50m. Wing keel: 5.00' / 1.52m. Thanks to Christian Williams of ericsonyachts.org for providing corrections.

  17. Ericson 37 or C&C 38?

    Ericson 38 200 vs Ericson 35 Mk3: rmesfo: Monohull Sailboats: 2: 29-09-2017 11:22: Ericson 35 Mark III Offered by Jordan Yacht & Ship Co. Jordan Yachts: Vendor Spotlight - Great Deals for CF Members! 0: 14-12-2011 13:44: 1975 ericson 32 rudder head: al92780: Construction, Maintenance & Refit: 1: 12-03-2007 05:47

  18. Ericson 32

    Sailboat Reviews; Sailboats 31-35ft; ... Print "Ericson Yachts," we wrote back in a 1986 review of the Ericson 27, "was somewhat of the archetypal production boatbuilder: trendy, performance oriented, colorfully advertised, and, for the most part, successful." ... Pacific Seacraft bought the molds for the Ericson 34 and 38 and resumed ...

  19. ERICSON 380

    Updated version of the Ericson 38 originally launched in 1980, including a completely redesigned interior. Pacific Seacraft purchased the molds when Ericson closed its doors in 1990. Draft-Wing or Bulb: 5.25ft / 1.6m Lead ballast-Wing or Bulb: 6,400 lbs / 2,903 kg.