K2MSmith
Sustaining Member
Hello All, Thank you for adding me to the group as a new member.
I'm in early stages of researching a boat purchase (for myself !). I would say I am a moderately experienced coastal sailor that has sailed since my teens (in the VI) and sporadically throughout my life as a member of various sailing clubs (mostly Catalina, C&C, Beneteau boats in 27-40 foot range.) I currently sail a relatively new Beneteau 38.1 that I share with a club. I sail mostly single-handed.
I don't know much about Ericson Yachts other than they have a great reputation and a friend of my who has a Crealock 37 recommended them years ago. I initially started my search for a classic "Bluewater" boat thinking I might go offshore (to Hawaii and beyond). I am not 100% sure when I will do that, but I think realistically my sailing will be mostly coastal cruising (maybe first in Bay area for a while and then I will sail down to Channel Islands.
I am looking for some suggestions on where I should start and which model of Ericson to look at.
Here is a basic "list" of requirements:
1) Must be setup to single-hand (or relatively straightforward to set it up myself - location of winches halyards etc.).
2) Need a windlass (I used to pull up anchors on 35 foot boats. Not doing that anymore).
3) I want a boat that will be safe in sea conditions. Rough conditions not uncommon in the channel.
4) In SoCal the wind is mostly pretty light (except after storms and when they are offshore). So that might be contrary to my interest in heavier boats.
5) My wife easily gets seasick (I put this down because there are some occasions where I can get her out with me and when she is well, we have a lot of fun).
6) Will need an autopilot (and later perhaps vane steering as well). Boat must be adaptable if it doesn't have one.
7) Not a big fan of in-mast furling, but will want a roller furling on headsail(s).
8) Performance - I've gotten used to a beneteau 38.1 (but I can't afford one - they are too new for prices to come down). So not sure if I will have to lower expectations on performance.
9) I may not need a 38 foot boat if it's just me sailing alone 50% of the time.. Just a thought.
10) Budget - I am not sure how much I will have to spend, but I am thinking 40-80K. I want to have money left over for some refit work.
11) I worry about a boat that might have structural damage (hull, water rot, blistering. bulkhead damage etc.). I want to avoid that, but willing to replace "easier" things.
That is my short list
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I'm in early stages of researching a boat purchase (for myself !). I would say I am a moderately experienced coastal sailor that has sailed since my teens (in the VI) and sporadically throughout my life as a member of various sailing clubs (mostly Catalina, C&C, Beneteau boats in 27-40 foot range.) I currently sail a relatively new Beneteau 38.1 that I share with a club. I sail mostly single-handed.
I don't know much about Ericson Yachts other than they have a great reputation and a friend of my who has a Crealock 37 recommended them years ago. I initially started my search for a classic "Bluewater" boat thinking I might go offshore (to Hawaii and beyond). I am not 100% sure when I will do that, but I think realistically my sailing will be mostly coastal cruising (maybe first in Bay area for a while and then I will sail down to Channel Islands.
I am looking for some suggestions on where I should start and which model of Ericson to look at.
Here is a basic "list" of requirements:
1) Must be setup to single-hand (or relatively straightforward to set it up myself - location of winches halyards etc.).
2) Need a windlass (I used to pull up anchors on 35 foot boats. Not doing that anymore).
3) I want a boat that will be safe in sea conditions. Rough conditions not uncommon in the channel.
4) In SoCal the wind is mostly pretty light (except after storms and when they are offshore). So that might be contrary to my interest in heavier boats.
5) My wife easily gets seasick (I put this down because there are some occasions where I can get her out with me and when she is well, we have a lot of fun).
6) Will need an autopilot (and later perhaps vane steering as well). Boat must be adaptable if it doesn't have one.
7) Not a big fan of in-mast furling, but will want a roller furling on headsail(s).
8) Performance - I've gotten used to a beneteau 38.1 (but I can't afford one - they are too new for prices to come down). So not sure if I will have to lower expectations on performance.
9) I may not need a 38 foot boat if it's just me sailing alone 50% of the time.. Just a thought.
10) Budget - I am not sure how much I will have to spend, but I am thinking 40-80K. I want to have money left over for some refit work.
11) I worry about a boat that might have structural damage (hull, water rot, blistering. bulkhead damage etc.). I want to avoid that, but willing to replace "easier" things.
That is my short list