Hi. Looking for totally biased opinions when considering my possible upgrade (still years off probably when kids are bit older). Us: upper Chesapeake. Two kids ~6, 8 years old when I plan to buy. Weekend/week cruises. Want to keep it simple (no AC, hot showers, microwave etc).
I've been in a C30, but never an Ericson. I really like the look of the Ericson 32-3. But the Catalina 30 (mk2) is "the boat" for many in my situation; the affordable family weekend cruiser. Main interior difference is probably the double aft berth vs single in the E32. Though with two kids I can see the advantage of a cozy single berth too. Layout otherwise seems pretty similar from photos. I kinda feel my brain says C30, while my heart says Ericson
I'll need to get on board, and ideally sail, both eventually.
Ericson:
pro:
Pretty interior, supposedly decent quality.
Con:
single aft berth
rare, harder to find right combo draft/condition/price
C30 pro:
Tons of them. So can get good price with many options of boats/conditions
big inside.
Huge support/parts network.
cons;
Aesthetically meh. But adequate I guess
sail characteristics??
So being this forum; what are some reasons to choose ericson over a catalina 30?!
Obviously I know nothing of how they sail, so any 1st hand knowledge would be appreciated. I've heard C30s are sluggish, but also other saying it's fine! Struggle in higher wind, but also it does great! ... *confused PHRF seems to show E32 bit faster. But from what I can tell it's something like 5 min on a 10 mi sail? Not exactly huge deal for me. Is it really noticeable for a non-racer?
Thanks!
I've been in a C30, but never an Ericson. I really like the look of the Ericson 32-3. But the Catalina 30 (mk2) is "the boat" for many in my situation; the affordable family weekend cruiser. Main interior difference is probably the double aft berth vs single in the E32. Though with two kids I can see the advantage of a cozy single berth too. Layout otherwise seems pretty similar from photos. I kinda feel my brain says C30, while my heart says Ericson
Ericson:
pro:
Pretty interior, supposedly decent quality.
Con:
single aft berth
rare, harder to find right combo draft/condition/price
C30 pro:
Tons of them. So can get good price with many options of boats/conditions
big inside.
Huge support/parts network.
cons;
Aesthetically meh. But adequate I guess
sail characteristics??
So being this forum; what are some reasons to choose ericson over a catalina 30?!
Obviously I know nothing of how they sail, so any 1st hand knowledge would be appreciated. I've heard C30s are sluggish, but also other saying it's fine! Struggle in higher wind, but also it does great! ... *confused PHRF seems to show E32 bit faster. But from what I can tell it's something like 5 min on a 10 mi sail? Not exactly huge deal for me. Is it really noticeable for a non-racer?
Thanks!