We are going to look at a 38-200 for sale. Cosmetically, it looks great but the asking price seems on the high side. It has a new engine, trans, and folding prop (big plusses) and new racing instruments (nice) but is lacking some essentials, IMHO (working autopilot, working radar, chartplotter) and needs a new set of sails. I don't expect to find the perfect boat (if one were ever made) set up with my perfect list of equipment. And I know that I can look at a lot of specifics that are good value add-ons (new drivetrain) and also negative value detractors (essential but easily added--if expensive--equipment) to come up with my own personal value of the boat.
But what else, specific to Ericsons and/or this model, should I be looking at? What "hidden" but routine problems are there? Are chain plates an issue? Blister issues on a 1986 model? Keel slippage/cracks? Other factory or design defects I should be aware of. I am not aware of any known major problems with E 38-200s. But I defer to the owners of these boats for advice.
What say ye?
But what else, specific to Ericsons and/or this model, should I be looking at? What "hidden" but routine problems are there? Are chain plates an issue? Blister issues on a 1986 model? Keel slippage/cracks? Other factory or design defects I should be aware of. I am not aware of any known major problems with E 38-200s. But I defer to the owners of these boats for advice.
What say ye?