Oh please Oh please [Find Boat of my Dreams]

[bigd14]

The ice box is a little annoying on my new to me 34-2. It’s deep and difficult to reach stuff on the bottom. I haven’t used it much but I think I will end up mostly using it to freeze ice packs to cool the other compartments on the galley side. The nav table is quite functional though.

 

[Barbixy]

The "ice box" was designed in to the galley modules, like our model. AFAIK the 12 volt refrigeration was an option. I added one to our boat decades ago, and immediately wished I had done so sooner.

Note that EY would add deck gear and interior changes in response to the desire -$- of the original buyer. Our boat shows obvious changes before it left the factory for a major winch upgrade and spinnaker package. We have the optional second water tank, also. The model 34-2 has a nav table but also the top of the nearby second "ice box."
I like our large nav desk but would be equally happy with the E-34 layout.
You will be able to relate better to many of the comments here after spending some time looking around in the boat.

Thank you.

 

[Drewm3i]

I like the 34 more than the 38 personally--to me, it was Ericson's best optimized and most modern design. It was the last Ericson boat designed to go into production and I find it has a more modern stern that carries a bit more beam aft than the 38, which really takes a lot from IOR boats in design IMO. That is why the 34 is almost as big as a 38 below, albeit with a slightly reduced galley and (IMO better but) smaller head. Even the lazerattes are about the same size, though tankage is less. The possibility for a separate freezer as Loren suggested is awesome--although the stock, two-battery dual-purpose bank setup would have to be expanded.

There are also neat quality-of-life things like the integrated dish drying rack.

 

[bsangs]

Yeah, you'll learn a lot by posting pictures here and soliciting feedback. For example:
View attachment 54652
1. Check out that stbd fwd motor mount (red circle). It looks rusted out, esp. compared the the one on the port side (green circle).
2. Ask about the paper towel wrapped around the heat exchanger hose (yellow circle, center).
3. The multiple splices and non-insulated crimps on the diaphragm pump (yellow circle, left), show less-than-stellar electrical work. You might take a look at some of the ship's other wiring.

Piggybacking on Kenneth here, if you sea trial this - or start up the engine at all - double check on the coolant level before doing so. Unless it's just bad resolution from the photo, I don't see anything in the coolant overflow reservoir. I have a Yanmar 3GM30F engine (not certain what model this one is, but it is a Yanmar) and there should be coolant at least halfway up in that reservoir. Starting it with no coolant would be bad, obviously. Not crazy about the corrosion on the coolant cap either. Though they're easy enough to replace.

 

[Nick J]

to me, it was Ericson's best optimized and most modern design. It was the last Ericson boat designed to go into production and I find it has a more modern stern that carries a bit more beam aft than the 38, which really takes a lot from IOR boats in design IMO.

I agree the 34 is one of the best designs and optimizes space well, but I think carrying beam aft is a bit of an illusion. All aft cabin versions of the 32, 35, and 38 use the same hull as their earlier models and they are all basically scaled versions of each other. These layout drawing of the 34-2 and 35-3 aren't scaled correctly, but they do show how the interior is moved forward. It's most evident when looking at the gally cabinets and nav desk across both designs. You can also see it with where the large portlights are positioned.

My favorite feature on the more modern designs is how the lazarette lids are hinged at the top of the combing instead of the base. It adds so much more access to the lazarette.

 

[Christian Williams]

This thread, and similar ones, will let your know about ERicson refrigeration options.

Icebox/Refrigeration on Ericson Yachts [Master Thread]

For E32-3 Refrigeration specifically see this thread We ussually stay on our boat just for the weekends. The orginal thermal fridge that came with the boat just doesn't work. For years because we have just not wanted to pump out the cooler each weekend we have brought food on the boat and...

ericsonyachts.org

PS--Barbixy, I don't know what to rename this current thread . We like to identify topics for later searching by others. Got any ideas?

 

[Barbixy]

Piggybacking on Kenneth here, if you sea trial this - or start up the engine at all - double check on the coolant level before doing so. Unless it's just bad resolution from the photo, I don't see anything in the coolant overflow reservoir. I have a Yanmar 3GM30F engine (not certain what model this one is, but it is a Yanmar) and there should be coolant at least halfway up in that reservoir. Starting it with no coolant would be bad, obviously. Not crazy about the corrosion on the coolant cap either. Though they're easy enough to replace.

Thank you, I greatly appreciate all your suggestions. I'll be looking at these things tomorrow, but being so inexperienced (3 years only on a Catalina 30) I have kind of an order of things I've penciled out.
Christian Williams posted. "If you like it just buy it" I just not in the income demographic to do that. Anyway as follows:
1. Tomorrow a visual inspection of the boat, wherein the broker told me the owner will be there to "answer all questions." When he said this I was thinking (verbal answers aren't going to cut it) so I asked the broker to request any receipts or documentation of repairs or upgrades done in the last 5-10 years. It's not that I don't trust people, it's just business and I don't think asking for documentation of work done is unreasonable. The broker got kind of a hesitant tone after I asked for records, but *oh well.
2. After looking at all the records, I was going to take good pictures of all the electronics so I can research and see how old they are. Yellow plastic is pretty old.
2A. This should be on a flow chart If the records don't show a relatively recent haul out and drive train service (in the last 5 years?) and standing rigging replaced (within 5-7 years) engine maintenance then I might not go forward, depending on how the rest of it looks (dry bilge? Sole is solid, wiring not showing signs of advanced age, brittle or a mess etc...)all the things I'll look at tomorrow. One thing I've noticed when people are selling cars, they have no service records and they tell you, "I've done all the service myself." I have a feeling this "captain owned" original owner might say that, but truly, then I have no idea what was done or not.
3. Re: suggestions about the motor, VHF, wiring inspection, sole etc, I can give these things a cursory exam, but really, I'll be retaining the services of a good surveyor, but I'm wondering if there's gonna be a conflict of interest in going with a surveyor the broker recommends? What do you think?
4. As it was explained to me, a diver is qualified to inspect the prop, shaft bearing and whatever else is under there? But one surveyor told me this would require a haul out

This thread, and similar ones, will let your know about ERicson refrigeration options.

Icebox/Refrigeration on Ericson Yachts [Master Thread]

For E32-3 Refrigeration specifically see this thread We ussually stay on our boat just for the weekends. The orginal thermal fridge that came with the boat just doesn't work. For years because we have just not wanted to pump out the cooler each weekend we have brought food on the boat and...

ericsonyachts.org

PS--Barbixy, I don't know what to rename this current thread . We like to identify topics for later searching by others. Got any ideas?

My apologies! I understand (now.) How about Pre-purchase Suggestions E-34
?

 

[Loren Beach]

Regarding finding an unbiased surveyor-- while it's often hard to find a person yourself, and the broker may have suggestions -- if possible it will be better to find some way to vet the name(s) you are given.

My experience, when buying our first keel boat, decades ago, and worse yet located in another country (BC), was to buttress the advice I got from the broker with some research on my own. I was stumped, initially. I finally looked up the phone numbers for a couple of large banks in Victoria BC with yacht lending departments. Then I called and explained my dilemma with needling an unbiased survey.

I asked their loan officers if they each had a short list of surveyors the bank would rely on before lending money for a loan/purchase. Each person was sympathetic and I quickly acquired a short list of names, with one guy on each list who was also vouched for by the broker. He proved to be thorough and experienced.
I have no idea if such a request would find success today, but logically it seems like it would. After all, banks hate losing money on bad collateral.

Regards,
Loren (in Oregon)

 

[Barbixy]

Yeah, you'll learn a lot by posting pictures here and soliciting feedback. For example:
View attachment 54652
1. Check out that stbd fwd motor mount (red circle). It looks rusted out, esp. compared the the one on the port side (green circle).
2. Ask about the paper towel wrapped around the heat exchanger hose (yellow circle, center).
3. The multiple splices and non-insulated crimps on the diaphragm pump (yellow circle, left), show less-than-stellar electrical work. You might take a look at some of the ship's other wiring.

The coolant reservoir looks like the lower half has blue coolant up to the level line is what I'm seeing, you're not seeing that? Thanks again so much!

 

[Barbixy]

Regarding finding an unbiased surveyor-- while it's often hard to find a person yourself, and the broker may have suggestions -- if possible it will be better to find some way to vet the name(s) you are given.

My experience, when buying our first keel boat, decades ago, and worse yet located in another country (BC), was to buttress the advice I got from the broker with some research on my own. I was stumped, initially. I finally looked up the phone numbers for a couple of large banks in Victoria BC with yacht lending departments. Then I called and explained my dilemma with needling an unbiased survey.

I asked their loan officers if they each had a short list of surveyors the bank would rely on before lending money for a loan/purchase. Each person was sympathetic and I quickly acquired a short list of names, with one guy on each list who was also vouched for by the broker. He proved to be thorough and experienced.
I have no idea if such a request would find success today, but logically it seems like it would. After all, banks hate losing money on bad collateral.

Regards,
Loren (in Oregon)

Thank you again, I really appreciate this. I'll try to find out who does boat loans here, and ask about the surveyors they use.

 

[Barbixy]

The more I look at this I galley I'm wondering what happened that it ended up with a plastic sink and counter? This is kind of funky looking IMO, compared to the beautiful factory unit that came with the boat new and this sure doesn't feel very classic boaty to me. Here are some additional photos of other parts of the boat. Also, what is that vertical stainless pole next to the counter?

 

[Barbixy]

It's supposed to look like this:

 

[Loren Beach]

The more I look at this I galley I'm wondering what happened that it ended up with a plastic sink and counter?

For whatever it's worth I have seen a vey similar galley in a mid/late 80's E-38-200, so perhaps it was an option. I did not find it attractive, but then we really like a double SS sink in our galley. Subjective stuff, as they say.

 

[Barbixy]

For whatever it's worth I have seen a vey similar galley in a mid/late 80's E-38-200, so perhaps it was an option. I did not find it attractive, but then we really like a double SS sink in our galley. Subjective stuff, as they say.

Well, here's a pic I found of an '87 galley, nice wood etc. So maybe if you've seen this in other boats this plastic sink is the lower priced factory "option?" Or maybe this isn't a 1990 model? How would I find that out?

 

[Loren Beach]

Just my opinion, but since the galley sink is rather a minor part of the boat's equipage, I would live with it for my first couple years of ownership. There will be features, options, and "upgrades" done or paid for by one or more prior owners that one will have to get used to and start to understand, before deciding which ones to change or replace. Sometimes there is logic to the parts, whether galley or reefing or whatever, that will become more obvious (or at least understandable), in use.

 

[Barbixy]

I understand and agree the sink is a minor issue, however I'm quite sure this will be the last boat I buy, and I'm sort of hoping to find "the boat of my dreams" with the classic and beautiful teak interior. So yea, the sink is very minor, but I don't think blowing a big wad of cash to recreate the beautiful sink and counter with teak trim etc down the line is realistic for me

I haven't ruled it out based on the sink (that would be way premature) but it kinda feels like the kid the parents liked the least. Haha

 

[Drewm3i]

The more I look at this I galley I'm wondering what happened that it ended up with a plastic sink and counter? This is kind of funky looking IMO, compared to the beautiful factory unit that came with the boat new and this sure doesn't feel very classic boaty to me. Here are some additional photos of other parts of the boat. Also, what is that vertical stainless pole next to the counter?

The sink you mention is OEM--I have seen it on a number of Ericsons, including 32s. This boat also has epoxy "solid surface" (i.e. Corian) countertops with Corian fiddles--to me that constitutes a huge upgrade over Formica (which I personally hate) that I greatly appreciate on my current '92 Hunter Legend 37.5.

I believe the sink here is either molded epoxy (like Corian) or a porcelain bowl; it also has a sprayer that comes out. In all, it's a nice upgrade over the stock Ericson gray stainless sink/faucet combo, which IMO, is very dated and lacks utility since the sinks are so small that I would much prefer a single big one. Polished stainless sinks are nice though.

 

[bigd14]

There are also neat quality-of-life things like the integrated dish drying rack.

Do you have a photo of this? Not sure I have seen anything like it on my boat.

stock Ericson gray stainless sink/faucet combo, which IMO, is very dated and lacks utility since the sinks are so small that I would much prefer a single big one.

One of my future upgrades will be to put a single sink in. I understand the utility of two smaller sinks in a seaway to prevent dirty dish water from escaping when heeled, but I seem to get water all over the place anyways when washing a frying pan sideways in a small sink cause it won’t sit flat.

 

[Loren Beach]

Reposting a picture link for our double SS sink. It is deep enough not to have too much problem with spilled water, but care must be taken when washing a cookie sheet.
This is the stock sink on the O-34 model, and was one of several reasons we chose this boat.
See reply 25.

Galley Sink

$ and FisheriesSupply FWIW, the stated policy of Fisheries Supply is to print only the "list" price. The price when you place the order is lower, i.e. discounted. Loren

ericsonyachts.org

 

[bigd14]

Also, what is that vertical stainless pole next to the counter?

That is a very handy pole for grabbing on to when traversing the length of the boat when underway. It’s standard.

It may be difficult to find a boat that has had the standing rigging done recently. Unless a silly owner (like me) spends lots of time and money fixing up a boat then decides to buy a bigger boat, it’s pretty rare to find a boat that has even new-ish rigging.

The photos of this boat look pretty good, but the photos almost always look better than what you find in person. Give yourself time to get to know the boat. It took me three visits to my prospective boat to get a feel for what I was getting into before I decided to buy it. The first visit was an overview, mostly just overall impressions to see if the layout appealed to me (it did) and what obvious major problems I might find (none). So I kept it in mind and went and looked at some other boats to see if anything else appealed to me more. With one exception, the other boats sucked, so the 34-2 was the prime contender. Then I went back and spent a good chunk of an afternoon diving into stuff and found a bunch of what I would consider medium issues (leaking portlights and hatches, aging equipment, rotting canvas, worn cushions, yes, older standing rigging, and on and on). I took a ton of photos of things that I wanted to follow up on and then a whole ‘nother ton of general overview shots. Finally, after a week looking through the photos and researching the issues I found during the first two visits, I went back a third time and looked into the remaining things I wanted to follow up about, and then put an offer on the boat right after that.

Even with a very well executed refit in 2011 I found a ton of things that need to be replaced or repaired which I am slowly working through. It’s a process.

It was Filkee on here who said that the purchase price of a boat is just the ante! You have to really enjoy working on and spending money on the boat.

E32-200 - First Year Costs

Neither boasting nor weeping. Merely an accounting, mostly for my own notes. Hoping the admiral won’t ever find it. I had guessed at the outset my expenditures would be 50% of the purchase price and with the attached to the boat stuff, I am...

ericsonyachts.org