Frank Langer
1984 Ericson 30+, Nanaimo, BC
On several websites like Sailnet (but I always check this site first!!
), there are frequently comparisons of various boats in terms of construction quality and performance. Because Ericsons aren't on everyone's radar screen, they are not frequently included in these comparisons.
When I was looking to buy my third boat earlier this year, not having owned an Ericson previously, Ericson was at the top of my list, followed by Aloha, C&C, Catalina and Newport. Fortunately, I did find a good Ericson 30+ at a decent price and was able to buy my #1 choice.
I am very pleased with the boat, but still wonder how an "objective" expert would compare the quality of Ericsons with other leading models. Anyone have any views on this, with more detail than "obviously Ericsons are best"
I'll look forward to your comments, especially if you can substantiate your opinion with details, experiences, etc.
To begin the discussion, I put the Ericson at the top of my list because I think the triaxial grid provides more hull strength than many other boats, the quality of the fibreglass lay-up seems stronger than most, they seem to have less blistering/osmosis than some, the woodwork looks well made and the layout seems functional. Since owning ours, I can add that the performance seems very good (my 30+ sails much like the Bavaria 34 we chartered a couple of years ago--fast, responsive, but solid).
Comments?
Frank.
When I was looking to buy my third boat earlier this year, not having owned an Ericson previously, Ericson was at the top of my list, followed by Aloha, C&C, Catalina and Newport. Fortunately, I did find a good Ericson 30+ at a decent price and was able to buy my #1 choice.
I am very pleased with the boat, but still wonder how an "objective" expert would compare the quality of Ericsons with other leading models. Anyone have any views on this, with more detail than "obviously Ericsons are best"

To begin the discussion, I put the Ericson at the top of my list because I think the triaxial grid provides more hull strength than many other boats, the quality of the fibreglass lay-up seems stronger than most, they seem to have less blistering/osmosis than some, the woodwork looks well made and the layout seems functional. Since owning ours, I can add that the performance seems very good (my 30+ sails much like the Bavaria 34 we chartered a couple of years ago--fast, responsive, but solid).
Comments?
Frank.