Recent content by Seth

Great input. I can't disagree except to "do the math" and sure the drains can remove a full cockpit in under about 2 minutes. If so, not a big deal. As we all know, a full cockpit puts a boat in a vulnerable position in breaking seas, so the point is to limit your exposure to damage or potential...

It has been a while, but by memory I think the number was 1.75" to drain in around 90 seconds, and if you can get 2", why not? Cheap insurance. A heavy duty single, locking (from the inside) hatchboard is a MUST for offshore sailing. You might even want to add some aluminum strip reinforcement...

Well, I think most of what can be said on this topic has been said in this thread. One thing I would add is that while the interior of the 38 is a bit roomier and most comfortable when anchored or at the dock, the open interior and layout of the 36 RH is better suited for offshore sailing. There...

So, none of the Ericson models really need running backs/checkstays to safely keep the rig up. On the Bruce King boats, the rigs are so stiff that I think only on the 38 and newer style 34, 35's you might get reduced pumping and better mainsail shape by using them. Sometimes when you have a lot...

If your boat (or the same model of boat) has been measured for a rating under ORC, IMS, or IRC rating rules, the polars are available I think through US Sailing . If no 35-3's have been measured, the other option is get it measured. US Sailing or your local yacht club racing chairperson can help...

Contact Ballenger Spars. They should have all the specs for your rig and they do fantastic work at fair prices. The total length is one thing but a mast builder needs to know the specs (wall thickness and other things). Don't fool around with any company not very familiar with rigs for these...

Good question and post. You are absolutely right that to get the most out of the 38, you need to get weight out of the ends- and especially the bow. In fairness, ANY design of that era with similar hull shapes and the then fashionable high aspect rig with big headsails and small mainsails will...

Just a small reply to some of your points.. Your comment "On the face of it, there are lots of similarities between the E25, E25+, E26, and E27"... The 27 is the outlier to that group. The BK 25, 25+ and 26 and even the 28+ are certainly evolutionary from the 25..although starting with the 25+...

Good idea for lots of reasons. Performance will definitely improve due to getting weight out of the ends (this really hurts these boats), obviously you will be lighter but will pitch less in waves. Simplicity is always good. Good plan!

As had been said, depending on your prop you should easily be able to make 6-7 knots through flat water. That is boatspeed, not SOG. Current and waves can affect SOG. You really need to check your SOG in an area of no current or during slack water, If you are motoring at 6.1 knots into a 4 knot...

Hmmm. Quite a project you have there. My sympathies. And yep-I was that pothead, but it was very much in keeping with the fashion of the times. Were you asking for advice on the babystay and running backs? Personally I would probably just remove everything related to the babystay. You should be...

Congrats. I have no knowledge of the history except for the first year or so after it was launched, no nothing new to add. How well it suits your needs depends on the kind of sailing you want to do. If you plan to race locally, it could be very competitive in the PHRF fleet, as long as you...

This is 100% normal. All displacement boats settle in the water as they go faster. Physics at work. What you are seeing is not an issue and as noted by others, the exhaust is ok if under water at times. There is a check valve to prevent water going into the engine, but in any case with the...

As someone who grew up sailing with all of the traditional terminology, I have seen and support a change towards more simple and accessible phrasing. You don't hear things like "hard a-lee", "lee-ho" "gybe ho", etc. so much anymore. At least in more performance oriented sailing... I have found...

Right, me too as noted except for the spinnaker sheet because it is either collapsing or overtrimmed to the point where it gets eased just to the curl. But sure...;-)