Here are issues I found with my '85 35-3 I bought in 2006. Keep in mind that they are above and beyond things you would check for on any sailboat of this vintage.
- Fuel tank leaks. The tanks tend to corrode from condensation forming on the outside of the tank where it comes in contact with the hull. Mine had already been repaired but not before it ruined the sole which I replaced last season.
- Holding tank leaks. The inside corner of the L section had a stress fracture. Again, replaced last season.
- Stress crack around the anchor locker. Very common on some Ericsons. Usually just a crack in the gelcoat but I will rip mine apart at some point to determine exactly what needs to be done to stiffen that area of the boat. However, this usually leads to water intrusion into the deck core and running down either side of the deck. I have one on the stbd side along with the moisture in the deck along the rail.
- Moisture around the dorads forward of the mast. Mine was fine but many leak in this area.
- Galley sink is too small. Presently upgrading the sink, faucet and trash cabinet to convert it to a sliding door to allow clearance for the new faucet.
Of course using a good surveyor who is knowledgeable about this boat will also help. You should be able to find one on the left coast as there are far more of these boat there than here
That being said, please note that I am very picky and tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to my boat so the fact that I bought one is a good indicator that the above 5 items really pale in comparison to the rest of the very positive features this boat has. It sails like a dream. Although, a little tender initially, it settles in very nicely at 10-15 degrees. It will sail near hull speed in 12 knots of wind and a 150. It will also sail 30 degrees from the wind so upwind performance is outstanding. The interior comfort level of this 35 footer is unmatched by most any other boat of this vintage with the exception of storage space. Not a problem for us but others have mentioned it.
I assume you are speaking of the boat in Sidney? That looks like a fine example although it is priced way too high. The market is very soft right now and getting softer. My boat was less than half that and is nearly as nice. Check with your insurer as they will probably not come close to that value. Check the Bucvalue as that is what most insurers use. I think the high is somewhere around 60k.
Either way, good luck and stick around. This is a great bunch of folks and we love to sail our Ericsons
BTW, I keep an eye on the 35s that appear on YW and that one just showed up so it has not been on the market for long.
