1990 Ericson 38-200 for sale

[Barbixy]

If you wouldn't go out in a big wind with it, how is that ok?

I never said it was ok, I was just relating to another member what the seller told me about the condition in response to Christian Williams comment about the asking price being a bargain. His reply was that he would no longer consider it a bargain. Context is important

 

[Christian Williams]

Kenneth was just remarking that it's probably not "OK" to buy a boat that can't go sailing in big wind.

Boat purchase advice, especially for Ericson family boats, is one of the best features of this site. The more information a prospective buyer can provide, the fuller the responses--all from brand owners. At the moment you haven't shared enough information to fully exploit us. That would include full inventory, and current age of inventory items. The design is well known, what is not is the condition of cushions, sole, outboard, dinghy, decks, gelcoat, electronics, canvas and all the other details upon which price is negotiated. it is from such lists that others here can make money value judgements, and give opinions.

Actually, though, it is unlikely to find any boat of this vintage in 'turn-key' condition. Every Ericson is an old boat, and every one requires replacement of gear--continuously, and forever.

Also, in many such threads, the decision on a decent candidate boat really comes down to whether you want it or not. There are many boats on the market. if you like a specific boat, and want to own it, buy it. The current owner probably has learned the economic reality, but he also has to want to sell it. If he doesn't, move on.

but the actual purchase price hardly matters. Any disagreement will be in a range such that the difference between bid and asking is trivial compared the expenses that lie ahead. Ericsons appear to be a bargain at 30-60K for a big yacht that can cruise effectively and even cross oceans.

They're not bargains. They all require enormous attention, time, commitment and money. And an absolute necessity to be happy with tools and sweat.

 

[Barbixy]

What person with a brain would think it's ok to go out in big wind with sketchy standing rigging? I assume most people on here aren't stupid. So if giving "advice," at least give people credit for not being born yesterday. Also, needing bottom paint and standing rigging (as I stated when posting that I was looking for something turnkey) eliminated this boat immediately so providing all the info you're listing was unnecessary I was never asking for an estimate of value. People don't follow the entire thread, come in the middle and start giving advice. Ok, I try to be respectful in my responses because I know they're trying to help, but I'm at a loss to respond based on what everyone expects in that situation because we're not even on the same page. I just wanna say never mind, but that would not be respectful. Also, what it needs (someone suggested a survey - ya think?) absolutely does factor into the purchase price. Maintenance down the line isn't what a purchase price is about. Going into boat ownership knowing what it needs and doesn't need has nothing to do with the investment down the line. I'm not new to boat ownership. Someone listed a boat on here, you stated at the asking price it was a bargain. After seller disclosed in our DMs standing rigging and bottom paint was required, I merely asked if you still thought it was a bargain. Then I got various advice from people that had nothing to do with my statement that I'd written it off and was looking for something more turnkey. That's all. Also, I am on this page because these Ericsons are one of the few boats I've found with a keel stepped mast, which is what I'm looking for. I'm on here to see what's for sale mostly. Beyond that, not being an owner yet, I'm not qualified to comment on any of the other parts of the site.

 

[Christian Williams]

Sorry, it just sounded like you wanted advice. That's generally why newcomers post here.

 

[Barbixy]

Sorry, it just sounded like you wanted advice. That's generally why newcomers post here.

It's ok - there's a lot of knowledge on here and everyone wants to be helpful, and I really do appreciate people like this believe me. I went through the commitment of time, money and elbow grease on my last boat OMG - I must've replaced everything over that three years cause of knowing nothing at the beginning. I bought the boat for $17k, put more than $25k into it (even doing a lot of my own work you want to talk working on stuff inside a space the size of a mailbox) and sold it after $3 years for $18k. Even though lost $$ the education was invaluable. Another factor some may not be aware of is my advancing age. I want as close to turnkey as possible, so I can enjoy the remaining years sailing, not fixing everything that could go wrong and did go wrong. Lol that was my last boat. I really do appreciate the willingness to help in the boating community.

 

[Kenneth K]

I never said it was ok, I was just relating to another member what the seller told me about the condition in response to Christian Williams comment about the asking price being a bargain. His reply was that he would no longer consider it a bargain. Context is important

Sure, but I think it's a telling comment ("the rigging would be "ok around here" but he wouldn't go out in big wind with it") as to the seller's character. The remarks made here, by me and others, are not just made for the OPs, but for the continued history of the post. Another member may be looking at this same boat in the future, and would likely find these comments valuable.

 

[nquigley]

Hi Barbixy
I actually think that ‘turnkey’ is in the eye of the beholder for anything but a nearly new boat. Some may consider a very well maintained and presented older boat as being turnkey, even if they also noted a number of minor things that they would want to do to the boat, but which would not rule the boat out as a possible candidate. Perhaps you have a list in mind of the types of things that might need attention, but which would not push a boat out of your turnkey definition. When I sold my 32–3 last year, the electronic wind instrument, and the stern light were the only things not working at the time, but there were a few things that probably needed replacement. However, the buyer said he really enjoyed rewiring boats, and it was his plan to rewire the whole boat. However, he considered the boat essentially turnkey for his purposes.
As Christian, I think, was pointing out, there is probably no Ericson, or any other boat of similar vintage, that does not have at least a few things needing to be fixed or replaced, which might play into the final selling price of a boat.
If you’re patient, I’m sure you will soon find a boat that suits your needs. Good luck.

 

[Angel D.]

Angel - 381 owner
My humble opinion is as follows...

The comment on the standing rigging is a owner opinion and not a professional statement. And perhaps reflecting the level of comfort in his sailing habits. Not everyone is a hardcore sport man. I mean no disrespect with this. But is very important that a skipper know his boat is ready to the adventure ahead.

" I just crossed the Bermuda triangle long ways , with 38-40s kts gusts in 14ft seas. This conditions hit me three times on a 16 day cruise from NC to PR. "

Rigging inspection was done by me and pier review by fellow Skippers . Due to unknown age of the rigging I don't push it to extreme conditions. Reduce canvas and trim sails accordingly. And sail my old lady safe to destination.

When ruff conditions hit out there and you are tethered to the helm if you have a chance to say a prayer to the deity of your choice it will be like " thank you for putting me here on this boat and not another "

I have zero complaints, this are good boats.

The mentality I had of "I wish to have a shoal draft to anchor in less water fades away very quickly out there when Mother Nature does her thing"


That been said , mine is a project boat. Salvage from a neglected condition and saved from Valhalla. Got this boat for parts and quickly realized that my other boat had to go. Goes with out saying that this Ericson 381 changed my life.

Every boat is a compromise, and a forever project even when new. If one thinks a new boat is no work and no projects , think again.

In my circle of friends we have an anecdotal story involving a delivery job.
This man buys a new boat and he is concerned of his abilities,so he hired my friend to deliver the boat and dock it without a scratch. The owner sees the Captain running a full check up of all systems. The owner laughed and tried to embarrass him by saying...
" It's a brand new Beneteau , what could go wrong ... "

And you guys can imagine what's the story like ...



Hope all my Viking friends are doing well. Fair winds !

 

[Loren Beach]

Reply 28 is worth framing, IMHO.
A few years ago, a friend bought a new Bene----, and spent a couple of years (with the dealer also doing their best to pressure the factory) getting the factory to rectify all the faults the boat was built/delivered with.

Other dealers in the area had constant problems with things falling apart on new Hunt---, also.

Ericson's cost proportionally more due to more hours/days of factory labor cost in the build, when new. And I doubt that all of them were without problems, either!

Opinions rendered, normally free, and further discounted on Monday...

 

[Barbixy]

Hi Barbixy
I actually think that ‘turnkey’ is in the eye of the beholder for anything but a nearly new boat. Some may consider a very well maintained and presented older boat as being turnkey, even if they also noted a number of minor things that they would want to do to the boat, but which would not rule the boat out as a possible candidate. Perhaps you have a list in mind of the types of things that might need attention, but which would not push a boat out of your turnkey definition. When I sold my 32–3 last year, the electronic wind instrument, and the stern light were the only things not working at the time, but there were a few things that probably needed replacement. However, the buyer said he really enjoyed rewiring boats, and it was his plan to rewire the whole boat. However, he considered the boat essentially turnkey for his purposes.
As Christian, I think, was pointing out, there is probably no Ericson, or any other boat of similar vintage, that does not have at least a few things needing to be fixed or replaced, which might play into the final selling price of a boat.
If you’re patient, I’m sure you will soon find a boat that suits your needs. Good luck.

Thank you. I agree 100%. I guess when thinking in turnkey terms, I'm thinking at least big ticket items, like standing rigging replaced and backing plates checked less than ten years ago, haul out, bottom paint and drive train brought up to spec less than ten years ago, through hulls etc And possibly engine overhaul, or at least well maintained so it doesn't look fossilized.
Things I can do myself: I'm well versed in electrical, so I can feasibly rewire where needed. Older boats often need interior work like the sole, under counter pumps and hoses, fuel lines, cushions, update electronics etc. too many things to list.

 

[Barbixy]

Sure, but I think it's a telling comment ("the rigging would be "ok around here" but he wouldn't go out in big wind with it") as to the seller's character. The remarks made here, by me and others, are not just made for the OPs, but for the continued history of the post. Another member may be looking at this same boat in the future, and would likely find these comments valuable.

I understand. Good points all.Thank you.

 

[Barbixy]

Angel - 381 owner
My humble opinion is as follows...

The comment on the standing rigging is a owner opinion and not a professional statement. And perhaps reflecting the level of comfort in his sailing habits. Not everyone is a hardcore sport man. I mean no disrespect with this. But is very important that a skipper know his boat is ready to the adventure ahead.

" I just crossed the Bermuda triangle long ways , with 38-40s kts gusts in 14ft seas. This conditions hit me three times on a 16 day cruise from NC to PR. "

Rigging inspection was done by me and pier review by fellow Skippers . Due to unknown age of the rigging I don't push it to extreme conditions. Reduce canvas and trim sails accordingly. And sail my old lady safe to destination.

When ruff conditions hit out there and you are tethered to the helm if you have a chance to say a prayer to the deity of your choice it will be like " thank you for putting me here on this boat and not another "

I have zero complaints, this are good boats.

The mentality I had of "I wish to have a shoal draft to anchor in less water fades away very quickly out there when Mother Nature does her thing"


That been said , mine is a project boat. Salvage from a neglected condition and saved from Valhalla. Got this boat for parts and quickly realized that my other boat had to go. Goes with out saying that this Ericson 381 changed my life.

Every boat is a compromise, and a forever project even when new. If one thinks a new boat is no work and no projects , think again.

In my circle of friends we have an anecdotal story involving a delivery job.
This man buys a new boat and he is concerned of his abilities,so he hired my friend to deliver the boat and dock it without a scratch. The owner sees the Captain running a full check up of all systems. The owner laughed and tried to embarrass him by saying...
" It's a brand new Beneteau , what could go wrong ... "

And you guys can imagine what's the story like ...



Hope all my Viking friends are doing well. Fair winds !

I agree, thank you. I got the impression (seller said he'd purchased the boat 4 years ago) and he may have only sailed locally in Washington, repaired some obvious things, but no haul out or rigging work so what the last owner did before the current owner bought it is an unknown to him.also.

 

[maubin5]

What person with a brain would think it's ok to go out in big wind with sketchy standing rigging? I assume most people on here aren't stupid. So if giving "advice," at least give people credit for not being born yesterday. Also, needing bottom paint and standing rigging (as I stated when posting that I was looking for something turnkey) eliminated this boat immediately so providing all the info you're listing was unnecessary I was never asking for an estimate of value. People don't follow the entire thread, come in the middle and start giving advice. Ok, I try to be respectful in my responses because I know they're trying to help, but I'm at a loss to respond based on what everyone expects in that situation because we're not even on the same page. I just wanna say never mind, but that would not be respectful. Also, what it needs (someone suggested a survey - ya think?) absolutely does factor into the purchase price. Maintenance down the line isn't what a purchase price is about. Going into boat ownership knowing what it needs and doesn't need has nothing to do with the investment down the line. I'm not new to boat ownership. Someone listed a boat on here, you stated at the asking price it was a bargain. After seller disclosed in our DMs standing rigging and bottom paint was required, I merely asked if you still thought it was a bargain. Then I got various advice from people that had nothing to do with my statement that I'd written it off and was looking for something more turnkey. That's all. Also, I am on this page because these Ericsons are one of the few boats I've found with a keel stepped mast, which is what I'm looking for. I'm on here to see what's for sale mostly. Beyond that, not being an owner yet, I'm not qualified to comment on any of the other parts

 

[maubin5]

Hi everyone, my left ear has been buzzing quite a bit I see why Sorry I'm not much on this site and I don't get notice on activities. The 38-200 is a good boat, to me anyway, and what I meant, regarding the comment on "big wind and rigging" it's really more about my own experience as I novice sailor never going out with over 15 knots wind. "People"have a lot of different opinions about rigging especially for a boat that spent its whole life in the Pacific NorthWest which I understand it is a bit easier on the rigging compare to a boat that is where its warm and sunny. Anyhow, since I didn't really get any info from the previous owner, who had the boat for over 20 years. I was planning on redoing the rigging moving forward.. As for the price it is listed for less of what I paid including all the upgrades when I bought it in 2021. I understand it was during covid and boat prices have come down a bit since. I believe whoever gets this boat will have to replace the rigging not because its failing but more for peace of mind and insurance reasons if travelling some I would guess. If I was going to reduce the price let say 35k it would be extremely difficult to find a similar boat of that age that is dry, as a good purling yanmar, a good interior, an epoxy bottom and all of the other stuff that I have been fixing/replacing along the way. After owning her for a few years now I know a little more the boat and know what needs attention. All that said hope Barbixy find the right boat for her, there are plenty of boats out there. Happy sailing

 

[Barbixy]

Hi everyone, my left ear has been buzzing quite a bit I see why Sorry I'm not much on this site and I don't get notice on activities. The 38-200 is a good boat, to me anyway, and what I meant, regarding the comment on "big wind and rigging" it's really more about my own experience as I novice sailor never going out with over 15 knots wind. "People"have a lot of different opinions about rigging especially for a boat that spent its whole life in the Pacific NorthWest which I understand it is a bit easier on the rigging compare to a boat that is where its warm and sunny. Anyhow, since I didn't really get any info from the previous owner, who had the boat for over 20 years. I was planning on redoing the rigging moving forward.. As for the price it is listed for less of what I paid including all the upgrades when I bought it in 2021. I understand it was during covid and boat prices have come down a bit since. I believe whoever gets this boat will have to replace the rigging not because its failing but more for peace of mind and insurance reasons if travelling some I would guess. If I was going to reduce the price let say 35k it would be extremely difficult to find a similar boat of that age that is dry, as a good purling yanmar, a good interior, an epoxy bottom and all of the other stuff that I have been fixing/replacing along the way. After owning her for a few years now I know a little more the boat and know what needs attention. All that said hope Barbixy find the right boat for her, there are plenty of boats out there. Happy sailing

Thank you so much for the clarification.

 

[Barbixy]

Hi everyone, my left ear has been buzzing quite a bit I see why Sorry I'm not much on this site and I don't get notice on activities. The 38-200 is a good boat, to me anyway, and what I meant, regarding the comment on "big wind and rigging" it's really more about my own experience as I novice sailor never going out with over 15 knots wind. "People"have a lot of different opinions about rigging especially for a boat that spent its whole life in the Pacific NorthWest which I understand it is a bit easier on the rigging compare to a boat that is where its warm and sunny. Anyhow, since I didn't really get any info from the previous owner, who had the boat for over 20 years. I was planning on redoing the rigging moving forward.. As for the price it is listed for less of what I paid including all the upgrades when I bought it in 2021. I understand it was during covid and boat prices have come down a bit since. I believe whoever gets this boat will have to replace the rigging not because its failing but more for peace of mind and insurance reasons if travelling some I would guess. If I was going to reduce the price let say 35k it would be extremely difficult to find a similar boat of that age that is dry, as a good purling yanmar, a good interior, an epoxy bottom and all of the other stuff that I have been fixing/replacing along the way. After owning her for a few years now I know a little more the boat and know what needs attention. All that said hope Barbixy find the right boat for her, there are plenty of boats out there. Happy sailing

Hi everyone, my left ear has been buzzing quite a bit I see why Sorry I'm not much on this site and I don't get notice on activities. The 38-200 is a good boat, to me anyway, and what I meant, regarding the comment on "big wind and rigging" it's really more about my own experience as I novice sailor never going out with over 15 knots wind. "People"have a lot of different opinions about rigging especially for a boat that spent its whole life in the Pacific NorthWest which I understand it is a bit easier on the rigging compare to a boat that is where its warm and sunny. Anyhow, since I didn't really get any info from the previous owner, who had the boat for over 20 years. I was planning on redoing the rigging moving forward.. As for the price it is listed for less of what I paid including all the upgrades when I bought it in 2021. I understand it was during covid and boat prices have come down a bit since. I believe whoever gets this boat will have to replace the rigging not because its failing but more for peace of mind and insurance reasons if travelling some I would guess. If I was going to reduce the price let say 35k it would be extremely difficult to find a similar boat of that age that is dry, as a good purling yanmar, a good interior, an epoxy bottom and all of the other stuff that I have been fixing/replacing along the way. After owning her for a few years now I know a little more the boat and know what needs attention. All that said hope Barbixy find the right boat for her, there are plenty of boats out there. Happy sailing

Hello again. Would you kindly message me again with your contact information since my phone died after you sent your information, I had to replace it and my backup did not transfer those messages and photos. I would like to follow up on this please.
Thanks very much,
Barb