considering 32-200.......

[drcam1]

I would love to hear from current or previous owners of E32-200s. I am considering the purchase of a 1988 model. Other boats of similar vintage that I have been looking at are a Beneteau 32s5 and a Catalina 34. Both of the other boats come with more equipment, but are also going for $10,000-15,000 more. I don't think you can beat the accommodations on the C34, but if the price is right for the 32-200?

Thanks,
Cameron

 

[ref_123]

Interesting subject...

Well, it's like asking a group of Mercedes owners if they like Lexus or BMW... Of course we recommend Ericson! I own E32-3 1986, which has essentially the same hull. Sails great, and under sail I can give C34 a run for the money any time. Under motor C34 is faster - that much was established during the recent cruise-out to Delta. Of course we were at 1700 RPM . If I get to 2300, who knows?

Personally, my way to choose a boat was to get my wife on each candidate. When she got into Ericson, she sat on setee, looked around and whisperd to me - this is my boat! And so it was...

Regards,
Stan

 

[exoduse35]

Well said. You may pay for her but will never own her, or worse you will own her but always be paying! If mom ain't comfortable on it she will find a way to beat you with it for as long as you have it. You have came to the wrong place for an unbiased answer, as all the people here chose Ericson. However help you shall receive... Ericsons were built at a time before designers knew just how little material they needed to keep a boat floating. (I am never asked to sign a release of liability for a haul out in case it comes apart, but they have them for the Hunter guys) By today's standards they are way over built. They were not designed as an "offshore vessel" but compare well against many of what passes for an offshore boat today. The joinery and wood used in them cannot be found today on any production boat. For some reason they are priced more reasonably than most boats, however I don't think I have ever heard them spoken of with anything but respect. That is true in all segments of the sailing community, be they racers, cruisers, or anyone else. It is always " Ericson, nice boat" or " They are a good boat" or "Damn things still beating us at the beer can races". However, at this point in each of the boats lives of which you speak, it is more about it's particular history than it's pedigree. We have guys coming to this site all the time saying they found an Ericson. After they describe the work needed or post a few pictures, we tell them to RUN, and find a good one. The best advice I can give is to take the wife and spend a couple hours on each, taking diligent notes of what you like and don't about each boat. Then compare what it will take to make each one perfect for YOU (and depending on your needs this alone may eliminate a boat or two as not everything can be fixed on a particular platform) Also remember that there is something to be said for buying a boat with fewer bells and whistles on it. Many people pay a premium for "old and outdated stuff" just to pull it out and upgrade it. So the money difference of an Ericson may buy a bunch of "new stuff" and get you farther in the end. Then factor in the "love factor" and get a qualified surveyor to tell you what is behind "the pretty". After that the pieces should fall into place. If you found a well cared for Ericson, most of us here believe we will soon be welcoming a new Ericson owner. Good luck in your search, and feel free to come back often no mater which boat you buy. Most of the questions and answers here apply to any brand and most of us have owned, sailed or worked on many other boats so we can be a helpful resource. ( and these are the most pleasant posters on any forum you will ever see) Edd

 

[drcam1]

I am lucky in that this boat was surveyed about 4 months ago and the only negatives were some elevated moisture readings on the foredeck, anchor locker door and rudder. No blisters on the hull. Electronics are functional, but I would consider updating soon and adding an autopilot. The boat looks very nice, but has hardly been used for several seasons (although it has been in the water every season). I think with a little attention, it would really shine. I love the look of this boat (no wife/admiral to run past).

I will be more specific in my questions.

1. I haven't been able to find any reviews that discuss the sailing/handling characteristics of this particular model.

2. I would most likely be using the boat for weekend trips with 2 adults and 2 children, and am curious how people feel about the berths for sleeping.

3. I haven't been able to find that an owner's manual exists for this boat, and am concerned about finding plumbing, electrical, etc information.

4. Upgrades I would consider soon would include...chartplotter, bimini/dodger, autopilot, spinnaker (symmetrical or asymmetrical), new running rigging, redoing bottom on boat (paint), upgrading electronics, folding prop. Obviously this would be done over time.......

If anyone could please fill in the details, I would greatly appreciate!

Cameron

 

[Loren Beach]

I am lucky in that this boat was surveyed about 4 months ago and the only negatives were some elevated moisture readings on the foredeck, anchor locker door and rudder. No blisters on the hull. Electronics are functional, but I would consider updating soon and adding an autopilot. The boat looks very nice, but has hardly been used for several seasons (although it has been in the water every season). I think with a little attention, it would really shine. I love the look of this boat (no wife/admiral to run past).

I will be more specific in my questions.

1. I haven't been able to find any reviews that discuss the sailing/handling characteristics of this particular model.

2. I would most likely be using the boat for weekend trips with 2 adults and 2 children, and am curious how people feel about the berths for sleeping.

3. I haven't been able to find that an owner's manual exists for this boat, and am concerned about finding plumbing, electrical, etc information.

4. Upgrades I would consider soon would include...chartplotter, bimini/dodger, autopilot, spinnaker (symmetrical or asymmetrical), new running rigging, redoing bottom on boat (paint), upgrading electronics, folding prop. Obviously this would be done over time.......

If anyone could please fill in the details, I would greatly appreciate!

Cameron

Not exactly the same, due to different interior, but I did a two day delivery down the WA coast on a late model E-32-3. Same hull & rig. We had no wind for sailing, but the motion in several patches of steep seas was quite comfortable and reassuring. (Considerably more comfortable than on some other cheaper production boats I have done trips on, over the decades.)

Sailing-wise, that model is right in the center of the later Bruce King series that went from 26 to 38. All have great sailing reps.

Bunk sizing varies, and I am trying to get the other owners here to post actual measurements from their models on an existing thread for that purpose. (It's going slowly, being rather like herding cats....!)

Electronics: most any that are over ten years old (or look like it) have no value IMHO. Focus on having an AP and working DS, first. Much of the remainder are more in the "want" area rather than the "need" area.

Where are you going to sail? Weather will dictate how soon/often you need a dodger. We like ours, so the hatch can stay open on rainy days... but that's the way it is in Oregon.

Speaking of comparisons with other boats, always find out if the other makes have the hull and deck permanently joined together inside with roving... most do not. Often they use a cheaper and weaker "shoe box" joint.

Happy hunting. We almost bought an E-32/200 when we were shopping for a year in '94. Nice boat with a beautiful teak interior. (The owner wanted more $ than we could offer.)

Loren

 

[PDX]

I am lucky in that this boat was surveyed about 4 months ago and the only negatives were some elevated moisture readings on the foredeck, anchor locker door and rudder. No blisters on the hull. Electronics are functional, but I would consider updating soon and adding an autopilot. The boat looks very nice, but has hardly been used for several seasons (although it has been in the water every season). I think with a little attention, it would really shine. I love the look of this boat (no wife/admiral to run past).

I will be more specific in my questions.

1. I haven't been able to find any reviews that discuss the sailing/handling characteristics of this particular model.

2. I would most likely be using the boat for weekend trips with 2 adults and 2 children, and am curious how people feel about the berths for sleeping.

3. I haven't been able to find that an owner's manual exists for this boat, and am concerned about finding plumbing, electrical, etc information.

4. Upgrades I would consider soon would include...chartplotter, bimini/dodger, autopilot, spinnaker (symmetrical or asymmetrical), new running rigging, redoing bottom on boat (paint), upgrading electronics, folding prop. Obviously this would be done over time.......

If anyone could please fill in the details, I would greatly appreciate!

Cameron

3. I'm pretty sure there is an E32-200 manual in .pdf format in the downloads section of this website. Go to the "Forum" tab, then scroll down to near the bottom to find the "Downloads" section.

 

[Mark F]

Meow......

 

[drcam1]

Meow? Pardon my ignorance, but I don't understand......

 

[ref_123]

Kids on E32

Depends how old the children are. E32 easily renders itself to child-proofing (separate discussion). Because of easy motion at the dock and in seaway, kids sleep well. If you have a child that does not feel well about high degrees of heel, E32 is driven just fine by jib alone and gets to a hull speed under 95% jib in about 15 knots of wind.

If you have older kids, their andrenaline glands will be well served on a close haul in a serious wind. You may have an issue if they cannot share one berth.

Overall, compared to C34, E32 is much brighter inside due to a higher total area of portlights, so my kid loves it. She complained about friend's C34 that it was dark inside, although this point is a bit subjective.

In case of E32-3, since we converted the V-berth into a playpen, we sleep on a setee. With a table down it makes a good bed. Potentially can take 2 more people - one in quarter berth and on on the starboard bunk. 32-200 seems to have an aft cabin, so it's even roomier.

So, for children e32 is a really good boat. We had our little one with us since she was 5 weeks old, and while we had our moments of doubts and anxiety, she always felt great about the boat . She asks for SC52 now though...

Regards,
Stan

 

[newpbs]

Come On Out

Do you ever get into the Detroit/Lake St. Clair Area? I could show you first hand what a e32-200 is like.

Paul

 

[Lawrence B. Lee]

More Advice

Picture yourself at the yacht club, your favorite watering hole or your home group 12 step meeting, rearing back and saying “Yeah boys…I own a C or a B…! BFD, right? Wouldn't you really rather have an Ericson?

Some specifics:

There is an owner’s manual on this web site. It is for a 32-3(?) which is not quite the same but it's close enough. I wish I had a copy when I bought my 32-200 but there is a certain amount of pride that comes from figuring it out yourself. Anyway, I'll talk about pride in a minute so---download the manual!

The hull of the 32-200 is a tad different than the other late model 32's because Bruce King widened the rear end to accommodate the larger berth in the stern. Ironically, the "cruising" 32-200 is potentially faster than the other 32's as is evidenced by its higher PHRF ratings. I say potentially because you still have to sail it better than the other guys to win the race.

Peeves crotchets and irks:

The battery box is pre-cast in the TAFG (inner hull) and will only hold two no. 24 batteries. I use the two for my house batteries and have put a starting battery in the starboard lazarette. This is a problem because the Admiral wants refrigeration and two 24's won't give you much reserve battery power to cool the box for long. To make matters worse the box is not deep enough to accommodate 6 volt batteries which can give you more amp hours than 12 volt batteries.

The ice box is only moderately insulated and it is under the nav. table and the nuts bolts, pencils, and misc. stuff box is right under the table. That means that you have to lift a heavy enough table top and drawer just to root around in the ice box looking for whatever you really need at that moment. The Admiral hates this feature. The strut that holds the lid up only has to fail once to cause the crew to mutiny and take up charity work with the Junior League or cards with the Married Women’s Bridge Club as it's known here in Savannah.

So what's right with the boat? Just about everything else. There is something wonderful about all that teak reflecting the cheerful glow of our oil lamps at night when we are on the hook up some tidal creek or favorite gunk hole.

Even in daylight it's gorgeous. The workmanship and sailing ability have already been discussed by other contributors so I will close by saying there is something special about owning an Ericson. Call it PRIDE. You never have to apologize to anyone about anything when you tell them you own an Ericson. As the guy at West Marine told me the other day after asking me what kind of boat I sailed--"Wow! How did you get an Ericson?" I can't imagine him saying "Wow! How did you get a C...or a B....

Larry Lee
Annabele Lee E-32-200
Savannah, GA

 

[drcam1]

Thanks for all the input. I did download the owner's manual, but I wasn't sure which E-32 it was for. Thanks for clarifying that! This forum is fantastic. If I can work out a deal, I am sure I will be digging for lots of info in the future. My uncle is an E-27 owner and the responses here are so thoughtful, it feels like I am getting advice from him!

Cameron

 

[Mark F]

Hi Cameron,

My meow was in response to Loren's;

"Bunk sizing varies, and I am trying to get the other owners here to post actual measurements from their models on an existing thread for that purpose. (It's going slowly, being rather like herding cats....!)"

Now off to find that post

 

[drcam1]

HAHA! I guess I am a little slow! To update...It looks like I will be closing on the 32-200 within the next 2 weeks. Home port will be Sandusky, OH on Lake Erie. Can't wait to start asking all my questions! But I will search the forum first.

Cameron

PS: maybe I can measure those berths too......

 

[exoduse35]

I knew you would get the Ericson if it was in good shape. Welcome, even if a wee bit premature. I don't think I have ever heard a case of buyer's remorse with an Ericson and doubt you will be the first, so relax and enjoy. There is always something to upgrade or maintain so don't think you have to hurry and repair everything on the list. You will never get to the end, AND your list will change after you have sailed it a bit,so when the safety issues are solid GO SAILING! Edd

 

[Rick R.]

While I am no expert on sailboats, I came here to ask about the 32-200 just like you prior to purchasing s/v Easy last spring.

We absolutely love her. We have already logged many hours on the boat and can't seem to get enough.

Larry is correct about the "You own an Ericson" wow factor. We get all kinds of compliments (even from a lady at West Marine).

My wife and I just finished a four day trip on ours and in the hot south I can say that the air conditioner was a must ad. She slept in the V berth and I slept in the aft cabin. We could both fit in either place but it was nice to have the extra room.

The cockpit is big enough to take six adults along. Ours has the refrigeration unit inside the icebox so it stays nice and cool. The boat has two 20+ gal water tanks, and I think a 17 gal fuel tank.

As far as sailing is concerned, we had Easy up to 6.5 kts last Sunday in 12 kt winds on Pensacola Bay. It was a blast. She does like to go to weather around 30 degrees though.

Lastly I will say that the help and input I have received as a member of this group has been invaluable. Many of the other 32-200 owners here have become friends who are always willing to help with model specific advice.

I say buy her and join the club!
Rick

 

[Rick R.]

Here are some pics of our 32-200 last Sunday morning before the winds built up.

 

[drcam1]

SeaTrial went great! Funny, I was expecting the boat to handle well after having sailed my uncle's E-27, but I was pleasantly surprised anyway! Couldn't believe how both responsive and steady the helm was. We had about 8 kts of wind and I was easily able to single-hand sail the boat through several tacks. VERY nice! Smoooooooth motion, but light on her feet. I am very pleased with my decision. Thank you all for your help! Now to tweaking the details........


Cameron

 

[ref_123]

Congrats!

And good luck. If you need help with child-proofing, ping me via email or private message.

Regards,
Stan

 

[Blue Chip]

Ours is a '90 and has an extra water tank. Maybe difference in years is the answer???