We (a couple) are looking for a boat to cruise the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and the Ericson 35-III is high on our short list. They tell me we will most likely be doing a lot of motoring (or motor-sailing), much of it upwind, to get from Miami to the BVI's. Most of our research seems to indicate that we need 1 HP for every 500 lbs of displacement. Another one we have heard (granted it was from a broker) was 1 HP per foot of LWL. Either one of these would suggest that the E35 needs 26-28HP. A number of owner reviews of the O'Day 35, which has 1400 lbs less displacement and the same 21HP Universal diesel as the E35, claim their boats are seriously underpowered, and will not motor into a chop. (I know some of that may have to do with hull shape and choice of propeller).
So, we really like the Eriscon, but we would like to get some feedback from E35-III owners on how their boats run under motor in real-world, ocean-going, 20 knot sloppy conditions that we are likely to encounter either headed to the BVI's or even here at home in Nova Scotia.
Any feedback would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
John
So, we really like the Eriscon, but we would like to get some feedback from E35-III owners on how their boats run under motor in real-world, ocean-going, 20 knot sloppy conditions that we are likely to encounter either headed to the BVI's or even here at home in Nova Scotia.
Any feedback would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
John