Ericson 26 - Performance in light winds?

[vasuvius]

I'm a newbie sailor and am looking for my first boat. I spent last year doing a whole bunch of ASA courses and about 40+ days on a boat. I'm looking at an Ericson 26 (1988) and wondering how about its sailing performance in light winds.
I'm in the NY/NJ area and it's likely the boat will live somewhere on the Hudson river north of the GW Bridge.
Winds in the summer tend to be quite light most days and the tidal current is pretty strong.
I'm not yet sure what kind of boat I want and finding the balance between light, performant, between 22 - 29 ft, and with some creature comforts for a 2-3 day cruise is an enjoyable exercise.

 

[Alan Gomes]

I believe the boat sails fairly well in light air. I have a 135% genoa, which gives good performance.

As for "creature comforts," for a 26' boat it has a surprisingly commodious interior. Again, you do need to keep in mind that the boat is only 26 feet. But Bruce King packed a lot of boat into a small package.

I do mostly solo trips to Catalina Island, and I have stayed aboard for two weeks at a time in good comfort. The boat has one really comfortable berth: the starboard settee, which pulls out into a nice wide double. The port settee is too narrow--though I'm working to rectify that by making the platform pull out to add another 6", which will really help. The vee berth is comfortable enough, though it does require some contortions to get into it. (This is true for vee berths generally, but the lower ceiling in the E26 adds somewhat to the challenge.)

Bear in mind that I'm only 5'7", so I can't speak for what taller folks might think.

I'd say you could cruise the boat with two adults, and for single-handed trips it has been great.

 

[Alan Gomes]

I will also add that the ice box does a very nice job for me. For a long trip I'll put in 2x20# blocks and 2x20# bags of cubes (80 lbs. total). This still leaves adequate room for all the food I need for a two week trip. I'll get a good week and a half before I have to start thinking of schlepping more ice to the boat. (As you probably already know, the blocks last WAY longer than the cubes.)

 

[vasuvius]

Thanks Alan. Very helpful.

 

[gabriel]

My e25 really does best in light to moderate light winds (7-17kt) I think it was designed with that in mind as were most Ericsons.

There are lighter race boats with deeper keels and taller mast which are even better in light winds but many aren’t good cruisers.

 

[DaveE26]

I'm on Lake Michigan and its always light in the summer, the boat does well in light air. I will say it has a lot to do with the bottom and how good your sail are. clean bottom and fresh sails you won't be disappointed.

 

[Christian Williams]

Unless you want a racing boat with minimal accommodations, they're all the same performance-wise.

If it looks good it will sail fine.

In light air and current what we really need is an engine that works. The alternative is a 150 percent genoa and a high tolerance for slatting around.

These are opinions.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Having owned my 1988 E26-2 since new I have raced her fairly actively since new, I have found it is competitive in light air and heavy air, In the last 2 years have purchased a new main and 135, 105. I found last year with the 105 roller fuller and vertical battens the performance in all conditions were the ticket for crusing. Light air performance between the 130 and 105 was minimal and the ease of tacking and trimming was so much easier. new well designed sails make a huge difference in performance

 

[Privateer]

New to the Ericson site. Looking at a 1988 Ericson 26-2 to consider buying. Boat is in the northeast and in freshwater since new.
I'd greatly appreciate any info any of you could provide. Thanks!

 

[Loren Beach]

Boat is in the northeast and in freshwater since new.
I'd greatly appreciate any info any of you could provide. Thanks!

In general, prior entries in this thread seem pretty helpful.
If you have a more specific question about the boat you are (?) buying, please ask, and can you provide a link if it's listed somewhere on the web?

The general construction is very similar to the other 80's Ericson's, with an "offshore quality" glassed-over-inside hull/deck joint, and the scantlings are considerably above the "built down to a cost" similar length boats of its day. Bruce King never, to my knowledge, designed a slow boat.

The sail area -to- displacement ration indicates good all 'round performance, and (strictly IMHO) having the "E" and "J" be matched is a great balance for sailing both to weather and off the wind.
I admit to some bias because our prior boat was a fractional rig and was easy to me to single hand.

I suggest some site searching on this Ericson model.
Good luck on your (potential) purchase and welcome to the Viking ranks!
Loren

 

[Privateer]

In general, prior entries in this thread seem pretty helpful.
If you have a more specific question about the boat you are (?) buying, please ask, and can you provide a link if it's listed somewhere on the web?

The general construction is very similar to the other 80's Ericson's, with an "offshore quality" glassed-over-inside hull/deck joint, and the scantlings are considerably above the "built down to a cost" similar length boats of its day. Bruce King never, to my knowledge, designed a slow boat.

The sail area -to- displacement ration indicates good all 'round performance, and (strictly IMHO) having the "E" and "J" be matched is a great balance for sailing both to weather and off the wind.
I admit to some bias because our prior boat was a fractional rig and was easy to me to single hand.

I suggest some site searching on this Ericson model.
Good luck on your (potential) purchase and welcome to the Viking ranks!
Loren

Hello Loren,
Thanks much for your reply. I've been in contact over the past 30 days with the present owner and have a general inventory list. 1988 Ericson 26-2 provided with a detailed marine survey completed in 2006. The survey is helpful, although dated being almost 20 yrs ago. Scheduled to meet with the owner at the boat next weekend and perform an inspection.

The Ericson 26-2 model appears to be a slight upgrade from the Ericson 25+. Looking over design stats, I would think the boat should sail reasonably well. Also, with the displacement, ballast, keel depth, and underbody; it should handle rough water/wind conditions on Lake Ontario, where it will be transported to if purchased.

In the mid-1970s, I owned a small sailboat dealership on Lake Ontario east of Rochester NY. Dealer for Sabre, Islander, Ericson, San Juan, and Tanzer. During that period, I was impressed with the quality of Ericson and sold several 27s, 29s, and a 35-2. Although no longer involved in the boat, several years ago I co-owned a J/30 which was raced on Lake Ontario

Just hoping that the quality of this 1988 Ericson 26-2 is comparable from what I recall from the 70s.

Thanks again for your reply,
Dick

 

[Christian Williams]

If there is a listing link, replies can be more specific. Members have a pretty good idea of acceptable wear and tear and inventories.

It's probably all about the condition of the specimen, as you know.

 

[Alan Gomes]

I've had mine (a 1984) since 2012. The boat sails pretty well and the build quality is decent. I had been going back and forth in my mind about whether I wanted to get a larger boat or upgrade this one. I've decided to hang on to it and make some improvements/upgrades to it. It's an easy boat to maintain, has attractive lines, and has an impressive interior for a boat that small.

There are a few other E26-2 owners on this forum, so if you post a specific question one of us might weigh in with an opinion if we can.