Ericson 38-200; 1989 for sale in Boston.

[Christian Williams]

For what it's worth I agree that the 38 and the 32-3 are not really much different in terms of effective space, since the layout is similar. The big difference is in motion while sailing, momentum, pitching and rolling. The 38 gives up responsive dinghy feel for a more "responsible" cruising boat attitude.

Almost every newer design is bigger all around, and the 38 was always a "small" 38. But of course that's why they have handsome lines and sail well on all points. They're also a relative bargain. A slipmate sold his early-'90s Tartan 38 for $120K last year, and it had no more room and a less desirable layout than the E381.

 

[Bolo]

For what it's worth I agree that the 38 and the 32-3 are not really much different in terms of effective space, since the layout is similar. The big difference is in motion while sailing, momentum, pitching and rolling. The 38 gives up responsive dinghy feel for a more "responsible" cruising boat attitude.

Almost every newer design is bigger all around, and the 38 was always a "small" 38. But of course that's why they have handsome lines and sail well on all points. They're also a relative bargain. A slipmate sold his early-'90s Tartan 38 for $120K last year, and it had no more room and a less desirable layout than the E381.

Christian, I was hoping that you would give your opinion on my posting. Not having ever sailed a 38 I’ve never experienced what it’s like to handle one so your observations on the differences is helpful. Even so I agree that the 32 has that “dinghy feel”, which I like, when sailed. The only other experience I’ve had at the hem of a larger boat was when a friend of my wife chartered a Beneteau 42 something (maybe 45, it was big) out of Annapolis and invited us for a day sail. Well, they like to partying on board and she asked if I could pilot the boat for the day since she knows that I never drink while sailing. So I spent the day with a much larger boat then I was accustomed to and it was OK but not for me cause of lack of response.

I’m not saying that we’ll never buy a 38 because I enjoy the boats made from at era. They were design from the outside in and so sail and look much better IMO then today’s newer sailboats.

 

[Filkee]

Never thought about it before, but it DOES sail like a dinghy, just a little less likely to turtle than my C-15. I covet 38's and 34's but if I can get through the next few years with teenagers on the 32, it will be plenty of boat for the out years.

 

[Geoff W.]

I have made friends on the water nervous and envious when I approach them closely on the 32, only to spin the boat within my own boat length to get my cockpit next to theirs and say, "howdy!"

 

[Filkee]

This explains the look of terror in their eyes every time I pull into the fuel dock.

 

[mjsouleman]

Thanks Bob, saves me the trip down. I also am eyeballing 38's for a time when I am fully retired and spending a lot more time living aboard than weekending on Discovery (1083 E30+). Discovery does me fine for now as I solo sail and do three day weekends. moving up for me will come when I am more committed to living aboard.

In the meantime, I oogle and dream.


Mark "Souleman" Soule