I owned a (1974?) Ericson 29, 25 years ago in MDR (Christian's neighborhood/ Thelonius 2) and I liked the boat a lot. Well built and sailed well, but what did I know at the time and what do I know now. Now I want to sail again and have been researching and looking and prefer an E38 (which reminds me of the E29 but stretched) but also considering a Cat 42. The 38 I found would be around 36K purchase price but has 2 soft spots on the front most part of the raised cabin. Also rigging (standing and running) would probably need replacing and a few areas TLC here and there. It also has the original Universal diesel. Haven't had a survey yet but before I do that I wanted feedback on if it's better to go this route and be into the boat for 36K + 10-15K more for updates, or buy newer '95, '96, '97 Cat42 @$90K , that needs less immediate upgrades. Is the construction of the 1983 381 equal to or better than a '95 Cat42 and even though it's 12 years older? I've read many threads on the boat construction but still don't understand how it compares to 12 years newer by Catalina and now we're about 39 years since it was made. Anyway, I hope I've conveyed my thoughts and concerns. I have an emotional connection to the Ericson brand, but I don't want to make an emotional decision. I've also watched many of Christian's videos on YouTube and his 1984 381, and he's done amazing things with his and it gives me inspiration, but of course he knows a lot more than I do. I'm 54 and looking to sail here in Southern California, Channel Islands, perhaps down the Mexican coast one day.
Thanks for any input
Thanks for any input