I'm looking to buy my first sail boat. So here I am looking at a 35year old E38 as I like the lines and solid bones of the Ericson 38. It appears to have had a refit carried out back in 1999. However, the engine is still original although it was reconditioned a few years back, fuel and water tanks are original stainless steel, stove is original, needs a new autopilot, and it will need a holding tank to be installed as it only has a Type I MSD installed. Basically it looks like a winter project boat, the work doesn't worry me so much as the cost to get her back in the water. As a little background I have electrical engineering experience and mechanical ability and I don't mind getting my hands dirty. The question is I'm I crazy to invest time and money into her based on her age?
No, not crazy, altho buying
any sail boat could be interpreted as a sign of mild derangement...
The age would not concern me a bit. EY started building that model in late '79, so an '81 model is early but not too early.
A survey will tell you what you need to know. Your description does mention some details that puzzle me, tho. Based on experience with models from the mid-80's, those boats came with aluminum fuel tanks and roto-molded plastic water tanks, not ss. (SS is not recommended for use with diesel fuel.)
I would bet that that factory installed a roto-molded holding tank with provision for evacuation to a shoreside pump out
or pumping out to the ocean in areas where legal.
What is the asking price and is this particular one listed on YW or on the 'net somewhere? Can you post up a link?
Regards,
Loren