Please Convince Me.....To Buy an Ericson

[Bardo]

Loren et al,

Thanks for the input. Patience is a virtue, I keep telling myself. If I had an E34 or E35 in front of me that was in the condition that the T33 is, I would go for it in an instant. Instant gratification is a dangerous thing....But I have all fall and winter to find and buy the next boat. Problem is, I see very few clean Ericsons here in the mid-Atlantic area. Some decent looking boats in FL. Anyone want to buy a lovingly restored Bristol 29? Oh yeah, there's that other boat. Guess I should unload her first...

 

[NateHanson]

I agree that the cored hull is something to be wary of, but I wouldn't let it completely turn you off a boat you otherwise like. The oportunities for core saturation are far fewer than in the case of a cored deck. If a boat appears to have been very well taken care of, doesn't have any sloppy hull repairs, etc, then it's probably a safe bet that the core is dry. Of course you'd want to get a very careful survey of the hulls moisture to confirm that, but I would assume that the hull IS dry, rather than assuming that the hull IS NOT dry.

BTW, I assume you've asked this question on a Tartan forum as well. Will you direct us to those discussions? I'd be curious what the Tartanites have to say about the comparison.

Nate

 

[Bardo]

BTW, I assume you've asked this question on a Tartan forum as well. Will you direct us to those discussions? I'd be curious what the Tartanites have to say about the comparison.

Nate[/quote]


Nate,
So far the Tartanites are strangely silent. I am waiting to hear from the group. The fact that we live in an area that freezes in the winter makes the issue even more critical, although its a great way to identify places that have a wet core. Just follow the cracks!

 

[treilley]

Clean Ericsons go fast. I bought mine a week after it went on YW. I know of another that bought a clean one very quickly.

Those Tartanites are probably still reeling from the 3700 separating hulls issue.

I can tell you this. The E/O will be faster in light wind. E/O owners are a more down to earth group of folks for the most part. Sort of like the Pearson owners. And this site is a huge reason to buy one. There is nothing you cannot learn about any of the Ericosn or Olson models from this site.

 

[Bardo]

Okay, update:
I spent half a day on a tartan 33 yesterday, and the other half on an Ericson 34 1989. The Tartan is immaculate, truly, and the seller is a true sailor who treats his boat with great respect. having said that, The E34 is a dream boat for me. I love the aft head and "stateroom" configuration, and found the salon very cozy and well designed for our family. Excellent access to the engine and other systems. Question: Was the cabin top traveler configuration standard on these boats? I prefer the traveler at the helm, but could live with the cabin-top set-up if need be. And the L galley and dinette are real winners. Okay, so now I just have to find a nice one out there somewhere!

 

[Loren Beach]

Moving and Traveling

Bardo,
I moved your "ad" to the For Sale forum, where it will get more exposure.
As to travelers, note that the housetop traveler will have the same potential down-force as a wider cockpit version, due to the angle of the boom narrowing as you go forward. Loads are a lot higher, though, and you should consider modernizing any housetop setup you get (make of boat not relevant) with a new ball-bearing system like Harken or Garhauer.
I prefer a cockpit bridgedeck-mounted traveler, like the Ericson 33. But the E-33 has a different interior layout... Everything's a compromise, as someone here keeps saying...


Best,
Loren