I'm selling my fishing boat and moving to a sailboat. My kids hate the noise and I suck at catching fish. I've sailed on my cousin's 25' boat multiple times, but I am certainly still a beginner, and this will be my first sailboat. I'm looking for something in the 27'-32' range, bigger is better for my family of four to be doing weekend trips, day sailing, and hopefully a little exploring into Canada (from my home port in Southern Puget Sound). I'd really like to keep my initial budget under $10k, ideally something in sailable condition, but needing a little work to make it nicer/easy upgrades. I am good with fiberglass and wood work (I've built multiple kayaks, canoes, etc), good with electrical, and can figure out most things pretty easily, but engine work is outside my specialty.
I found an ad on Craigslist that seems pretty much what I'm looking for; a 1976 E32-2. Here is the ad:
Of course it has to be in the most difficult place to go see a boat. Point Roberts is only accessible through Canada (closed boarders) or by boat. There is a ferry, but it only runs 4x a week at strange hours. It would cost a fortune to get an inspector out there to do any type of pre-purchase inspection.
The ad says most of what I know. I have exchanged a few emails with the owner to get a little more details. He says the motor has never given him issues, and had a recent tune up. He has sent me videos of the motor running (not starting) and video of coolant water moving. Last bottom paint was in '17, he dove it last year and it looked good.
I don't like the Atomic 4, but if it runs well, I can live with it a while, I'm sure. I really wish it had a roller furling, but I can add that later.
The soft spot on the deck has me worried probably less than it would most people. I'm good with fixing issues like this as long as it isn't huge. He said it is about the size of a basketball on the front deck. It was like that when he bought it, and hasn't got bigger. He says interior of the boat is dry. That for me isn't a difficult fix.
So, what do I need to be thinking about? My moorage doesn't require an inspection, and I won't be financing. I'd really like to be able to go look at it and make a decision myself. How stupid would that be? What are the known issues with these boats that I need to be worried about? Like I said, getting an inspector out there would be probably a big enough hassle that it would be easier at that point to be looking at other boats closer to home.
Other boats on my radar (this Ericson is my first pick)- there are two 30' Newports that look nice enough to be worth a look, a '72 Islander 30', and a Catalina 30. Researching this Ericson has lead me here, and I like that they aren't super common, but still common enough to have a strong following. Definitely something that seems ideal over something like a Catalina where there are 10 exactly the same as yours at every marina.
As I read back at what I wrote, it seems like ramblings of a new sailor that doesn't know what question he is asking. I guess that is what I am though. Hoping to get some good input from some experienced people, especially with this type of boat.
I found an ad on Craigslist that seems pretty much what I'm looking for; a 1976 E32-2. Here is the ad:
Ericson 32 Sailboat - boats - by owner - marine sale
Great sailboat available for sale. Ideal for PNW cruising. Currently located in Point Roberts, WA. -Hull: Fin w/spade rudder -Rigging: Masthead Sloop -LOA: 31.58 ft -LWL: 24.00 ft -Beam: 9.67 ft...
bellingham.craigslist.org
Of course it has to be in the most difficult place to go see a boat. Point Roberts is only accessible through Canada (closed boarders) or by boat. There is a ferry, but it only runs 4x a week at strange hours. It would cost a fortune to get an inspector out there to do any type of pre-purchase inspection.
The ad says most of what I know. I have exchanged a few emails with the owner to get a little more details. He says the motor has never given him issues, and had a recent tune up. He has sent me videos of the motor running (not starting) and video of coolant water moving. Last bottom paint was in '17, he dove it last year and it looked good.
I don't like the Atomic 4, but if it runs well, I can live with it a while, I'm sure. I really wish it had a roller furling, but I can add that later.
The soft spot on the deck has me worried probably less than it would most people. I'm good with fixing issues like this as long as it isn't huge. He said it is about the size of a basketball on the front deck. It was like that when he bought it, and hasn't got bigger. He says interior of the boat is dry. That for me isn't a difficult fix.
So, what do I need to be thinking about? My moorage doesn't require an inspection, and I won't be financing. I'd really like to be able to go look at it and make a decision myself. How stupid would that be? What are the known issues with these boats that I need to be worried about? Like I said, getting an inspector out there would be probably a big enough hassle that it would be easier at that point to be looking at other boats closer to home.
Other boats on my radar (this Ericson is my first pick)- there are two 30' Newports that look nice enough to be worth a look, a '72 Islander 30', and a Catalina 30. Researching this Ericson has lead me here, and I like that they aren't super common, but still common enough to have a strong following. Definitely something that seems ideal over something like a Catalina where there are 10 exactly the same as yours at every marina.
As I read back at what I wrote, it seems like ramblings of a new sailor that doesn't know what question he is asking. I guess that is what I am though. Hoping to get some good input from some experienced people, especially with this type of boat.