Ericson 38 Shoal Draft - Thoughts ?

[dniello]

Anyone have any experience with an Ericson 38, especially the shoal draft version? Was it a bit more tender? Would you take it out to sea? Any thoughts would be great.

[dniello]

Yeah....I would like to hear.

[dniello]

Someones got something....come one!!!!!

[Marksman]

One of my dive buddies sailed his from Everett Wa. to Mexico last year, had no problems, due to the hull anyway. Said it doesn't point very well but handled the weather just fine. That's about all I know.

Fred

[dniello]

Atta boy Freddy...thanks buddy!!!

[djmarchand]

I have sailed an Ericson 38 with the shoal draft keel. The sails were blown out so it didn't point very well, but I believe with good sails it would be a very nice sailer.

Check out the PHRF at PHRF New England - Handicapping - Base Handicaps

David

[dniello]

kool!

[D.D.]

Just how close are you to buying one or are you just fishing for info?

[dniello]

Very close to buying one. The idea is to do some serious ocean miles in it also. Just wondering if anyone has any opinions on the seaworthyness of the boat....especially since it is a shoal draft.

[SVMorningStar]

I can't speak to the 38' but we just got back from a 2 month trip the Bahamas in our 35' and she did great. Doesn't like wind and seas on the nose too much but put her on a reach or run and she scoots. Good boats!

[dniello]

Fire!!! Anyone ever cruised in one?

[rwthomas1]

Ericsons are generally very well built boats, many have gone to sea with them. As can be expected with a "production boat" many have upgraded/moderized the ports, engine, nav systems, etc. but the structures are very sound.

I own an E38 and even though its used for weekends and coastal cruising I can tell you it is very robust, even in heavy sea, high winds, etc. there is basically no hull flex, creaking, leaking, nothing.

The shoal draft version point just fine, its a bit tender so sail area must be kept conservative. Mine is a shoal draft model with an aftermarket "Mars Keel" bulb added on and it is MUCH, MUCH stiffer.

If you are interested in Ericsons the best site is EricsonYachts.org: The Starting Point on Ericson Yachts! Lots of owners, info, etc. you have to register but its free, and worth it.

I am considering selling my E38, most every major system is recent, contact me backchannel if interested.

RT

[SaltyMonkey]

Having just run the numbers (specs) yesterday on all the Ericson line for my own cruising shopping, the 38 came out on the waaaay bottom - meaning it sucks as a blue water cruiser.

Surprisingly, the ones to look at are - from best to good: 39, 35-1 or 35-2, 37 or 31, 35-3 SM

PS: Never believe an owner.

[rwthomas1]

The fact that the 35-3 made your list indicates your numbers are wrong, since its basically a shorter 38. Indeed the 38 in its various layouts/models is quite similar to the 35's, 37 but not the 39 or 31.

Have 38's been used for cruising? Sure, lots of them, bluewater and otherwise. Are there better choices? Sure, but there's lots of worse choices too. Also depends on what your "ideal" boat is? A trimaran or a IP? Both will do it, and both will satisfy their owners even though they're galaxies apart. E38's clearly work for some people simply because they are in use specifically for cruising.

The question was how tender and how strong is the design. The advice was offered for what its worth. Only an owner or someone who has actually SAILED the boat would know. The rest of it is just armchair BS no matter what the numbers say.

Anyone wants to challenge that can come take mine out, sail it and see for themselves, no strings attached.

RT

[SaltyMonkey]

The 35-3 was VERY LOW on my list. It made it but just barely. I almost left it off. Its a DIFFERENT BOAT. The 39 make HIGH MARKS, and the only one I would definitely consider.

rwthomas1 - selling yours?