I am considering the purchase of an Ericson 29' Sloop, 1970 model year. A couple of questions are, does anyone have any experience with these boats? and does anyone have any view on the average fair markert values. The "blue book" services don't have this make/model/year listed. The boat that I'm looking at appears to be in quite good shape, well maintained, clean, good equipment list. But, the asking price seems higher than the the average retail of later model years and larger boats. Thanks for your inputs and suggestions.
Buying an Ericson 29' 1970. Any experiences
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Jeff
Ericson 29 price
I would expect it to cost more than a Catalina 30 of the same vintage and condition since it's a better built boat. You're buying condition and equipment, so it's hard to put fixed price. As a WAG, I could imagine anything from 15-25K. If you provide more info about equipment, sails, engine, what may have been refitted and updated, it would be easier to give a meaningful answer.
I would expect it to cost more than a Catalina 30 of the same vintage and condition since it's a better built boat. You're buying condition and equipment, so it's hard to put fixed price. As a WAG, I could imagine anything from 15-25K. If you provide more info about equipment, sails, engine, what may have been refitted and updated, it would be easier to give a meaningful answer.
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Tim
1971 E29
I bought a 1971 Ericson 29 last October and sailed her for the first time this past summer. It had a dead Atomic 4 on it which I replaced with a Universal M320B Diesel. I love the boat. Very well built and sails very nice, good room below, nice layout. Other than the engine the biggest problem I have is some rotten cores in the deck and some deck leaks. Otherwise cosmetics and improvements. No regrets, I love my Ericson.
I bought a 1971 Ericson 29 last October and sailed her for the first time this past summer. It had a dead Atomic 4 on it which I replaced with a Universal M320B Diesel. I love the boat. Very well built and sails very nice, good room below, nice layout. Other than the engine the biggest problem I have is some rotten cores in the deck and some deck leaks. Otherwise cosmetics and improvements. No regrets, I love my Ericson.
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Rick Cromwell
Ericson 29, 1970
I bought my 1970 29' Ericson about 2 and a half years ago and have been very satisfied with it. You might consider getting the boat surveyed. A good survey will find any problems with the boat that you might not catch. Overall the boat is built like a tank but like any boat there are areas which are subject to failure like the standing rigging and engine. Check for leaks around the portlights and any deck hardware. Good luck!
I bought my 1970 29' Ericson about 2 and a half years ago and have been very satisfied with it. You might consider getting the boat surveyed. A good survey will find any problems with the boat that you might not catch. Overall the boat is built like a tank but like any boat there are areas which are subject to failure like the standing rigging and engine. Check for leaks around the portlights and any deck hardware. Good luck!
ericson 29
I am looking for a boat, recently looked at an ericson 29' 1978, boat has roller furling, newish sails (3-4 years old for headsail and main), universal diesel was put in 3-4 years ago so it's in great shape, overall boat seems to be very well maintained, clean. Standing and running rigging was replaced last year, deck feels sound, overall I like the boat. Current owners are ASKING 19,900. I'm still thinking about it...but at least that gives you an idea of an asking price in the florida area. Good luck. many people tell me there is a big difference usually in asking price vs. selling price.
I am looking for a boat, recently looked at an ericson 29' 1978, boat has roller furling, newish sails (3-4 years old for headsail and main), universal diesel was put in 3-4 years ago so it's in great shape, overall boat seems to be very well maintained, clean. Standing and running rigging was replaced last year, deck feels sound, overall I like the boat. Current owners are ASKING 19,900. I'm still thinking about it...but at least that gives you an idea of an asking price in the florida area. Good luck. many people tell me there is a big difference usually in asking price vs. selling price.
go ericson
HI: I paid 14,000 for a 74 atomic powered, 29' 2 years ago. I love this boat. As Rick said, "the boat is built like a tank". I also have the leaks he described. I solved the atomic engine reliablity problem with a new Tohatsu 6 HP OB. If atomic gets a little fussy, I can use Tohatsu to get back to my slip. The boat has a great interior, which I really appreciate. Plus, it is really good looking-classic design. Good luck and let us know what you do. Steve
HI: I paid 14,000 for a 74 atomic powered, 29' 2 years ago. I love this boat. As Rick said, "the boat is built like a tank". I also have the leaks he described. I solved the atomic engine reliablity problem with a new Tohatsu 6 HP OB. If atomic gets a little fussy, I can use Tohatsu to get back to my slip. The boat has a great interior, which I really appreciate. Plus, it is really good looking-classic design. Good luck and let us know what you do. Steve
Thanks for the inputs
Thanks! I will get her surveyed. It's likely that I'll go ahead. She's had an engine issue although I believe it was with the exhaust venting. I'll try and check if this conincides with the known issues. There've been no leaks disclosed. And, nothing suspicious on visual inspection. Seems dry where she's supposed to be. She was hauled about a year ago and her bottom painted. The current owner has done a nice job of wood work on some the hatch covers. Sails look pretty good. Thanks, Owen
Thanks! I will get her surveyed. It's likely that I'll go ahead. She's had an engine issue although I believe it was with the exhaust venting. I'll try and check if this conincides with the known issues. There've been no leaks disclosed. And, nothing suspicious on visual inspection. Seems dry where she's supposed to be. She was hauled about a year ago and her bottom painted. The current owner has done a nice job of wood work on some the hatch covers. Sails look pretty good. Thanks, Owen
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JoeT
E29, #129
We love our E29. We have one (#129) built in 1971. It sails very well in light or heavy air. It points very well, and we sometimes sail with only the genoa (155%) if we just want to relax. We have rolling-boom furling on the main and it works very well. We typically will put three rolls in if winids go above 20 knots or so. It is an extremely stable boat. Ours has been kept well maintained and is in fresh water (Lake Superior). All of our running gear is in very good condition, never replaced as far as I can tell. The engine is an Atomic-4 gas, 30 hp, which is quite enough for the boat. I put in a slightly higher temp thermostat (180F) to deal with the carbon-fouling caused by the very cold water here. No problems now. They are typically, "stinky", so I added a vapor recyler from Indigo.com for about $75. I had to have a neighbor on the dock weld me a new stainless riser/muffler two years ago, so you would want to check yours out. The previous owner put about 7 coats of Interlux barrier coat on the hull (Interprotect?). We have observed absolutely no blistering at all. All chain-plates and mast foot are tight and dry. We bought ours in 1999 from an ancient mariner in Bayfield, WI for 11K, and feel it was a great deal. It's a fine boat.
We love our E29. We have one (#129) built in 1971. It sails very well in light or heavy air. It points very well, and we sometimes sail with only the genoa (155%) if we just want to relax. We have rolling-boom furling on the main and it works very well. We typically will put three rolls in if winids go above 20 knots or so. It is an extremely stable boat. Ours has been kept well maintained and is in fresh water (Lake Superior). All of our running gear is in very good condition, never replaced as far as I can tell. The engine is an Atomic-4 gas, 30 hp, which is quite enough for the boat. I put in a slightly higher temp thermostat (180F) to deal with the carbon-fouling caused by the very cold water here. No problems now. They are typically, "stinky", so I added a vapor recyler from Indigo.com for about $75. I had to have a neighbor on the dock weld me a new stainless riser/muffler two years ago, so you would want to check yours out. The previous owner put about 7 coats of Interlux barrier coat on the hull (Interprotect?). We have observed absolutely no blistering at all. All chain-plates and mast foot are tight and dry. We bought ours in 1999 from an ancient mariner in Bayfield, WI for 11K, and feel it was a great deal. It's a fine boat.
buying
I bought a 1969 E30' and I love it. She has an atomic 4 that runs like a top and still has a lot of life left. I'm getting ready to redo a lot of the wood inside and getting her ready for a run down the coast to Catalina Island. I wouldnt trade her for anything..... well, maybe a E38.. Dan
I bought a 1969 E30' and I love it. She has an atomic 4 that runs like a top and still has a lot of life left. I'm getting ready to redo a lot of the wood inside and getting her ready for a run down the coast to Catalina Island. I wouldnt trade her for anything..... well, maybe a E38.. Dan
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Rick
Recent survey valuation
We recently (last month) bought a 1972 E29 - hull 197. The boat was raced extensively, so it has lots of gear and newish sails. It was not maintained very well from a cosmetic standpoint-needs a lot of paint and brightwork. The Atomic 4 runs like a top. No serious leaks. Thru-hulls needed replacing for insurance b/c old ones were fused to gate valves. We paid $6,500. The surveyor valued the boat at $7,500. We love the boat so far.
We recently (last month) bought a 1972 E29 - hull 197. The boat was raced extensively, so it has lots of gear and newish sails. It was not maintained very well from a cosmetic standpoint-needs a lot of paint and brightwork. The Atomic 4 runs like a top. No serious leaks. Thru-hulls needed replacing for insurance b/c old ones were fused to gate valves. We paid $6,500. The surveyor valued the boat at $7,500. We love the boat so far.
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Capt Ron;-)
Ex Ericson owner
Loved my 1969 Ericson with an Albin (Swedish) engine, that I had some troubles with, but i would never own another Anemic 4! ATW and Tim are both right, change to a Universal, or even an outboard. An inboard gas engine is asking for trouble.
Loved my 1969 Ericson with an Albin (Swedish) engine, that I had some troubles with, but i would never own another Anemic 4! ATW and Tim are both right, change to a Universal, or even an outboard. An inboard gas engine is asking for trouble.
Atomic (bomb) 4
I would say keep any atomic 4 that runs. If it hasnt given out yet, chances are it wont. Mine is the original 1969 motor and I'd put her up against any hamster on a wheel you bring me.... but seriously, its like anything else... you have to keep it running. If you switch to a diesel, you better have about $7000 handy. Then think about how long its going to take you to make up that cost in fuel. If not long, you should have bought a power boat, not a sailboat (wink)... let em blow!!!!!!!!! Dan E30 1969 #169 Rum Runner Richmond, CA
I would say keep any atomic 4 that runs. If it hasnt given out yet, chances are it wont. Mine is the original 1969 motor and I'd put her up against any hamster on a wheel you bring me.... but seriously, its like anything else... you have to keep it running. If you switch to a diesel, you better have about $7000 handy. Then think about how long its going to take you to make up that cost in fuel. If not long, you should have bought a power boat, not a sailboat (wink)... let em blow!!!!!!!!! Dan E30 1969 #169 Rum Runner Richmond, CA
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Eddie
Sweet Ericsons
I had a 1974 E32. The quality of the construction was noteable. It was also very fast. It did seem to fish-tail more than other sailboats do going down wind ( broad reaching or running ) and required extra attention to the helm on those points of sail. If it has a gasoline engine that would account for a low price but if you can live a gasoline engine that could provide a bargain for you. In the case of a gasoline engine, please understand the hazards of gasoline fumes on a boat and follow safe fueling practices.
I had a 1974 E32. The quality of the construction was noteable. It was also very fast. It did seem to fish-tail more than other sailboats do going down wind ( broad reaching or running ) and required extra attention to the helm on those points of sail. If it has a gasoline engine that would account for a low price but if you can live a gasoline engine that could provide a bargain for you. In the case of a gasoline engine, please understand the hazards of gasoline fumes on a boat and follow safe fueling practices.
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Jim
Article on the E29 on this issue of 48 North
There is an article on the Ericson 29, history and features, in the 48 degrees North Magazine that is available in the pacific Northwest. I think it covers a lot of interesting things about the E29. Unfortunately you can't see the article online.
There is an article on the Ericson 29, history and features, in the 48 degrees North Magazine that is available in the pacific Northwest. I think it covers a lot of interesting things about the E29. Unfortunately you can't see the article online.
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Bob
1973 E-29
I just bought my E-29 last July for $9,000.00 but it had some problems which included the leaks around the hand rails and port lites, the goose neck had become unattached from the mast and a weak Atomic 4 motor. I reattached the gooseneck by cutting a small hole in the mast and through bolting it and then patching the hole with an aluminum plate rivited and sealed in place. I replaced the motor with an 18hp Yanmar, it did cost $7,000 but it has enhanced the value of the boat. I'm still dealing with the leaks but right now I have a tarp over the boom and the leaks have stopped. My surveyor thinks that the older Ericson's in very good to excellent condition with all of the bells and whistles are worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $16,000/$18,000. As I search the listings I find them for a lot less and a lot more so I think that a lot of it is boat condition and included gear as well as asking high and then dealing down. What any boat is worth depends on what you are willing to pay, are you comfortable with the price and feel that it is worth it, buy it. If you think that it is too expensive, move on, there are lots of boats out there just waiting for a new owner. Hope this somehow helps. Bob
I just bought my E-29 last July for $9,000.00 but it had some problems which included the leaks around the hand rails and port lites, the goose neck had become unattached from the mast and a weak Atomic 4 motor. I reattached the gooseneck by cutting a small hole in the mast and through bolting it and then patching the hole with an aluminum plate rivited and sealed in place. I replaced the motor with an 18hp Yanmar, it did cost $7,000 but it has enhanced the value of the boat. I'm still dealing with the leaks but right now I have a tarp over the boom and the leaks have stopped. My surveyor thinks that the older Ericson's in very good to excellent condition with all of the bells and whistles are worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $16,000/$18,000. As I search the listings I find them for a lot less and a lot more so I think that a lot of it is boat condition and included gear as well as asking high and then dealing down. What any boat is worth depends on what you are willing to pay, are you comfortable with the price and feel that it is worth it, buy it. If you think that it is too expensive, move on, there are lots of boats out there just waiting for a new owner. Hope this somehow helps. Bob
I bought this boat
I ended up purchasing the boat that OKS is referring to in this thread. He turned it down after survey and sea trial. I had it surveyed by both an engine surveyor and hull surveyor. Engine needed new exhaust system, fresh water pump, and distributor, engine mounts, control cables and oil pressure guage. I had the starter rebuilt ($100.00) and I had the hull stripped down and repainted (2 coats). I also replaced the original fuel tank with a plastic one. I used Dockside Sales and Service which allowed me to do some of the work myself. After the survey and estimates from dockside the seller agreed to reduce his price enough to cover approximately 50% of the above-mentioned refitting costs. I now have approximately $16,500 in the boat. She still needs some deck repair and a bit of fibreglass work on the transom. I am happy, the seller is happy and Dockside is ecstatic. Could I recoup this amount if I sold her now?....probably not but I have a very affordable, classic sailboat in above-average condition. David Brockett s/v Young@Heart Port Orchard, Wa
I ended up purchasing the boat that OKS is referring to in this thread. He turned it down after survey and sea trial. I had it surveyed by both an engine surveyor and hull surveyor. Engine needed new exhaust system, fresh water pump, and distributor, engine mounts, control cables and oil pressure guage. I had the starter rebuilt ($100.00) and I had the hull stripped down and repainted (2 coats). I also replaced the original fuel tank with a plastic one. I used Dockside Sales and Service which allowed me to do some of the work myself. After the survey and estimates from dockside the seller agreed to reduce his price enough to cover approximately 50% of the above-mentioned refitting costs. I now have approximately $16,500 in the boat. She still needs some deck repair and a bit of fibreglass work on the transom. I am happy, the seller is happy and Dockside is ecstatic. Could I recoup this amount if I sold her now?....probably not but I have a very affordable, classic sailboat in above-average condition. David Brockett s/v Young@Heart Port Orchard, Wa
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