Catalina vs Ericson

[ble]

What a cool site! I am new to sailing after years of canoes and small speedboats. I went through the ASA course and have been putting in some hours on two boats, both of which are being offered for sale. One is a 1972 Catalina 25 that seems to be in relatively decent shape, offered at $5k, and a 1979 Ericson 25 offered at $10k. I don't seem to see an Ericson site and community like this, and I seem to see a lot more Catalinas afloat than Ericson's. The Catalina is older on the inside but has a furled jib, halyards running aft (I will probably singlehand quite a bit) but the Ericson has a wider beam and seems MUCH roomier in the cabin. This is a Catalina forum, of course, but I am interested in whatever insight you can offer, especially if you're familiar with both.Thanks!ble

 

[Dennis]

Ericson Website

I own a Catalina 25 and am very happy with it.Here is a site you can check out for info on the Ericson.

 

[Bob]

Two Different Vessels

I have owned two Catalina 25's and they are great vessels; however, if the Ericson your referring too is the 25+ model with the stand up headroom and built-in Saildrive motor then I know the model. As much as I love the Catalina (we presently sail a 1988 30 footer), the Ericson was a wonderful boat and the 25+ was introduced for those who wanted the interior comfort and inboard power with better performance. The negative for the Ericson is the inboard saildrive motor was a constant problem and if not rebuilt or thoroughly inspected and running properly will drain your pocketbook. The motor sat in a well under the entrance way covered with a rubber watertight collar and was essentially an inboard/outboard configuation. Bad News! Ericson is no longer produced so any factory support, parts or replacements can be an issue. The saildrive I believe was built by Johnson. Catalina on the other hand is still building boats and their is a wealth of information and support as well as parts on the 25 model. No negatives for the Catalina 25 aside from the headroom. Take a long look at the Ericson and even have it surveyed if your leaning in that direction with the emphasis on the power plant.Good luckBob