Greetings Ericson Owners - I'm considering an Ericson Independence 31as a potential cruising sailboat. I'll give a bit of background and what we expect from our next boat... or as we refer to it, the "big boat." We are currently sailing a Venture 222 that we lovingly restored over two years. It's my third or forth "rehab" and while she turned out great! I documented the entire process here in the MacGregor Owners forum - Titled "and so it begins." As s in most sailboat projects, we spent way more than S/V Sea Gypsy will ever be worth, but that goes without saying (we don't do this for money). We love her, she sails easily and we can trailer her anywhere. She has been a good "learner" for my partner and co-captain Molly. We have logged many hours since completing her last year, including a five-day cruise in Perdido Bay.
As we sail and consider our future plans both Molly and I agree we would like to eventually buy a larger boat for part-time cruising. We are located in Louisville, Kentucky and sail on Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, the Ohio River and a number of large lakes in our area. The eventually cruising sailboat will likely stay in West Kentucky as it's some of the best inland sailing around. It's also located on the ICW, so after some years of weekend sailing, upgrades and lessons the idea would be to head down the ICW and well who knows... the Bahamas, The Keys... your typical "part time cruising couple."
I've looked at a number of potential cruising sailboats (to be honest, I'm always looking but don't tell work). I've researched many and of course I know the challenges and pitfalls of older production sailboats. We considered a Hunter Cherubini 30, We have looked at New Ports, Catalinas etc... I've gotten a earful on the differences between a production cruiser and a true "blue water" boat. I get it, I've seen the difference and understand why a Hunter or Catalina may not be a good choice. We obviously are on a modest budget and that's why we of course where drawn to production cruisers. And to be honest, some of them might fight the bill if equipped right. We won't be doing long offshore passages (Ft. Lauderdale to Bimini would be the longest passage we would ever consider and we would do it during a favorable weather window. I've been sailing since I was a young boy and consider myself a capable sailer and am aware of the dangers when inexperienced sailors push boats into situations they where not designed for (i.e. I recently read the accounts of someone trying to make it to the Bahamas in a Mac 26 yes they made it... but it wasn't pretty or wise).
All that being said, I love the classic lines of the EI31. I've always been a traditional sailor and love a classic. We found one near one of our cruising spots on Kentucky Lake. The price is right (Dropped from 25K to 9K) so they have my attention. It also an indication of how "soft" the used sailboat market is, especially for boats of this vintage.
She is a 1978 and appears to be in overall good condition though I can't speak to that until we visit early next month. I'm looking for some overall input from sailors who have sailed the EI31. I hear good things. She is the sloop rigged version I think. If this prompts some discussion I'll post some pictures. If I don't move on her maybe someone her will. Seems like there are fewer than 75 of these classics around.
Last question - Does the EI31 have a shower? I see she has 35 gallons of fresh water but, no mention of a shower. If there are any other got ya's I'd love to know them. I heard they have an issue with their compression posts and maybe some deck/core issues. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
We would like to sail her locally and upgrade equipment as we go - before we head out and become part time cruisers (that timeline is still up in the air as we both work and may continue to work for the next 7 to 10 years who knows). I've seen these go for 20 plus K upgraded. Is she a decent project. Will she hold some value if we upgrade. Thanks in advance!
Far Winds
Todd
As we sail and consider our future plans both Molly and I agree we would like to eventually buy a larger boat for part-time cruising. We are located in Louisville, Kentucky and sail on Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, the Ohio River and a number of large lakes in our area. The eventually cruising sailboat will likely stay in West Kentucky as it's some of the best inland sailing around. It's also located on the ICW, so after some years of weekend sailing, upgrades and lessons the idea would be to head down the ICW and well who knows... the Bahamas, The Keys... your typical "part time cruising couple."
I've looked at a number of potential cruising sailboats (to be honest, I'm always looking but don't tell work). I've researched many and of course I know the challenges and pitfalls of older production sailboats. We considered a Hunter Cherubini 30, We have looked at New Ports, Catalinas etc... I've gotten a earful on the differences between a production cruiser and a true "blue water" boat. I get it, I've seen the difference and understand why a Hunter or Catalina may not be a good choice. We obviously are on a modest budget and that's why we of course where drawn to production cruisers. And to be honest, some of them might fight the bill if equipped right. We won't be doing long offshore passages (Ft. Lauderdale to Bimini would be the longest passage we would ever consider and we would do it during a favorable weather window. I've been sailing since I was a young boy and consider myself a capable sailer and am aware of the dangers when inexperienced sailors push boats into situations they where not designed for (i.e. I recently read the accounts of someone trying to make it to the Bahamas in a Mac 26 yes they made it... but it wasn't pretty or wise).
All that being said, I love the classic lines of the EI31. I've always been a traditional sailor and love a classic. We found one near one of our cruising spots on Kentucky Lake. The price is right (Dropped from 25K to 9K) so they have my attention. It also an indication of how "soft" the used sailboat market is, especially for boats of this vintage.
She is a 1978 and appears to be in overall good condition though I can't speak to that until we visit early next month. I'm looking for some overall input from sailors who have sailed the EI31. I hear good things. She is the sloop rigged version I think. If this prompts some discussion I'll post some pictures. If I don't move on her maybe someone her will. Seems like there are fewer than 75 of these classics around.
Last question - Does the EI31 have a shower? I see she has 35 gallons of fresh water but, no mention of a shower. If there are any other got ya's I'd love to know them. I heard they have an issue with their compression posts and maybe some deck/core issues. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
We would like to sail her locally and upgrade equipment as we go - before we head out and become part time cruisers (that timeline is still up in the air as we both work and may continue to work for the next 7 to 10 years who knows). I've seen these go for 20 plus K upgraded. Is she a decent project. Will she hold some value if we upgrade. Thanks in advance!
Far Winds
Todd