Ericson 27- 1977

[Steve Horswill]

Can anyone give me some general impressions of an Ericson 27 (1977). I am thinking about buying one and I get the impression they may be a slow heavy boat. I am a novice so being able to sail it alone is a priority as its ability to accomodate a young family of 4. The asking price is $15900 and I understand it is in good shape. Thanks Steve Horswill

 

[Don]

I hd one

We recently sold our 76 E27 for a bit more than the boat you are considering. depending on condition, that may be a good price although I've seen them for lots less in poor condition. In answer to your question, they are a bit heavy on the L/D ratio which is not necessarily a bad thing in weather. For a 27 ft boat, we went through some pretty good pounding quite comfortably in her. It depends on what's important to you - we were happy being aboard and sailing; others crave speed. She isn't fast.Don

 

[Craig Steinkraus]

For what it's worth.....

The Ericson boats that I am familiar with have several things in common.They are tender boats that will not point and do no go into sea's well. They do reach and run above their PHRF ratings. Many Ericson's in that age bracket do not have lead keels, but rather a fiberglass keel that was filled with lead shot(BB's).Also many have a serious problem with osmotic(spelling?) blistering. Have it surveyed!!! I learned to sail on an Ericson 32. It possesed all the qualities that I didn't want in my next boat.

 

[Roger]

Look at Catalina 27's

Steve,Two years ago I did a lot of looking and ended up choosing between Ericson 27's and Catlalina 27's. I went with the Catalina and have been very happy with her. Paid considerably less than your are considering for a 1982 standard rig in excellent shape. I have also benefitted greatly from the large and supportive owner's groups. In addition, find it fun and easy to singlehand. Really the only drawback I have found is that ihas narrow decks for getting forward, especially if the dodger is up. But great space belowdecks for small boat, My use is daysailing and weekending, not long voyages, however.Enjoy the hunt!

 

[Don]

Hearsay or what?

I can't help commeting on the previous post.As far as Ericsons being tender, I guess that's a relative term - compared to what? Having owned an E27 and also spent an almost equivalent amount of time sailing my dock neighbor's C27, the E is far more stable owing in large part to its lower center of gravity and larger keel. I had no problem pointing to 30-35 degrees - I guess that's pretty poor if I were comparing it to NZ30 or OneWorld...The keel is encapsulated which many consider to be a virtue - no keel bolts to rust. With respect to propensity for blistering, I'd suggest that is more a matter of owner error or poor maintenance although clearly some boats (e.g., circa 1985 Valiants) have a latent defect. Ericsons are no more blister prone than any other boat in my experience.Obviously, I'm partial to the E as I had one and I'm sure there are more folks out there who are C fans having more of them around, particularly on this forum.It's more a matter of personal preference since neither is a Hinkley or Morris. Don