First boat. Sailed Lake Michigan back in the 70"s

[Barry15618]

I have found a large marine, owners boat, that looks like it is in great shape.I have not sailed since the 1970's, so I'm a little rusty and need to learn again. The boat is as clean as one could hope for a boat of this age (1978) Is it a good starter boat, is it easy to sail and maintain? What are some of the problems this model has had from this era? The asking price is around $15,000, so what might be a reasonable offer? It has been stored inside, most of it's life.Thanks for any in-put

 

[Eddie]

Need more info

Need the make of boat, size (lenght), model if any, make and type of engine for starters.

 

[Barry15618]

First boat

I am looking for opinions on a Ericson 27 from 1978. It has the original atomic gas engine.It appears to be very well kept by the sons owner of a large marina. It has been stored inside most of its life. What should I look for, what are some of it's issues, etc.Thanks for any help.Barry

 

[Eddie]

Gotta start somewhere

OK, Barry. We can get started now.A boat with a gasoline engine is an albatross for the seller. Sellers have a tough time giving away a boat with a gasoline engine. This can however provide an opportunity for someone eager to sail but tight on money.There are no small marine gasoline engines being produced anymore so you have a tougher time getting parts as well as living with the danger of gas vapor explosions.Atomic4s are often confused with the similiar looking Palmer P-60 engine. You should verify that it is an Atomic4, absolutely. Both Atomic4s and Palmers are fine engines and very dureable. Even though the Palmer is a bit better, Atomic4s are more numerous and have extensive after market support. Atomic4s also have a direct diesel replacement made by Universal. Palmers are limited as to replacement parts and some parts are only obtainable from salvaled engines which are disapearing after 30 years of being discontinued.To answer your question, I think somewhere around half what the asking price is a ball park figure. Aside from the gasoline engine, the condition is the major factor in a boat that age. If you find an agreeable price make it contingent upon a marine survey being done. The money you spend on the survey will be worth every penny.Eddie

 

[Roger Dann]

Ericson 27

I purchased an E27 for $5000 6 years ago, with an atomic 4, in Michegan and brought it back to Canada. New sails:$3000, recore deck:$1000, Fix osmosis blisters:$500, (materials only - I did the work 100 hours min?). New cabin & cockpit cushions:$750. New hull paint, new electronics, new prop shaft, (now I'm starting to scare myself!!) and I'm not nearly done. Anyway, if the boat you are looking at is surveyed and shows well with no osmosis or soft decks, has new sails, reconditioned atomic 4, good electronics, dodger, bimini, rigging it may be worth 15k but it would have to be exceptional - get it checked out.Roger