Looking for feedback / opinions on Ericson 34-2 (1987-1989)

[ArkadiyS]

We are considering a move from Catalina 30 TRBS to a more performance minded boat with good storage space and an aft cabin. We already ruled out Catalina 34s. Our marina has a max length restriction of 36 feet. Also, we are hoping to keep the price under $50K. Ericson 34-2 seems like a nice boat...are there others that we should be considering, and any opinions on Ericson 34-2? Thanks! Anyone interested in a 1985 Cat 30 TRBS, excellent shape with A LOT OF new and newer equipment...in the LIS area?

 

[bgary]

I'm biased (I own an Ericson 32-III) but I think the 34-2 is a great boat. Good design, basically the same hull as the 35-III with different interior and slightly different transom. Well built, good in most conditions, no bad habits.

The ericson owner's forum (http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/content.php) has a number of E34-2 owners among active participants, if you post over there I'm sure you'll get some good input.

 

[Gunni]

Of all the boats I was sad to see end production, the Ericson was near the top.

 

[Galex]

Hello ArkadiyS. Are you still looking at Ericson E34's ?? I have been an owner of 1988 E34 for about 16 years now so if you have questions. let me know.

 

[Stu Jackson]

We already ruled out Catalina 34s. Our marina has a max length restriction of 36 feet.

Is that why? The C34 is "only" 34'-6".

The Ericson Yacht website is very good, surprising if you hadn't found it with a simple Google search.

A friend had one (E34) and liked it, bought it cuz he couldn't find a C34! His had the same engine mine did (M25), and literally identical systems. The layout down below is vastly different, however. It's also a double spreader rig.

Good luck, happy hunting.

 

[ArkadiyS]

Thanks guys! The reason for ruling out C34 was mostly around lack of storage space and fairly tight layout. After looking at one, we realized that we had more storage on our Cat 30, and my wife ruled it out. E34-2 is a great boat, but... I have accidentally stumbled on Hunter 35, and it had everything that we needed, except that it was a Hunter.... after reading reviews, write-ups and visiting one, we made-up our minds and have since sold our Cat 30 and bought H35. So far, she is a much better handling boat (compared to our Cat 30 TRBS), has a huge amount of living and storage space, and a walkthrough transom, my wife's favorite. With an anchor roller it measures exactly 35'11", so it fits too.