I am the current owner of an O'Day 25. On a recent coastal trip we ran into some big waves and wind / rain and it became apparent to me that I need (want?) a bigger boat. I have found locally an Ericson 29 - 1971 which needs some updating and repairs but I think has a lot of potential. Big plusses are being able to stand up inside, no converting settee to berth, inboard engine, huge cockpit, head with holding tank vs porta-pottie, and the wife likes it to boot. I am interested in hearing from any owners who can speak to the sailing characteristics in light air as well as heavy weather. I regularly sail in a large bay on the atlantic coast but plan to travel further afield. Also, if anyone has the Jan / Feb 2004 copy of Good Old Boat I am looking for one, as it featured the Ericson 29. Thanks to all.
My 4 foot-itis has kicked in
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The ocean is large
At a certain point, it doesn't seem to matter how big or small the boat is, until you get up into the 50+ foot range - at least that's my experience. What makes me more comfortable is knowing that all systems are sound, the rigging works well and is reliable, and I know what I'm doing. That said, being able to stand up, having an inboard, a diesel inboard, and a permanently mounted head are huge improvements.
At a certain point, it doesn't seem to matter how big or small the boat is, until you get up into the 50+ foot range - at least that's my experience. What makes me more comfortable is knowing that all systems are sound, the rigging works well and is reliable, and I know what I'm doing. That said, being able to stand up, having an inboard, a diesel inboard, and a permanently mounted head are huge improvements.
Solving problems
It sounds like you don't mind doing some of the required work yourself, so this might be a good opportunity to move up. Ericsons were well-built and have a reputation for good performance and few bad habits. Just keep in mind that every item you have to replace will cost multiples of what it does with your O'Day. Check out EricsonYachts.org as well as the Ericson forum here and you will find plenty of folks willing to comment on the qualities of this model.
It sounds like you don't mind doing some of the required work yourself, so this might be a good opportunity to move up. Ericsons were well-built and have a reputation for good performance and few bad habits. Just keep in mind that every item you have to replace will cost multiples of what it does with your O'Day. Check out EricsonYachts.org as well as the Ericson forum here and you will find plenty of folks willing to comment on the qualities of this model.
29' is still pretty small
That said I have been out in stuff in my pearson 323 that would have scared the sh*** out of me in my old Macgregor 26. The Ericson seems to have a short waterline length and is relatively fat. It is probably going to be pretty slow. We looked at one before we bought our pearson. Owner's reviews generally weren't very helpful in making a boat selection when we were looking. We also have 4 foot-itis and are thinking life would be better with something 36-40'....never ends. But remember that the costs increase exponentially as a boat gets longer.
That said I have been out in stuff in my pearson 323 that would have scared the sh*** out of me in my old Macgregor 26. The Ericson seems to have a short waterline length and is relatively fat. It is probably going to be pretty slow. We looked at one before we bought our pearson. Owner's reviews generally weren't very helpful in making a boat selection when we were looking. We also have 4 foot-itis and are thinking life would be better with something 36-40'....never ends. But remember that the costs increase exponentially as a boat gets longer.
I had a '76. Bought it new.
I ordered the Atomic 4. Everything back then was an extra cost option. Then Hunter came out with the cruise pak. That and better engineering put Ericson out of business. My 29 was in NO WAY equal to anything Hunter has put out since the 80s. The hull to deck joint was criminal. That said, the Atomic 4 is a crime against humanity. My crankshaft broke in Desolation Sound. That led to a survival sail back to Friday Harbor. I'll skip the details, but know this; The Atomic 4 is gasoline fueled and only has TWO main bearings holding the crankshaft. The entire center of the crank is free to flex and break. Put that in a displacement hull and you've got a recipe for disaster. And high fuel consumption. Ericson built the 29 for the A4 because it fits under the rear bunk and they can claim the boat sleeps SIX! Who does that? At least that was the claim for my '76 MK2. One good thing about that 29 though. It led directly to my H34. Good riddance.
I ordered the Atomic 4. Everything back then was an extra cost option. Then Hunter came out with the cruise pak. That and better engineering put Ericson out of business. My 29 was in NO WAY equal to anything Hunter has put out since the 80s. The hull to deck joint was criminal. That said, the Atomic 4 is a crime against humanity. My crankshaft broke in Desolation Sound. That led to a survival sail back to Friday Harbor. I'll skip the details, but know this; The Atomic 4 is gasoline fueled and only has TWO main bearings holding the crankshaft. The entire center of the crank is free to flex and break. Put that in a displacement hull and you've got a recipe for disaster. And high fuel consumption. Ericson built the 29 for the A4 because it fits under the rear bunk and they can claim the boat sleeps SIX! Who does that? At least that was the claim for my '76 MK2. One good thing about that 29 though. It led directly to my H34. Good riddance.
Ericson ?
Wow Fred, sorry about your Ericson experience. I find my E30 II to be fast and well built. It's original yanmar diesel is still dependable after all these years. Ericsons are tender and need to be reefed early. Then they love big seas. Not only did it take me to Hawaii, it brought me back as well. Didn't experience any hull to deck issues. Zero leaks. But mine is a 30, not a 29 and maybe they are built with different methods. Fred did you ever see that picture online that shows a Hunter 34 with a 6 inch gap where the deck had separated from the hull? It seem Hunters "better engineers" decided to attach the shrouds to the deck not the hull. That is a different approach. Muised, here is a link for a guy who describes his circumnavigation on his 1972 E29. Enjoy ! Good Luck Muised !
Wow Fred, sorry about your Ericson experience. I find my E30 II to be fast and well built. It's original yanmar diesel is still dependable after all these years. Ericsons are tender and need to be reefed early. Then they love big seas. Not only did it take me to Hawaii, it brought me back as well. Didn't experience any hull to deck issues. Zero leaks. But mine is a 30, not a 29 and maybe they are built with different methods. Fred did you ever see that picture online that shows a Hunter 34 with a 6 inch gap where the deck had separated from the hull? It seem Hunters "better engineers" decided to attach the shrouds to the deck not the hull. That is a different approach. Muised, here is a link for a guy who describes his circumnavigation on his 1972 E29. Enjoy ! Good Luck Muised !
bigger is better
I had a 22' Oday for 28 years for day sailing then when I had no constrants I went to the 28' Oday , something thatI could handle by myself. I could have gone an other couple of feet but this size moved me into the 'big boys' with IB, wheel, pressured water. For sailing & handling in motorboat chop I went over 3x displacement(2100 to 7300#) but to make a diff now would take many more feet,which would be much more expensive for stuff & storage/winter etc. So it is a fine size for day & weekends for me & sometimes a mate.
I had a 22' Oday for 28 years for day sailing then when I had no constrants I went to the 28' Oday , something thatI could handle by myself. I could have gone an other couple of feet but this size moved me into the 'big boys' with IB, wheel, pressured water. For sailing & handling in motorboat chop I went over 3x displacement(2100 to 7300#) but to make a diff now would take many more feet,which would be much more expensive for stuff & storage/winter etc. So it is a fine size for day & weekends for me & sometimes a mate.
Sergio I'm happy for you! Honest.
'course the E30 came out after Hunter showed Ericson how to build boats. Just wish that lesson would have gotten to ME ahead of my purchase. And I missed those pictures of that separated deck. You sound like a Ericson freak. Let me assure you that the H34 shrouds are NOT attached to the deck. The chain plate only sits on the deck, but the load is passed to the INNER BEAM. One of MANY BEAMS! None of which are on a E29! And the H34 hull to deck joint is made fast by hundreds of bolts among other stuff. The E29 hull/deck joint? Nothing. Just a single sheet of fiberglass cloth spaced evenly every foot or so. Not even any sealer. The whole inside of my boat hull was coated with leaking water when it rained. My H34 is dry after 20 years. No leaks. But don't ask about unattended hurricanes. Perhaps you would like to try another line of defense for a boat that is out of production because it was over priced and under engineered? Standing by,,, Been there Sergio. P.S. A 30 huh? What year? They started making them in Mexico before they went out of business. Is yours Mexican? That would explain a lot,,, P.S.2 One last thing; The H34 production numbers total as much or more than ALL of the boats Ericson built. There's a reason for that.
'course the E30 came out after Hunter showed Ericson how to build boats. Just wish that lesson would have gotten to ME ahead of my purchase. And I missed those pictures of that separated deck. You sound like a Ericson freak. Let me assure you that the H34 shrouds are NOT attached to the deck. The chain plate only sits on the deck, but the load is passed to the INNER BEAM. One of MANY BEAMS! None of which are on a E29! And the H34 hull to deck joint is made fast by hundreds of bolts among other stuff. The E29 hull/deck joint? Nothing. Just a single sheet of fiberglass cloth spaced evenly every foot or so. Not even any sealer. The whole inside of my boat hull was coated with leaking water when it rained. My H34 is dry after 20 years. No leaks. But don't ask about unattended hurricanes. Perhaps you would like to try another line of defense for a boat that is out of production because it was over priced and under engineered? Standing by,,, Been there Sergio. P.S. A 30 huh? What year? They started making them in Mexico before they went out of business. Is yours Mexican? That would explain a lot,,, P.S.2 One last thing; The H34 production numbers total as much or more than ALL of the boats Ericson built. There's a reason for that.
A congenial gentleman I see.
Fred, Accept my apologies, the separated deck was on a Hunter 340, not a H34. A more recent effort, but sadly ... still a Hunter. I will try to get the photo for everyones viewing pleasure. And to provide a cautionary note in the public interest on Hunter engineering, as you did for us Ericson types. As for production numbers, here finally you are right. They made a lot more Hunters than E30-II 's or all models of Ericsons combined in fact. Hunters are the Ford Pinto's of the sailing world, they made a lot of 'em. But this does not change the fact that your boat, the H34 is a poorly designed model from a manufacturer that is held in low regard by most serious people. So I am not sure I understand why you would go so publically out on a limb and posture the way you do. As for the A4, why would you make such a choice? I hope you have learned that it does not pay to cut corners. But then cutting corners is a Hunter trait, no? It would do you better to accept deserved kudos for your efforts to restore your Hunter than to invite ridicule by asserting that your piece of Hunter is comparable to an Ericson of the same vintage. Try to have a nice day.
Fred, Accept my apologies, the separated deck was on a Hunter 340, not a H34. A more recent effort, but sadly ... still a Hunter. I will try to get the photo for everyones viewing pleasure. And to provide a cautionary note in the public interest on Hunter engineering, as you did for us Ericson types. As for production numbers, here finally you are right. They made a lot more Hunters than E30-II 's or all models of Ericsons combined in fact. Hunters are the Ford Pinto's of the sailing world, they made a lot of 'em. But this does not change the fact that your boat, the H34 is a poorly designed model from a manufacturer that is held in low regard by most serious people. So I am not sure I understand why you would go so publically out on a limb and posture the way you do. As for the A4, why would you make such a choice? I hope you have learned that it does not pay to cut corners. But then cutting corners is a Hunter trait, no? It would do you better to accept deserved kudos for your efforts to restore your Hunter than to invite ridicule by asserting that your piece of Hunter is comparable to an Ericson of the same vintage. Try to have a nice day.
Thanks for the replies
Thank you all for the useful replies. Sergio, I have seen the site you referenced before, and was surprised these guys would make this trip with a cranky old boat and next to no experience - it is very entertaining and I will be following their progress.
Thank you all for the useful replies. Sergio, I have seen the site you referenced before, and was surprised these guys would make this trip with a cranky old boat and next to no experience - it is very entertaining and I will be following their progress.
Good Boats
While I have never sailed an Erickson,I know a fella that has one of similar vintage and he loves it. He sails out of Long Island and goes places such as Block Island etc....So it will travel well. While it does not break any speed records, he claims it sails very well and does not get gobbled up by all boats. Good luck! Greg
While I have never sailed an Erickson,I know a fella that has one of similar vintage and he loves it. He sails out of Long Island and goes places such as Block Island etc....So it will travel well. While it does not break any speed records, he claims it sails very well and does not get gobbled up by all boats. Good luck! Greg
Sergio
Have you ever owned a Hunter? There are tons of people who bash Hunter but never owned one...never even sailed one. Fred has owned both and is known for his knowledge so if I were to listen to anybody, it would definitely be him. I also find it kind of funny that anytime talk of Hunter quality comes up, the Hunter bashers start throwing that pic around but none of us know the circumstances. I mean, a Hinckley sunk in our marina, does mean Hinckley's can't float?
Have you ever owned a Hunter? There are tons of people who bash Hunter but never owned one...never even sailed one. Fred has owned both and is known for his knowledge so if I were to listen to anybody, it would definitely be him. I also find it kind of funny that anytime talk of Hunter quality comes up, the Hunter bashers start throwing that pic around but none of us know the circumstances. I mean, a Hinckley sunk in our marina, does mean Hinckley's can't float?
The Reliable Atomic 4
Hmmmm I see the Atomic four is getting a bad rap again. Truth is the Atomic four is a very reliable engine if it is maintained properly. I have a 35 year old A4 in my C&C and it runs great. It moves the boat along with very few RPMs ang I get right around a 1/2 gal per hour out of her. Now I am not advocating that people pull out there yanmars and switch, but if you have one in your boat or a boat you are looking at I would not change it just because it is an A4. No engine is perfect and a new yanmar can fail on you. Use common sense and get a mechanic to look at it if you are not sure. There is no reason that a well maintained A4 won't last for years to come.
Hmmmm I see the Atomic four is getting a bad rap again. Truth is the Atomic four is a very reliable engine if it is maintained properly. I have a 35 year old A4 in my C&C and it runs great. It moves the boat along with very few RPMs ang I get right around a 1/2 gal per hour out of her. Now I am not advocating that people pull out there yanmars and switch, but if you have one in your boat or a boat you are looking at I would not change it just because it is an A4. No engine is perfect and a new yanmar can fail on you. Use common sense and get a mechanic to look at it if you are not sure. There is no reason that a well maintained A4 won't last for years to come.
Sergio
Unfounded prejudice and hearsay! Let's have some facts to support your opinions. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Unfounded prejudice and hearsay! Let's have some facts to support your opinions. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Sergio, Gary's right.
I'd say 'Nice Try', if it was, but it wasn't. William 'Reliable Atomic 4' is an oxymoron. I had mine for 9 years. It only received the best of care. The oil was still golden when I would change it. The Dyno sheet that came with it said that it purred along and never was asked to put out more than 18hp. But still the crank broke. I have it on video. The pre-existing crack is easy to see. For the entire time the engine lived, the crankshaft was 80% cracked. I told that to the Universal Shop foreman and sent him the crank pieces. I told him the crank wouldn't have been used in any engine if they magnafluxed their stuff. He said that they did perform that test. BS! It was a cast crank too, not forged! And being a gas engine, it's life expectancy at rated power is about 10 minutes, unless the crank has a crack in it. Your example said it all. Drive them slow and easy and hope for the best. A diesel is the other way around. Full power! Hit it. Yanmars 'continuous power' rating is within one horsepower of its maximum rating on my 3GM30. There's lots of reasons that NO sailboat is made with a gasoline engine. Atomic 4's are the main reason. Wanna hear my 'bad points' story? Can't happen on a diesel,,, P.S. Do you know what it takes for a mechanic to magnaflux a crank? The engine has to be disassembled and the crank has to be on a workbench. Now let's say that was done. Let's say the Atomic Bomb was reassembled to put back in the boat. It's lack of a water-lift muffler (not to mention MAIN BEARINGS!)and all of the corrosion to the iron exhaust system could make a reasonable buyer scream STOP! Put in a diesel!
I'd say 'Nice Try', if it was, but it wasn't. William 'Reliable Atomic 4' is an oxymoron. I had mine for 9 years. It only received the best of care. The oil was still golden when I would change it. The Dyno sheet that came with it said that it purred along and never was asked to put out more than 18hp. But still the crank broke. I have it on video. The pre-existing crack is easy to see. For the entire time the engine lived, the crankshaft was 80% cracked. I told that to the Universal Shop foreman and sent him the crank pieces. I told him the crank wouldn't have been used in any engine if they magnafluxed their stuff. He said that they did perform that test. BS! It was a cast crank too, not forged! And being a gas engine, it's life expectancy at rated power is about 10 minutes, unless the crank has a crack in it. Your example said it all. Drive them slow and easy and hope for the best. A diesel is the other way around. Full power! Hit it. Yanmars 'continuous power' rating is within one horsepower of its maximum rating on my 3GM30. There's lots of reasons that NO sailboat is made with a gasoline engine. Atomic 4's are the main reason. Wanna hear my 'bad points' story? Can't happen on a diesel,,, P.S. Do you know what it takes for a mechanic to magnaflux a crank? The engine has to be disassembled and the crank has to be on a workbench. Now let's say that was done. Let's say the Atomic Bomb was reassembled to put back in the boat. It's lack of a water-lift muffler (not to mention MAIN BEARINGS!)and all of the corrosion to the iron exhaust system could make a reasonable buyer scream STOP! Put in a diesel!
I'm no expert
but some friends at our dock had an Erikson 27 and then moved up to an E 30. They loved both boats and I have sailed on and beside the 30 at the lake and their it is very fast and points extremely well. In fact, it outpoints most boats around the lake including my Bene. They do need to reef early but that doesn't slow them down much. They sail with considerable heel evan in 15 to 20 Kt winds so I'm not sure how comfortable they would be in large waves etc. Good luck
but some friends at our dock had an Erikson 27 and then moved up to an E 30. They loved both boats and I have sailed on and beside the 30 at the lake and their it is very fast and points extremely well. In fact, it outpoints most boats around the lake including my Bene. They do need to reef early but that doesn't slow them down much. They sail with considerable heel evan in 15 to 20 Kt winds so I'm not sure how comfortable they would be in large waves etc. Good luck
Ford vs Pontiac
Holy mackrel. How defensive we all become when our pride and joy is scrutinized. Everybody remember this discussion is about 30, almost 40 year old boats. If a 71 anything still floats somebody did something right and somebody maintained it. Of course there were improvements in 30 years. They wouldn't sell a new anything without making improvements. I've a 81 30' Ericson and it's been a great lil ol'boat. Chartered a 98 29'Hunter last winter and it was a great lil ol' boat. To get back to the original question. My Ericson is still pretty sound after all those years but does seem tender in heavy air so reef early. Biggest problem is lack of storage in the galley. Hopefully you're getting it cheap enough to repower to a diesel if the engine does fail. That has been an industry wide improvement.
Holy mackrel. How defensive we all become when our pride and joy is scrutinized. Everybody remember this discussion is about 30, almost 40 year old boats. If a 71 anything still floats somebody did something right and somebody maintained it. Of course there were improvements in 30 years. They wouldn't sell a new anything without making improvements. I've a 81 30' Ericson and it's been a great lil ol'boat. Chartered a 98 29'Hunter last winter and it was a great lil ol' boat. To get back to the original question. My Ericson is still pretty sound after all those years but does seem tender in heavy air so reef early. Biggest problem is lack of storage in the galley. Hopefully you're getting it cheap enough to repower to a diesel if the engine does fail. That has been an industry wide improvement.
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