Should I buy an Ericson 38?

[Darryl19205]

I am considering buying an Ericson 38 (1986) and I want to talk with someone about the pros and cons of this boat. I'm interested in keeping it in Mexico, either in San Carlos or Puerto Vallarta. I understand that it's not a "blue water" boat, but I'd like to know how stable it is for cruising the mainland of Mexico or crossing the Sea of Cortez. What kind of keel does it have? How does it compare with other sailboats? I like the idea of full keel sailboats, but understand that they're not-very maneuverable. Is there a boat that's sort of halfway between a light weight and full keel boat? What other kinds of sailboats should I also be considering. Etc. I'd like to open up discussion with someone who can give me some good advice. Thanks! Darryl

 

[Cap'n Ron]

To North or Knot?

Darryl, Good question, and all the mates can do is give advice as we know it.Keep asking questions, go to Yachtworld.com bring up Erickson's and etc.You are better off not keeping a vessel south of La Paz, they have cheap moorings there, and the yard storage is very affordable too.Further south better get good hurricaine insuance.Some of these marinas are a bit tight and a fin is much easier to swing on than a full keel.I owned an Erickson, in another life, a 30' a good little yacht, built well but I'd prefer a Morgan, Pearson or Westsail for offshore.All in All I'm thinking and Erickson stands up to most, and the hull is stronger than Hunter, Benny-toe, Jenneau et al...

 

[rbonilla]

yes....

the e38 is a great cruisin' platform...let me know if you are open to partnerships, as i am in colorado and l@@kin' to get into / acess to a e38 - 82-86 in mexico or so calif...i am a priviate pilot and mexico is hrs away from the denver area...i worked at ericson inc for a number of years and have expierence w/the ericson line...they are well built, and hold their value pretty well...they do nor sail half bad either!!.. ;-) richard / colorado

 

[rbonilla]

keel...

the e38's came w/a shola or full keel...i think tere were a few winged keels as well...this, from the irvine, ca factory....all 3 have their good points and draw backs....

 

[Steven]

Cruising an E-38

My family (4) cruised on a '84 E-38 for 2 years continuously(owned for 4 years, lived aboard for 2.5 yrs). Our only complaint was the tight engine compartment and some undersized wiring in the harness...all easily fixed. I added a Mars bulb to the keel making the vessel less tender which also helped with pointing and carried a bit more sail longer. The Autoprop we installed made handling much easier and a bit quicker. Maybe it isn't a bluewater boat, but a lot of bluewater passed under our keel. Our previous boat was an E-30+ that we raced and cruised on throughout the Gulf of Mexico. We never experienced a structual problem with our Ericsons...even after getting knocked down one night in a sudden gale with too much sail up in our E-38. I think the E-38 is a great vessel for the money.