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Ericson 32-3
- By Richard Smith
- Updated: May 31, 2012
Bruce King’s considerable experience designing sailboats in the 30-foot range shows through in the sailing qualities, accommodations, and construction of the Ericson 32-3.
The 32-3 was introduced in 1985, and at least 69 were built, some of them at Pacific Seacraft after the demise of Ericson Yachts in 1990. It shares a family resemblance with other Ericson cruiser/racers designed by King and extended the company’s reputation for building attractive, practical boats with good sailing manners.
A keel-stepped, black, anodized mast, tapered at the top to reduce weight and windage, supports the double-spreader masthead rig. The 207-square-foot mainsail drives the boat well in both cruising and racing modes. The boat is well balanced and sails both on and off the wind smartly under headsail only, making it easy to singlehand, especially with roller furling.
The large cockpit has a curved helmsman’s perch, which compensates for varying degrees of heel, and comfortably angled seatbacks for the crew. A boarding ladder is built into the stern pulpit. Copious storage is to be had under the starboard seat and in a lazarette. Hardware is more than adequate and includes Lewmar deck hatches, an acrylic companionway sliding hatch, stainless-steel guard rails at the mast, and four 10-inch aluminum mooring cleats.
The construction of the Ericson 32-3 is robust. The hull is hand-laid fiberglass and polyester resin, and the deck is fiberglass cored with end-grain balsa. A one-piece structural inner liner of hand-laminated fiberglass incorporates floors and stringers, adding strength to the hull and distributing concentrated loads from the engine, mast, and standing rigging.
Below, the first impression is one of quality and refinement highlighted by expansive use of teak. The sole is teak and holly. The U-shaped galley is located to starboard of the companionway ladder. Opposite is a forward-facing nav table; its seat is the head of the quarter berth.
In the saloon, which has 6 feet 2 inches of headroom, a teak table surrounded by large wraparound seats folds down to form a double berth. A long settee to starboard makes it a very social space.
The V-berth in the forward cabin is as wide at the head as it is long—6 feet 6 inches—and contains lots of storage space under hatches and in drawers. The head is aft of this cabin to port and contains the toilet, a sink, storage, and a shower.
Removing the companionway ladder provides excellent access to the engine. Original equipment was a 21-horsepower Universal diesel, which delivers a cruising speed of a little over 6 knots while burning about half a gallon of fuel per hour. The boat is unusually quiet under power.
While the usual caveats apply regarding leaks around deck fittings, water penetrating the core material, and so forth, it’s difficult to fault this boat as cruiser or racer. One owner noted that the rudderstock stuffing box is difficult to service and that the original white paint coating the hull interior has an annoying tendency to flake off.
Having owned several Ericsons, I think the 32-3 meets or exceeds the highest standards of construction, predictable handling, and sensible layouts with which Ericson established its reputation. It ghosts along nicely in light breezes and, handled well and with prudent reefing, will stand up to heavy weather. It’s comfortable to live aboard, weatherly, and forgiving in a jam. Used boats are listed from $22,000 to $45,000.
Ericson 32-3 LOA 32′ 6″ (9.91 m.) LWL 25′ 10″ (7.87 m.) Beam 10′ 10″ (3.30 m.) Draft (standard) 6′ 0″ (1.83 m.) (shoal) 4′ 4″ (1.32 m.) Sail Area (100%) 497 sq. ft. (46.2 sq. m.) Ballast 4,200 lb. (1,905 kg.) Displacement 9,800 lb. (4,444 kg.) Ballast/D .43 D/L 254 SA/D 17.4 Water 33 gal. (125 l.) Fuel 22 gal. (83 l.) Engine 21-hp. Universal diesel Designer Bruce King
Richard Smith and his wife, Beth, sail their Ericson Cruising 31, Kuma , in the Pacific Northwest.
- More: 31 - 40 ft , before 2000 , Coastal Cruising , ericson , fiberglass , keelboat , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , sailboats classic plastic
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Dear Readers
- Sailboat Reviews
Both the 1969 and 1985 versions of this Southern California cruiser/racer were designed by Bruce King, and may represent good values, though the early model had a lot more problems.
“Ericson Yachts,” we wrote back in a 1986 review of the Ericson 27, “was somewhat of the archetypal production boatbuilder: trendy, performance oriented, colorfully advertised, and, for the most part, successful.”
The company was formed in 1964 by Don and Gene Kohlman, two San Francisco Bay area sailors who moved south to Irvine, California to set up shop. Their first boats were what Don called “an eclectic line,” meaning they grabbed what they could—a modified Carl Alberg design, a 26-footer by W.B. Crealock and a 32′ 5.5 Meter keel boat similar to the Columbia Sabre of that same time.
The first boats were introduced in 1965. In 1971, the CML Group bought Ericson Yachts and ran it until 1984 when Gene Kohlman bought it back. He and Don managed things until 1990, when they were forced to shut down. Pacific Seacraft bought the molds for the Ericson 34 and 38 and resumed production of these two models (the former as the Ericson 35 and the latter as the Ericson 380—see PS, January 15,1998) in 1991.
During this time Ericson built three 32s, the 1965 keel boat mentioned above, and in 1969, the Bruce King-designed CCA-type 32. That model stayed in production until 1978, with well over 500 built. In 1985, Bruce King designed a new 32, which lasted four years with more than 700 built. We’ll refer to King’s two designs as the ‘69 and ‘84. (Just to confuse matters, the PHRF Handicap book published by US Sailing lists a number of permutations, such as the 32-2 and 32-3 and 32-200, most of which refer to the type of keel and whether it had the optional tall rig.)
Ericson was indeed an “archetypal production builder,” competing with Pearson, Cal, Columbia, Islander and the like, all but Pearson being neighbors in Southern California. Greater Los Angeles, specifically Costa Mesa, was the epicenter of production fiberglass sailboat building during the late 1960s and 1970s. Costa “Mecca” evaporated faster than styrene, the result of stringent air pollution laws that made manufacturing too costly, and as a result of a downturn in sailboat sales, one of many in this cyclical business that every 10 years or less beheads those with their necks still stuck out. 1990, if you recall, was the year of the Gulf War against Iraq, and imposition of the luxury tax.
The Designs A close look at the ‘69 and ‘85 Ericson 32s makes for an interesting comparison. It would be fun to cut out sail plans of a bunch of 32s, designed every few years between 1965 and 2000, and stack them like cards. Flipping them quickly, one would see the overhangs come and go; keels break away from the rudders, get skinnier and deeper; and mast locations move back and forth along with aspect ratios.
The early Ericson 32 was influenced by the CCA (Cruising Club of America) rating rule, of which designer Robert Perry once wrote, “Like all good rating rules it was a development type rule and not a handicap type rule.” Among other traits, CCA-type boats tend to have long overhangs (because waterline length was penalized) and low aspect ratio sail plans with short masts and long booms. To emphasize the point, the ‘69 32’s E dimension (mainsail foot) is 13′ and the ‘85 32’s 11.5′; the P dimension (luff) increased from 31.5′ to 36′. Both have double-spreader masthead sloop rigs.
The ‘85 32 has a slightly longer waterline and retains some of the ‘69 model’s bustle just forward of the rudder—a trick to increase sailing length.
More noticeable are the changes King made to the underwater appendages. The ‘69 32 has a swept back rudder and keel, influenced probably by the latest thinking (then) in Twelve Meter design. On the ‘85 32, the appendages are vertical, with the trailing edge of the keel raked forward. In a Sailing magazine review of the very similar Ericson 35, Perry theorized this change “…may help to make the maximum thickness line more vertical and improve the general performance of the keel.” Nowadays, with so many designers concentrating ballast in bulbs at the bottom of very thin blades with narrow roots, you have almost the inverse of King’s mid-80’s V-shaped keels.
King increased all of the principal dimension in the ‘85 model. Beam jumped from 9′ 8″ to 10′ 10″. The ‘85 32 is a bigger boat all around, with more LOA, LWL, displacement, and sail area as well. But displacement/length (D/L) and sail area/displacement (SA/D) ratios didn’t change that much—284 to 253, and 16.9 to 17.3 respectively. The later model, with a lower D/L and more horsepower, will be the faster boat.
Both old and new 32s are attractive for their time.
Construction Ericson Yachts, like other production builders of its day, didn’t do anything fancy in laying up and finishing its boats. Yet they are regarded as adequately strong. Hulls are solid fiberglass. Decks are cored with end-grain balsa, and, at least in the case of the ‘85 32, plywood was inserted in place of balsa in “high stress areas.” This is fine for handling compression loads, but does not ease the worry about delamination. In our opinion, no plywood should ever be used on a boat without the end grain sealed with epoxy resin or suitable substitute. Few builders, however, have then or do this now.
With the ‘85 32, Ericson stiffened the hull with a complex inner liner called a Tri-axial Force Grid (TAFG). This molded fiberglass unit incorporates many interior structures previously made from plywood and solid wood, from the anchor locker forward, to the floors and stringers under the cabin sole, to the ice box and engine beds. It’s a much less costly way to build a boat than using individual pieces of wood. The TAFG is bonded to the hull before the deck goes on, and one hopes it is never jarred loose. Where many builders incorporate berth foundations in their liners, however, Ericson built these up from plywood, anchoring them in the TAFG.
The hull/deck joint of the ‘85 model is glassed over with four layers of 3-oz. mat and 7-1/2-oz. cloth.
A few owners of both boats noted oilcanning in the hull; this most often occurs in the large, unsupported areas forward above the V-berth. An owner of a 1987 model said, “Heavy seas caused hull to flex, popping off starboard shelf trim.” An owner of an 1973 model said, “Hull distorts in heavy weather.”
Others noted the not uncommon problem of thin glass where there are sharp turns in the mold. And quite a few owners of both models complained about gelcoat flaws. Rubber rubrails deteriorate over time but can be replaced…if you can locate a supplier of the molding.
On the ‘69 32s, several owners complained also about mast compression cracking the deck (there is no compression post for the deck-stepped mast; the ‘85 32 has a keel-stepped mast), rudder bearings, wooden hatch leaks, cracked lifeline stanchion welds, and chainplate leaks rotting the bulkheads to which they are attached.
Ballast on both models is lead, much preferable to iron. In the ‘69 32, it is encapsulated in the hull mold. In the later model, it is external, with keel bolts through the TAFG.
Interior finishing is California style with lots of teak veneer, carpeting (early model) and brightly themed cushions.
Hardware quality is generally good though some items, like winches, may have to be updated. Ericson used Barlows on the early boats, Barients on the later models. Both companies are out of business now. If upgrading, self-tailers would be a big improvement.
Accommodations The interior plans are workable and straightforward, with a V-berth forward, enclosed head and hanging locker just aft of it, dinette and settee amidships, corner galley to starboard with quarter berth (6′ 6″ in the ‘85 32) and nav table to port. Obviously, there’s more space all round in the later model.
Ventilation for the ‘85 32 includes deck hatches, a Dorade and several opening portlights in the forward cabin and head. In the saloon are two long and narrow fixed portlights—Ericson’s distinctive shape with forward and aft sides slanted. One owner complained that the hanging locker is too small, and that the starboard settee is “severely angled to bow end—narrow.”
The ‘69 32s did not have good ventilation. One owner said, “opening ports would improve ventilation.” (There are, however, two small opening ports.) “Another just called it, “terrible.” Others said the berths are too narrow and the head too small. But one exclaimed, “Interior layout excellent! Good compromise for a boat this size.”
Headroom in both models is 6′ 2″.
The ‘85 32 has a 32-gal. freshwater tank located amidships with an optional 20-gal. tank under the V-berth. Holding tank is 17y-gals.
Some like the ‘69 32’s T-shaped cockpit, some don’t. Water collects at the helm because the scuppers are forward but the boat trims stern down. And a number of owners criticized the cockpit lockers for not being adequately waterproofed.
The ‘85 32 has a bridge, which opens up room at the galley; the ‘69 32 does not.
Performance Owners report that the ‘69 32 is only an average performer. Given its hull shape, it heels quickly to 20° or so, then settles in. Several owners said the boat stops “tilting” at 30°. This is typical of CCA-type boats, in order to immerse the ends and increase sailing length. “It likes to heel but remains stable,” said the owner of a 1975 model. The boat’s relatively short rig is cited as a liability in light winds. Most rate upwind performance better than off the wind. “Only boat I’ve sailed that beats faster than it reaches,” said the owner of a 1974 model. He figures 6 knots in 12 knots of breeze, sailing upwind. But then the owner of a 1973 boat said, “Goes to weather fair; off wind very fast.” Go figure.
An owner in Virginia said no one could ever get his boat to point to his satisfaction, adding that it tacks through 110°.
The boat has no significant weather helm problems and balances pretty well. A number of owners said they’d been through gales of 40-60 knots and the boat acquitted itself well.
Auxiliary power for the ‘69 32 was first a 27-hp. Palmer M60 or Atomic 4 gas engine. But readers listed a number of other power plants, including a Volvo MDIIC, 12-hp. Farymann. Access is poor. One owner modified the access “hole” from the quarter berth. The ‘85 32 came with a 21-hp. 3-cylinder Universal diesel and 22-gal. aluminum fuel tank.
Not surprisingly, owners of the ‘85 32 are much more positive about their boats’ performance. A tall rig was available, which helps in light air regions, such as the Chesapeake Bay. Similarly, the deep keel model outperforms the shoal and wing keels. “Unbelievable upwind and light air ability,” said the owner of a 1986 model.
The first reef is taken somewhat early, around 18 knots. And the fin keel requires some attention to the helm. “Wanders upwind,” said the owner of a 1987 boat. “Big rudder, easy to steer,” said one who owns a 1984 model.
The best performing 32 is the 32-200, with PHRF ratings around 150 and up. Earlier models generally rate in the 160s and 170s, with the ‘69 32 slowest at around 198 seconds per mile.
Conclusion It is clear from owner comments that considerable improvements were made to the 1985 model, solving problems with leaks, mast compression, rudder, and other niggling items. It would certainly be our choice of the two.
The early 32 seems to have an inordinate number of construction shortcomings, not the least of which is the mast cracking the deck, and gate valves on through-hulls that should be replaced with positive action seacocks.
Owner Comments “Engine is almost impossible to work on. Must remove wall from lazarette to get to clutch. Changing oil almost impossible.” —owner of 1974 model in Plymouth, Michigan
“Aft lower shrouds should have been attached to chainplates bonded to hull or inner bulkhead. Stanchions have no lateral support, some not backed, some can’t be reached from inside. Bilge should be deeper. Preventer crimped original boom on an accidental gybe in heavy air/seas. Especially good light air performer with 150% genoa or drifter/MPS. Boat is sensitive to proper sail selection and set. Very comfortable cruising for two to four. Plenty of stowage. I highly recommend the boat for excellent overall quality and ability.” — owner of 1974 model in Virginia Beach, Virginia
“Rudder is a spade type. I once bent the shaft crashing off a steep wave in gale conditions. Boat sailed fairly under jury steering. Wood frames for main hatch and companionway leak, allowing water to get to balsa core. Needs compression post for serious offshore work.” —owner of a 1972 model in Foster City, California
“Great cockpit. Don’t particularly like recessed companionway. Makes for high and ineffective dodger.” —owner of a 1989 model in San Diego, California
“Great boat! Big deep anchor locker a pleasure. Lots of ventilation. Good nav station with AC and DC panels and access to batteries and engine. Deep sink.” —owner of a 1983 model in Southern California
“Extremely happy with my boat re: quality, performance and appearance. Excellent engine. Opted for shoal draft which restricts pointing ability though she turns easily.” —Owner of a 1987 model in Hilton Head, South Carolina
RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR
i owned a 1977 Ericson 35. Overall great boat for my family. We were coastal cruisers along the Texas Gulf coast. Tried racing a few times and found she did not point well, but was fast downwind. Could never stay with the J boats upwind! Lost her to Hurricane Harvey.
Articles on good old boats are always welcome and too few and far between. That said, using second-hand owner opinions as a base for performance and reviews is questionable as is evidenced by the contradictory statements. I read these articles expecting hands-on sailing experience and professional evaluations.
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Ericson 32 3
The ericson 32 3 is a 32.5ft masthead sloop designed by bruce king and built in fiberglass by ericson yachts (usa) since 1985..
The Ericson 32 3 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a very short water supply range.
Ericson 32 3 for sale elsewhere on the web:
Main features
| Model | Ericson 32 3 | ||
| Length | 32.50 ft | ||
| Beam | 10.83 ft | ||
| Draft | 6 ft | ||
| Country | United states (North America) | ||
| Estimated price | $ 0 | ?? |
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| Sail area / displ. | 17.42 | ||
| Ballast / displ. | 42.86 % | ||
| Displ. / length | 253.87 | ||
| Comfort ratio | 22.79 | ||
| Capsize | 2.03 |
| Hull type | Monohull fin keel with spade rudder | ||
| Construction | Fiberglass | ||
| Waterline length | 25.83 ft | ||
| Maximum draft | 6 ft | ||
| Displacement | 9800 lbs | ||
| Ballast | 4200 lbs | ||
| Hull speed | 6.81 knots |
We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt
| Rigging | Masthead Sloop | ||
| Sail area (100%) | 497 sq.ft | ||
| Air draft | 0 ft | ?? | |
| Sail area fore | 289.80 sq.ft | ||
| Sail area main | 207 sq.ft | ||
| I | 42 ft | ||
| J | 13.80 ft | ||
| P | 36 ft | ||
| E | 11.50 ft |
| Nb engines | 1 | ||
| Total power | 21 HP | ||
| Fuel capacity | 22 gals |
Accommodations
| Water capacity | 33 gals | ||
| Headroom | 0 ft | ||
| Nb of cabins | 0 | ||
| Nb of berths | 0 | ||
| Nb heads | 0 |
Builder data
| Builder | Ericson Yachts (USA) | ||
| Designer | Bruce King | ||
| First built | 1985 | ||
| Last built | 0 | ?? | |
| Number built | 0 | ?? |
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Ericson 32 Capabilities
- Thread starter Mike Smothers
- Start date May 27, 2020
- Forums for All Owners
- Ask All Sailors
Mike Smothers
I was just gifted an Ericson 32 from a great friend who is having some health issues. My question for everyone (having little to no knowledge of sailing) is, what are the capabilities of my new boat. I would love to hear if anyone has cruised this boat, lived aboard, or even made a major passage in an Ericson 32. I’m starting from scratch so any information would help. Thanks! - Mike
Christian Williams
Ericson 32 - Practical Sailor
You'll find very excellent and specific information on this boat (and on all things Ericson) on the ericsonyachts.org site.
Sorry for not specifying it is a 1973 Ericson 32
JK_Boston_Catalina310
It's not the boat, it's the crew. Most boats can withstand more than the crew. With any used boat the condition she is kept in is more important than the stickers on the side. Use this forum to learn how to maintain the boat. Read about heavy weather sailing and take the boat out in good conditions and practice.
The keel shape of the early Ericsons was kind of a blend of a fin keel and a full keel. It looks like they just cut away the aft section of a full keel. The result some have said is that it doesn't get the ballast down low and it isn't a foil. So two of the important criteria for a keel weren't met. The PS article says something similar in the 9th paragraph. On the other hand some of the comments praise the boats upwind performance. One even saying it sails faster upwind the downwind. Is that praise? I'm not sure. Webb Chiles made an ocean passage in a production Ericson 37 - a major understatement. He sailed around the world passing the 3 great capes. The boat was falling apart by Australia but he completed the voyage. He was way overtaxing the boat. It wasn't built for that. You don't want a boat to oil can far from shore. It's a coastal cruiser at heart.
shemandr said: Webb Chiles made an ocean passage in a production Ericson 37 - a major understatement. He sailed around the world passing the 3 great capes. The boat was falling apart by Australia but he completed the voyage. He was way overtaxing the boat. It wasn't built for that. You don't want a boat to oil can far from shore. It's a coastal cruiser at heart. Click to expand
Look for his interview in Small Craft Advisor issue 122. It's very revealing. Interesting man.
Stu Jackson
Alan Gomes said: ericsonyachts.org site Click to expand
rgranger said: Here are some calculations related to your boat View attachment 179866 And here is what they mean... View attachment 179867 So your boat is reasonably canvased and should perform well under sail... i.e. faster than some boat in the 32 range...but her S# is less than 2 so that says just the opposite... YMMV. Her ballast ratio is above 40 so stiff (stiff is good). Displacement to length ratio is high so also good. Comfort ratio puts her in the coastal cruiser range... which means you could cross an ocean but you would be less comfortable than in some other boats. Her capsize screening ratio is below 2 so a relatively safe boat in harsh conditions. All in all, I'd say you have a safe heavy cruiser that will sail as well as the next boat. Enjoy Click to expand
Thank you guys for all the info! This helps a lot.
Mike Smothers said: Excuse my very amateur questions but, do you think the S# is under two because of the atomic 4 engine? It’s a gas engine which tells me it wouldn’t have as much power as a diesel motor. Click to expand
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
JK_Boston_Catalina310 said: It's not the boat, it's the crew. Most boats can withstand more than the crew. Click to expand
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- Sailboat Guide
1985 Ericson 32-3
- Description
Seller's Description
Sellers are forced to move out of state, boat priced to selll! ALL REASONABLE OFFERS CONSIDERED!!
This classic 1985 Ericson 32-3 is part of the first robustly-built Ericson boats built in 1985 by Bruce King.
This Ericson 32-3 handles well in all types of weather and makes a comfortable liveaboard. The boat is well-balanced and sails both on and off the wind under headsail only, making it easy to sail single-handedly.
You’ll love the large cockpit with its curved helmsman’s perch to compensate for varying degrees of heel. The angled seatbacks make it comfortable for the crew. The steering wheel comes with a cover.
Below deck, the layout is spacious and inviting. The teal blue cushions set off the teak used throughout the boat. The sole is teak and holly. If you’re standing by the companionway ladder, the U-shaped galley is located to starboard and opposite is a forward-facing navigation table whose seat is the head of the quarter berth. Moving into the saloon with its 6’ 2” of headroom, there is a teak table surrounded by large wraparound seats which folds down to form a double berth, and a long settee to starboard. There is storage space under the seat.
The V-berth in the forward cabin contains lots of storage space under hatches and in drawers. There is a hanging locker for clothing. The head is aft of this cabin to port and contains a toilet, a sink, a shower, and storage space.
Remove the companionway ladder and you have excellent access to the engine.
Rig and Sails
Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.
The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.
Classic hull speed formula:
Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL
Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL
Sail Area / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.
SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3
- SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
- D : Displacement in pounds.
Ballast / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.
Ballast / Displacement * 100
Displacement / Length Ratio
A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.
D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
- LWL: Waterline length in feet
Comfort Ratio
This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.
Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
- LOA: Length overall in feet
- Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet
Capsize Screening Formula
This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.
CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)
Renamed ERICSON 333. (1996?) Shoal keel:4.33’ Wing keel:4.42’
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- General Ericson Forums
- For Sale & Wanted
- Thread starter TLEO
- Start date Mar 7, 2020
Student of Life
- Mar 7, 2020
Sustaining Member
With those few photos, there's not enough to say much about it or how it fits your plans and abilities.
Tin Kicker said: With those few photos, there's not enough to say much about it or how it fits your plans and abilities. Click to expand...
Christian Williams
E381 - los angeles.
Can you give us the broker listing? That will draw opinions as to the apparent "condition," which is a complicated set of trade-offs involving age, price, gear, and so on.
Boats for sale | YachtWorld
At a glance that sure looks like a candidate for further investigation--a late-model Ericson at a low asking price. If the photos are current, the interior is in great shape. Are they current? Since new to boat buying, this might be a specimen worth hiring a marine surveyor to look at. That's the next step, and will always be the next step when you find a boat you really like. (I reduced the size of your photos a little by dragging in the corners. They return to full size when clicked on)
Photo's of the bilge, It's been on the hard for two seasons and uncovered mast up.
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Christian Williams said: At a glance that sure looks like a candidate for further investigation--a late-model Ericson at a low asking price. If the photos are current, the interior is in great shape. Are they current? Since new to boat buying, this might be a specimen worth hiring a marine surveyor to look at. That's the next step, and will always be the next step when you find a boat you really like. Click to expand...
David Grimm
- Mar 8, 2020
Ericson 38-200 Sailboat - price reduced - boats - by owner - marine...
1985 32-3, Puget Sound
I would think that would be a 23hp M25XP on a 1989, and not a 21hp M25. Worth asking about. That's mold growing in the billges. I'd be checking for mold elsewhere too.
- Mar 11, 2020
Kenneth K said: I would think that would be a 23hp M25XP on a 1989, and not a 21hp M25. Worth asking about. That's mold growing in the billges. I'd be checking for mold elsewhere too. Click to expand...
I'm looking for a 32-200 or 32-3 on the west coast, so if you want to share knowledge /experience PM me. I am just learning the Ericson line and have seen two boats in the bay area so far. Looking at one in soCal in a few weeks.
what distinguishes the 32-200 from the 32-3? Interior : the -200 has the head aft, and the -3 has the head amidships. cabin house profile: the -200 has two large fixed portlights flanked by one opening port on either side. The -3 has two large fixed portlights with the two opening ports on the same side.
I was interested in the same question ..I don't know how accurate these floorplan drawings are but: https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/ericson-32-3 https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/ericson-32-200
They're accurate. For both models the hull, keel, rudder and sail plan is the same. Note the position of the mast in the cabins. When the head is moved aft, the banquette is moved forward. Now the mast is in the middle of the table.
goldenstate
Christian Williams said: They're accurate. For both models the hull, keel, rudder and sail plan is the same. Note the position of the mast in the cabins. When the head is moved aft, the banquette is moved forward. Now the mast is in the middle of the table. Click to expand...
goldenstate said: There is a review of the 32-200 in the resources section suggesting the rudder was moved 6" aft to accommodate the double quarter-berth in the 32-200, so that is one functional design distinction. Another difference is that the -200 series has a "recessed companionway." The boat pictured by TLEO does not. I would go out on a limb and say that if it is indeed an '89, it is a special order by the owner, with a rare-ish wing keel, and the only example of a 32-3 that is later than '88, when the 200's first came to market. It has been included in the 32 hull wiki as such . The boat pictured is not a 32-200. View attachment 32784 Click to expand...
- Apr 28, 2020
Hey T-LEO - did you buy C-Breeze? The unicorn '89 32-3 Wing Keel boat? How's it going?
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Ericson 32-3
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I posted a thread a few weeks ago about about C&C vs Ericson 30s. Many thanks to the replies. In the process, I discovered the CS30 which became my new favorite boat--unfortunately, the only two for sale on the west coast are both under contract. As I've widened my search, I've come to also like the Ericson 32-3. The added couple of feet seeming to bring the performance more in line with it's faster 30 foot competitors. Can someone offer some insight into these two factors of the E32-3? 1. I find the look of the raised stern very attractive. What's the technical term for that type of design and what are the pluses and minuses? And, 2. It seems to be pretty "foresail heavy" with 289 sq ft of the total 497 sq ft sail area being upfront. Comments? Any other particualrs of the 32-3 worth knowing about?? I've looked on the Ericson website, but it tends to be an Ericson love-fest over there--hard to find many critical comments.... Ken
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I like Ericsons a lot, I almost bought a 27 and have looked at a few others. They seem to be above average build quality, tend to be performance oriented (at least for there day) but still have a nice comfortable cabin below. If it is in good shape go for it. I am not aware of any Ericson specific issues, just that they are getting kind of old so typical issues of deck cores and things that effect all boats of that age.
Very nice boats... great cockpit ergomomics, good manners, comfy below. Some layout variations- aft vs fwd head, but nice warm finish below and usually the reliable Kubota/Universal diesel. Only one true 'double', though the dinette probably makes down (but that is a PITA if it's a regular chore). Bruce King generally drew some handsome boats, this is no exception. The reverse transom is a stylistic thing mostly, but does remove some weight in the stern with the downside of reducing cockpit size. This one is not extreme and nicely done.(some have very flat runs aft that make a heck of a racket when tied stern to a breeze and the waves 'chuckle' under the counter) With the headsail on a furler you can easily set the boat up nicely, I don't believe this boat will have the 'headsail heavy' behaviour of some of the more race-oriented/IOR influenced designs of the time. An ex racing friend traded his Laser 28 for one of these nearly 20 years ago, he's 80 now and still enjoying it.
I find both your comments to be right on. I viewed a few 30 footers in Vancouver last weekend--an Ericson 30+ and a CS30. Both nice boats, but I found cabin height to be a problem on both of them. ......pushing me more toward the E32-3. I agree about the cockpit ergonomics, too. I now view a T-cockpit as essential. It's fairly subtle, but the coamings of the E32-3 curve outward slightly as you move aft. It makes the aft cockpit actually slightly wider than forward. And the curve matches nicely with the curved/raised helm seat which is also more subtle than many other designs. I didn't notice it all right away, but when I did, it made the cockpit really stand out to me as a slick design.
Ken it's a shame you are in the pnw, a friend here in my yc has a E 32 he wants to sell
Send me a link if you have one--the visual comps are all helpful. How did your friend like their boat? Any things they didn't like? I've heard lack of storage space can be an issue.
Is the helm cut off from the rest of the cockpit with the traveler in front of the helm? I like being able to work the Main while steering. I don't see a down side to it, my wheel is so big I have to step on the seat to get back there anyway. For a cruiser, even not single handing its nice to get to as much sail control as you can. I have the CS30 and love it but wish the traveler wasn't cabin top. Good shopping.
No.. The original E35 was that way, but not this one.
I just answered my own question from reading Fasters comments, I've always wondered why the Main sheet goes through three different pulleys on my boom instead of just one, its to spread the shock to the boom in a Gybe with its mid boom position. I prefer the end boom sheeting for leverage, feel, etc. unfortunately my Boat is not set up that way and since I usually don't run with the bimini it would be nice to control from the helm. A traveler redesign is not a simple task but if I come up with something I will probably implement it. Agree BTW with all his points, the broker isn't going to get into this much detail but if the Traveler is cabin top the designers can do anything they want in the cockpit with no safety concerns or Canvas conflicts. You have to ask yourself what kind of sailing you will be doing and buy accordingly, or do as everyone else does and start buying boats and see what you like and apply as much of what you learned as you can on the next one.
Yeah, I realize now I let a broker BS me on this topic. I asked him about the loss of leverage in cabin-top travelers. He said the pulleys give the leverage back (which is true, though it does require pulling 2-3 times the length of mainsheet sheet through the system). Then he said that aft travelers can flatten the main too much by pulling the clew too far downward. It seems that that would be incorrect. Since the boom is completely stiff, the attachment location of the mainsheet to the boom would have no effect on the sail shape. The location of the mainsheet attachment would only affect the forces required to move the boom; ie a mid-point attachment would require twice the force as an end-point attachment. That being said, two other questions arise: 1) if the boom is not completely rigid, but flexes even slightly, then wouldn't sheet location affect sail shape? Aft attachment resulting in a slight rise at the boom's center; mid attachment causing a slight lowering at the boom's center (if I am reasoning correctly). 2) for travelers of a given length , a mid-mounted traveler would seem to pull the boom further sidewards than an aft mounted traveler. Do boat designers, then, typically lengthen a traveler as they move it aftward to compensate for this? As for me, who will primarily be cruising, none of the above should make much difference, and I'd prefer the cabin-top configuration. For single-handling, I'll definitely be researching the "German Sheeting" system, or at least seeing if I can come up with the Polish equivalent of the same......
1) If your Boom flexes enough to affect sail shape you're in a lot of trouble. Not a concern. 2) They make them as long as practical for the position. If you're OK with the cabin top then there are lots of Boats to choose from, not a hard and fast rule but older Boats tend to be more in the cockpit and newer Boats tend to be more cabin top. The more I think about it the cabin top is a safer position for leisure crew and most these days are just that.
Well most often travelers will be as wide as they can be, if in the cockpit from side to side of the cockpit. Sure you can counter act the lever action with pulleys, but that makes things more complicated, increases loads, so you have more chance of catastrophic failure. Biggest issue though is the load is on the center of the boom, while if designed that way OK, but often they are designed for end boom then converted. It is a pain to have the cockpit divided, but it sure makes single handing a lot easier, so there are benefits to both. I have a strong preference for end sheeting, but then again I have a preference for tiller, so be it as it may.
At the risk of reviving an old, dead post...... just wanted to say that after months and months of searching, I found a boat. I went back to the Ericson 32-3 I had viewed in April even though I had to ship it in from out of state. My original goal had been to find a nice-condition racer-cruiser with a PHRF below 170. Once I started looking at C&C-30-2s and CS30s, that PHRF number came down to the 150s. Maybe it was the nicely appointed cabin of the Ericson that made me realize I was more a cruiser than a racer....but to keep in the 150 PHRF range, I had to move up to a 32 footer in the Ericson. And maybe that makes it an unfair comparison. At 32.5 ft, the Ericson is 8% larger than the C&C and CS 30s. That extra 2.5 feet mean an extra 8-10 inches in every cabin (important to a cruiser-type). Anyway, it worked for me. Thanks for all the great input from your SN posts. It really helped steer me in the direction of finding the right boat for me. P. S. Haven't had the boat in the water yet. Launch date is Oct 15th. Regard, Ken
Pics....
Congrats on the "new" boat! Having moved up to a 33 footer from a racing oriented 30 footer six years ago, I think you made a good choice.
Ericsonyachts.org is a must for you . . . They are a great knowledgeable and helpful group . . .
Thanks for the update. It's always nice to hear how things work out. Nice boat!
Congrats... a good choice, I think.
Ken thanks for the update. I bought two Septembers ago and took advantage of the first winter to start the growing list of to do items. Nice choice and performance oriented as well with that PHRF. Two random thoughts, speed is always good racing or not, and you never know what you will end up doing at least I don't usually, so something with a turn of speed is always good. There's something about the having a schedule to go sailing that seems to fit well into a busy life that works for me, we enjoy our club racing.
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COMMENTS
ERICSON 32-3. Save to Favorites . Beta Marine. BOTH. US IMPERIAL. METRIC. Sailboat Specifications Definitions ... Maine, 1997), states that a boat with a BN of less than 1.3 will be slow in light winds. A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and ...
Ericson 32-3 Richard Smith. Bruce King's considerable experience designing sailboats in the 30-foot range shows through in the sailing qualities, accommodations, and construction of the Ericson 32-3. The 32-3 was introduced in 1985, and at least 69 were built, some of them at Pacific Seacraft after the demise of Ericson Yachts in 1990.
Sailboats 31-35ft; used_sailboats; Ericson 32 ... such as the 32-2 and 32-3 and 32-200, most of which refer to the type of keel and whether it had the optional tall rig.) Ericson was indeed an "archetypal production builder," competing with Pearson, Cal, Columbia, Islander and the like, all but Pearson being neighbors in Southern California
Ericson 32-3 is a 32′ 6″ / 9.9 m monohull sailboat designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts and Pacific Seacraft starting in 1985. ... The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in ...
The starting price is $15,000, the most expensive is $22,500, and the average price of $18,950. Related boats include the following models: 27, 30+ and 38. Boat Trader works with thousands of boat dealers and brokers to bring you one of the largest collections of Ericson 32 boats on the market. You can also browse boat dealers to find a boat ...
The Ericson 32 3 is a 32.5ft masthead sloop designed by Bruce King and built in fiberglass by Ericson Yachts (USA) since 1985. The Ericson 32 3 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is ...
When under power sailboats need lots of torque to turn the prop, so torque is more important than horsepower. The Atomic 4, which is probably the gas engine in the boat has more horsepower than most diesels in the 30-35 range. However, diesels have more torque so a lower HP engine is needed. My 30 ft Sabre had a Volvo MD7A Diesel with 13 HP, it ...
New York. $19,500. Description: ERICSON 32-3 Bruce king design. Boat is in great condition and has been a completive club sail racer and weekend crusier. Boat is turnkey and ready to go srt up for the single handed skipper or crew of 6. Equipment: sails 150 like new, 130 like new, main like new, 110 good. and spinnaker with sock hardly used ...
ALL REASONABLE OFFERS CONSIDERED!! This classic 1985 Ericson 32-3 is part of the first robustly-built Ericson boats built in 1985 by Bruce King. This Ericson 32-3 handles well in all types of weather and makes a comfortable liveaboard. The boat is well-balanced and sails both on and off the wind under headsail only, making it easy to sail ...
4'8'. Florida. $29,999. Description: Im selling my sweetheart of a boat. 1986 Ericson 32-3. I have updated almost every element of this boat. She looks and sails like new. Extreme quality shows through and through from this timeless classic. Boat has large 6'6" V birth with sitting area and privacy door, large settee turns into queen bed ...
The boat pictured by TLEO does not. I would go out on a limb and say that if it is indeed an '89, it is a special order by the owner, with a rare-ish wing keel, and the only example of a 32-3 that is later than '88, when the 200's first came to market. It has been included in the 32 hull wiki as such. The boat pictured is not a 32-200.
Ericson 32 3 boats for sale 2 Boats Available. Currency $ - USD - US Dollar Sort Sort Order List View Gallery View Submit. Advertisement. Save This Boat. Ericson 32-3 . Cobb Island, Maryland. 1985. $18,000 Seller Pop 65. Contact. 941-265-2874. ×. Save This Boat. Ericson 32-3 . Portland, Maine. 1986. $17,900 Seller New Wave ...
At 32.5 ft, the Ericson is 8% larger than the C&C and CS 30s. That extra 2.5 feet mean an extra 8-10 inches in every cabin (important to a cruiser-type). Anyway, it worked for me. Thanks for all the great input from your SN posts. It really helped steer me in the direction of finding the right boat for me.
The Ericson 32-3 didn't begin production until 1985. TALL RIG: I: 41.00' / 12.50m J: 13.00' / 3.96m ... (International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1997), states that a boat with a BN of less than 1.3 will be slow in light winds. A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls ...
1986. $29,900. This Ericson 32 Mark 3 generation 1986 has been meticulously maintained and upgraded over 3 experienced sailor owners with most recent 2018-2023 features outlined below. The Ericson 32-3 is unique sloop....very fast hull speed of 6.8 knots and points close to the wind with it's 135% genoa tucked tight because of the 2 spreader ...
In 1967 Ericson produced 24 of these modeled after the COLUMBIA SABRE and called them the SCORPION 32. It was Ericson's original 32' yacht, sometimes called the ERICSON 32-I. ... (International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1997), states that a boat with a BN of less than 1.3 will be slow in light winds. A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat ...
31' Mariner Ketch - Major Restoration & Repower - New Rigging & Sails Tenants Harbor Maine, Maine Asking $45,000
Find Ericson 32 3 boats for sale near you, including boat prices, photos, and more. Locate Ericson boat dealers and find your boat at Boat Trader!