E32-200

[sbj]

I have owened Ericson boats in the past and my next boat is going to be an E32 1985 of newer, but I've never seen one with tiller steering. This is a must for me. Is there anyone who can give some feedback (no pun intented) on this? Thanks!

[Geoff Johnson]

I've never heard of it on the E32, but since the access plate for the emergency tiller is just behind the pedestal, I don't think it would be too hard to remove the pedestal and rig a standard tiller to the head of the rudder post.

[Loren Beach]

If you *have* to have the "tri cabin" interior layout of the 32/200, and also must have a tiller.....
You might have to retrofit. The factory standard on the 32-3 and the later 32/200 was wheel steering. (AFAIK)
:(
Now on the other hand... if the two cabin interior with forward head pleases you enough, then find an Ericson 33 from the early 80's. Those came standard with a tiller and I have seen one -- although many were sold with optional wheel as well.
Now if you want an Ericson-built boat with the tri cabin interior and a 50-50 chance of finding one with standard tiller, then you need an Olson 34...
Ours came to us with the wheel, and I am OK with that, after a decade, but would still *prefer* the tiller model...
:)
The problem you are having is the 80's tactic of the marketing of sailboats to non-sailors VS sailboats as sailing devices for knowledgeable sailors... In this contest, "marketing" usually won, and still does. [... sigh...]
:rolleyes:

Ericsons are great sailing boats, and the handling with the wheel is still a whole lot better than that of most of the lesser and low-end sailing condos.
Aint compromise wonderful?
;)

Good luck,
Loren in PDX
Olson 34 Fresh Air

[sbj]

Thank you for the information. I know that on many boats they install standard wheel steering to hide a bad helm,I doubt an Ericson King disign would have this problem. I've never sailed an E32 so I have to ask. Is it light and well balanced?

[Geoff Johnson]

Let's just say that when the sails are trimmed properly I can often sail the boat with one foot making occasional minor adjustments to the wheel while sitting on the coaming. "Look Ma, no hands." But you have to keep the boat on its feet or you will get a lot of weather helm. Downwind in a breeze it can be a little squirrley because of the hull shape. In general though the helm has a great feel, even through the wheel (mine is 42"), and it's a great feeling when the boat finds the "groove".

Anyway, my wife likes it:

[Mindscape]

I can second Geoff's comments - if you keep the boat on it's feet it's got a great feel at the helm, very light. My 32-3 was my first boat with a wheel and after getting used to it, I don't miss the tiller too much and the wheel provides better feed back than I expected. When she is in the 'grove' it's a great sail. Interesting point, my last boat was a 25 foot IOR style boat and it was very squirrley down wind, so I feel like the 32-3 is much better down wind.

[sbj]

Thank you "Mindscape & "New Wave" I have sailed many boats and some of them have had such bad helms do to various things that I think it is vital to know how a boat balances and steers. Many years ago I had an E-23 and It had a benchmark helm, perfect on every point and wind condition. This is what I'm looking for and Bruce King does it almost every time. Hope to see you guys at an Ericson rendezvous.

[escapade]

I've had 3 Ericson's (E27, E30+, & 1988 E34) and all of them would balance up very well. All had/have wheel steering, also. Would prefer the tiller for "feel" but you can get used to the wheel steeering. Just not as much feedback. Not to say that every Ericson will balance up well, but you seem to have a pretty good representation of models here that will.
Have fun & sail fast
Bud E34 "Escapade"

[clayton]

Me 3 (or 4) -
Balance, balance, balance. The boat handles well, even in less than ideal conditions. I've found feedback through the wheel to be quite good, it definitely lets you know when something's not right. The rudder is a good size with plenty of advantage. (Supposedly the rudder was moved further aft on the 32-200 by several inches to accommodate the aft cabin and would therefore have more lever. This is posted on the PHRF-NE site, but I have no idea if it's true...) I was out last Thurs and Fri in 25 -35 knot winds with the main double-reefed and the 110% jib rolled in to about 75%. The boat was fairly well balanced upwind and found her way through the waves, loading up the helm when gusts hit and windspeed would go from 25 to 30 and change direction 20 degrees. Heel angle was 20 degrees plus, which is too much, but under the circumstances, not excessive. Downwind I almost hit 10 knots SOG surfing on a wave in a sustained wind burst of 39 knots. I kept thinking of the thread discussion on heavy air gybing and chicken gybing, wondering if I would tear the sea hood and traveller off...It's a good boat, and with the wheel, (and big rudder) very responsive. I don't think you'd be disappointed.
Clayton

[sbj]

Thank you Clayton, Now that sounds like my kind of sailing.