Getting Serious About An Ericson

I'm a total newbie to sailing although I did serve for 4 years in the US Navy on destroyers. I have taken the ASA101 course and now I have the "bug" really bad. There is a 1976 27' Ericson Sloop for sale in my area that looks perfect for my "first boat" needs. All sails new in 2005, paint and brightwork in decent shape, Atomic 4 running fine, head has new holding tank, and a recent (December 2007) survey done. Any thoughts on the suitability (or not) for this to be a good first boat?

Drummer Man

Drummer Man said:

I'm a total newbie to sailing although I did serve for 4 years in the US Navy on destroyers. I have taken the ASA101 course and now I have the "bug" really bad. There is a 1976 27' Ericson Sloop for sale in my area that looks perfect for my "first boat" needs. All sails new in 2005, paint and brightwork in decent shape, Atomic 4 running fine, head has new holding tank, and a recent (December 2007) survey done. Any thoughts on the suitability (or not) for this to be a good first boat?

Drummer Man

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All things being equal in the condition department, I'd say, VERY suitable. And not just for a first boat either; perhaps one you'll keep for years, modify and grow to love so much, that a bigger, or different boat, wouldn't be considered.

There are some well heeled folks out there with less background than you, who opt for new 45 footers as their first boat. Often, it becomes their last one - at a substantial financial loss, to boot.

Besides all that, look at this fine group of Vikings; you could be one too.

Capt Dan G>E35II "Kunu"

I think it depends a bit on how you will be using the boat, and you didn't tell us much about your current situation--where you will be sailing, whether on your own or with family members (how many?), whether day sailing or for a week or more at a time. I understand that with this being your first boat, you may not know how you will use it over time, but nevertheless, that's important information.

Based on my (limited) experience with Ericson 27, they are a very solid and safe boat, but not among the fastest, especially in lighter air. If you are mainly wanting to be on the water and speed doesn't matter much, then it may be a great boat for you; otherwise, you may find it a bit frustrating if you are expecting more speed (or planning to enter local races at some point). One of my earlier boats was a San Juan 23, and it was significantly faster than the Ericson 27 on our lake in light air. You could determine whether it suits you by asking the current owner to take you sailing one or more times, preferably in different wind conditions, so you could see how it sails. You may just fall in love with it!

We have been very pleased with our Ericson 30+, though it's a bit different in several ways from the E27, and the support on this website is superb! You will get lots of helpful advice on any questions you ask.

Good luck with your decision!

Frank.

I bought an E-27 (1973 Hull # 372) in 1976. Still have it. Great boat. Small enough to sail solo. Big enough to sail to Cuba from Tampa Bay. Fast enough to give me podium finishes in the majority of the races I have sailed in 30+ years, and strong enough to keep me sailing in my 71st year of life. Go for it.
Morgan Stinemetz

E27,

We had a 1974 E27 for 6 or 7 years, Great boat. Albeit a land locked boat she saw some good use in heavy winds. We had taken several other couples out sailing in heavy weather and low and behold, they now own Ericson Sailboats. We also bought a bigger Ericson. And now a few of our friends are looking for this size and make Ericson "SO COOL". They are stable, reliable, and will make most other boats seem like a Yugo. They are easy to work on (you know the acronym "Boat" Stands for "Break Out Another Thousand". You can't go wrong with an Ericson. Besides all of that we have a very Cool Logo.

Morgan Stinemetz said:

I bought an E-27 (1973 Hull # 372) in 1976. Still have it. Great boat. Small enough to sail solo. Big enough to sail to Cuba from Tampa Bay. Fast enough to give me podium finishes in the majority of the races I have sailed in 30+ years, and strong enough to keep me sailing in my 71st year of life. Go for it.
Morgan Stinemetz

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Has a better testimonial ever been written?

I can relate

Morgan Stinemetz said:

I bought an E-27 (1973 Hull # 372) in 1976. Still have it. Great boat. Small enough to sail solo. Big enough to sail to Cuba from Tampa Bay. Fast enough to give me podium finishes in the majority of the races I have sailed in 30+ years, and strong enough to keep me sailing in my 71st year of life. Go for it.
Morgan Stinemetz

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I'm 61 and believe I will take your advise on the 27'.

Modified from my motorcycle/horse back riding adventures

"You don't quit sailing because your old
You get old because you stop sailing

.02 Dollars

I have a 73' E27, #406 on the Sacramento Delta. It's my first boat, not by choice, but turned out to be the best for where and the type of sailing I enjoy. I mostly single hand but often take the family out on day and weekend trips. Winds in the spring and summer, in my area of the delta, are typically 15-25 knots. I race the boat on Wednesday night beer can races and fair well against the local Catalinas and Pearson 30s.

Friends say I should think about a larger, newer, boat someday. I don't see it. My E27 is a perfect fit. Big enough to enjoy camping, fast enough to keep up (phrf), tough enough to feel safe in.

Best piece of advice I have to offer is to search out and befriend the active sailors in your area. They have local knowledge that will keep you out of trouble. Unless you're a hermit, you'll also enjoy sailing with others who enjoy the same.

Grant Kiba
Antioch,CA

Update, please!

Drummer Man said:

I'm a total newbie to sailing although I did serve for 4 years in the US Navy on destroyers. I have taken the ASA101 course and now I have the "bug" really bad. There is a 1976 27' Ericson Sloop for sale in my area that looks perfect for my "first boat" needs.

Hiya! We're in the same position, looking at an E.27 for our first sailboat. No real knowledge, signing up for classes down in Ventura, CA. Did you get the boat you were eyeing? How'd things turn out? Any cautions? All help appreciated...BTW, I'm the drummer of a surf band, "The Dentures". http://www.myspace.com/slodentures
Thanks, Bill D.

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No Boat Yet

crash said:

Drummer Man said:

I'm a total newbie to sailing although I did serve for 4 years in the US Navy on destroyers. I have taken the ASA101 course and now I have the "bug" really bad. There is a 1976 27' Ericson Sloop for sale in my area that looks perfect for my "first boat" needs.

Hiya! We're in the same position, looking at an E.27 for our first sailboat. No real knowledge, signing up for classes down in Ventura, CA. Did you get the boat you were eyeing? How'd things turn out? Any cautions? All help appreciated...BTW, I'm the drummer of a surf band, "The Dentures". http://www.myspace.com/slodentures
Thanks, Bill D.

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As yet, I haven't made the leap. Got as far as a survey done on one particular 27, but had to back out. Still looking and may even be upsizing to a 30ft since a 10 day vacation in the BVI on a 51ft Benneteau!

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Fear not! Most Ericsons are great teachers and tell you what they want. The 30 might be more comfortable with more creature comforts for the wife and we all know that's who's opinion matters. The more comfy she is, the more you'll go sailing.