Looking to buy a 32-200 or 34

I'm pleased to find this forum as there are not many Ericsons owners in the UK to talk to. I am interested in a 32-200 or a 34 and would like to some pros/cons for each design. How good is the winged keel? Are there any common ares to look out for? Which size system do the 'nuts and bolts' follow, metric or ? Are there any export rules for transporting a yacht to the UK?
Any links to useful information/data/review pages would be great. Bit of a loose thread I know, but got to start somewhere.
Thanks,
Dave.

As a subscriber to YM and PBO, I note that both have carried articles on the legal requirements to bring in a USA boat to the UK. Something about having it inspected to meet a set of manufacturing requirements. You probably need to contact your Customs office for best info...
(asking strangers for legal help over the internet may pose some, um... risk...)


Late model Ericsons did offer wing/shoal keel configurations according to the brochures, but I am not so sure that very many were sold. I have seen an Ericson show up in the back pages ads in the above two magazines maybe once a year at most. As you note, they are not common in the UK.
FWIW, anything built in California is a rather longish way from you!

It occurs to me that the current weakness of the US$ may bring bring lots more buyers our way... Just like those plane loads of bargain hunting Euro-tourists that enter and leave my local airport (PDX) every day on Lufthansa.
(Since our YC moorage is under the final approaches of PDX, we get all the noise and pollution from many flights a day, including the training sorties from the Air Force base there. )

The present situation is not so different, really, than our boat-buying situation in the 80's when many of us US shoppers would go to Canada to buy boats "on the cheap," using eighty-cent dollars.
And, yes, I was one of those buyers!

Happy hunting,

Loren

Dave, keep an eye out for boats sold on the east coast. Specifically the Chesapeak bay area. Maryland/Virginia/DC. These will be closer to you and you are more likely to find a wing keel. Unless you need the shallow draft, I would not recommend it. I have an '85 35(very similar hull to the 34) with the 6'2" keel and it points like a dream. You will not get as good upwind performance with the wing. Although off the wind may be better. Good luck in your hunt and if you find any in Maine, I would be glad to go check it out for you.

Thanks for the info

Depth is not a concern for my sailing area (the West Coast of Scotland), but general good performance is. Thankyou for your offer of having a 'peek' at a boat should I find one in your area. This could be of great help and reduce the number of trips/survey's. I will now contact PBO/YM and see what standards have to be met.
May thanks,
Dave