anybody out there?

[gwas02]

as a two ericson owner in south florida I am wondering why I am the only southeastern member.These boats are great and as a guy who has owned many boats over the years i would rank the e boats tops in value for used vessels.There has to be a lot of e owners all around me right?

[2ducs]

Hey I'm here, I'm here!!!!!!! Well not quite yet but working on it.
Sold the Jeanneau in 2002 when my daughter started college and its all over and time to start sailing again so we're looking at a 35 MK III in Mobile and hope to purchase if it turns out to be a good boat.
Cheers

[Ray Rhode]

We have a pretty good collection up here in the panhandle. There was a dealer in Destin and we have four E-boats at my marina, including a very nice 86 E-32 that is for sale. In addition to Journey we have two other E-32s. About 200 yards north is another E-35. There is a problem witht he E-35 in this area because the Destin/East pass bridge is only about 48 ft. and this restricts access to the gulf. Journey's rig had been shortened (actually I think they put the E-32 rig on her) but we still have to be careful.

Ray Rhode
S/V Journey
E-35-III, #189

[Rhynie]

Rhynie here, an E 34T docked in Mandeville on the N shore of Lake Pontchartrain. There was tremendous loss of boats with Katrina but we were spared to a large extent here.

[amadon light]

yes there are costal owners here on the small pond look forward to hearing from you I have a 31 Independence hope to make destin soon on my cruising list

[tadslc]

Hey 2ducs

I would highly recommend reading Ray's comments and taking them into consideration when purchasing a boat. I have one of the 32's at Ray's marina and mast height was a big reason why I ended up with my boat. Besides the Destin bridge, many ICW bridges along the gulf are not going to allow an unmodified 35 through due to height restrictions.

Also, the 32 that is for sale at our marina is a really nice boat. You'll also probably save at least $10K compared to the 35. I've been on both and don't see that much $$$ difference.

I noticed you are in Tuscaloosa (Roll Tide!) and if you're looking into a marina for your new purchase, consider ours. I live in Birmingham and find I can make it to Niceville, where our marina is located, in less time than I can get to Turner where the 35 is located.

Good Luck

[2ducs]

Hey 2ducs

I would highly recommend reading Ray's comments and taking them into consideration when purchasing a boat. I have one of the 32's at Ray's marina and mast height was a big reason why I ended up with my boat. Besides the Destin bridge, many ICW bridges along the gulf are not going to allow an unmodified 35 through due to height restrictions.


Also, the 32 that is for sale at our marina is a really nice boat. You'll also probably save at least $10K compared to the 35. I've been on both and don't see that much $$$ difference.

I noticed you are in Tuscaloosa (Roll Tide!) and if you're looking into a marina for your new purchase, consider ours. I live in Birmingham and find I can make it to Niceville, where our marina is located, in less time than I can get to Turner where the 35 is located.

Good Luck

Hello Tad and thanks for the heads up. We are not new to the area and are familiar with the bridges and passes. Perdido Pass and Destin definately out. After moving down from the Seattle area we quickly got back into sailing and docked the Jeanneau at Pirates Cove.
Most of weekends and vacations spent on Bottoms Up was spent between Orange Beach and Destin via ICW and offshore so bridges were of no concern.

I did notice a 32 for sell at Niceville. Is this the boat and marina (Ray's) that you refer to? Are you at Bluewater Bay? Years back we looked at a C&C there. We plan on going to Mobile and Pensacola this weekend; may need to add Destin.

I have driven to Mobile from BHM on 65 and it seems to take forever compared to taking the country roads from TCL. Well we're just getting back to shopping for a boat and we'd rather be in Pensacola than Mobile.
Time will tell. Regards,

Wayne Gilbert

[tadslc]

The boat for sale is located at our marina, Alan's Little Marina in Niceville, FL on Boggy Bayou / Choctawhatchee Bay . The address is 815 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, FL if you want to Mapquest the location.

I've had my boat for about a year and looked from Mobile to Panama City. This marina is by far the sailboat friendliest one I found. It was recommended by someone at Shure Sails in Pensacola. It takes me about 3 hrs 45 mins to get to the marina from my house. It takes me a little over 4 hrs. to get to Turner Marine.

We also are the home to the "Niceville Yacht Club" which can be found here- http://nicevilleyc.org/
We have 3 life video feeds if you'd like to see the docks.

I'll be down this weekend, if you get a chance, stop by and say hi.

My email address is ericson32.3@gmail.com if you need to get in touch. I'l give you my phone # if you want to talk.

[Ray Rhode]

Wayne,

If you do stop by Alan's this weekend I'll be happy to arrange to show you the E-32. I can get a hold of the broker and ask him to let me show you the boat.

Ray

[sleather]

as a two ericson owner in south florida I am wondering why I am the only southeastern member.These boats are great and as a guy who has owned many boats over the years i would rank the e boats tops in value for used vessels.There has to be a lot of e owners all around me right?

Unfortunately the Owner/Boat Registry, under People & Projects above ^, hasn't made the transition to the updated wedsite yet.

Keep checking, it's a cool tool to find others in your area.

[2ducs]

Thanks for the offer Ray. Looks like the boat is "The Other Women" from what I found on Yacht Trader. Appears to be very clean and nice but like Roy said in Jaws, "We need a bigger boat".

Wayne

[Ray Rhode]

Wayne,

Understand. I would have trouble giving up the extra size, especially the separate shower.

Ray

[SeaRogue]

Greetings,


I just bought the E 32-3 "The Other Woman", located in Niceville and will be moving her to her new home in Treasure Island Florida. I thought that I would say hello and introduce myself to the Ericson sailors here on the forum.

[Ray Rhode]

Welcome. I have the E35-III across the dock from "The Other Woman". Will be sorry to see her go but glad to see her out on the water again. She has sat too long.

When you are at the dock stop by and say hello.

Ray Rhode
S/V Journey
E35-III, #189

[SeaRogue]

Hello Ray,

Thanks for the note. I will be there within the next couple of weeks to arrange delivery of the boat. I will look around the marina for you when I am there. I plan to bring her down to Treasure Island probably sometime next month. Although I live in central Florida now, I grew up in that area and used to visit Boggy Bayou to fish with my grandfather when I was just a tike.

It seems that the other woman did not get much use. I am told that it is a one owner boat with a remote owner who rarely used it. It is in remarkable condition for a boat of that age.

[Ray Rhode]

You are correct about the condition of the boat. There was an Ericson dealer in Destin and they sold and maintained the boat. The guy that worked for Sailing South is now in business for himself and has been keeping the boat up since it arrived over a year ago.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Ray

[Morgan Stinemetz]

Guys,

Looks like I will be moving out to Las Vegas. Lots of reasons for that, none of which are pertinent here. After all, if Howard Hughes did it, I can to. So my venerable E-27, Reefer, is for sale. It's a 1973 with a Honda 4-stroke outboard. Sails include main, killer working jib, storm jib, cruising chute in sock, 155 genoa. All the extras. Vang, backstay adjuster, Cunningham, outhaul, GPS, UHF. 406 EPIRB, stereo, two Autohelms in Pelican case, WSI, inverter, pressure water at sink, several stoves including Origo two-burner, Ray Marine depth/speedo/water temp/log/trip log, countdown clock, two anchors, two fathoms of unbreakable chain on primary (Fortress), hard dink w/ wooden oars, new spar, whisker poles, Lars Bergstrom one-of-a-kind hibachi holder, MOM, bimini, boom tent, dehumdifier, spare tiller, tethers, holding tank, life jackets and lots of other stuff I cannot remember. In 30 years of racing, we finished off the podium maybe 10 times. Boat has sailed to Cuba and cruised extensively in western Gulf. Draft is 3'11"; beam is 9'; LOA is 26'9"; LWL is 21'6"; top of mast off water is 38'. I am the boat's second owner and have owned it since 1976. It's both a rock and a rocket ship. Last race I did on it--with stellar crew--we finished 6:24 ahead of the second boat in our class IN REAL TIME.

Morgan Stinemetz

[Capt Jeff]

I have been away cruising all over Fla and just got back from the Dry Tortugas west of Key West. I live in Tampa and would love to find others close to cruise with or hang out with. BTW if anyone ever wants to go to the Tortugas to dive... DO IT! It has THE nicest reefs I have ever seen and all the local authorities were super nice!

Anywho... I am back in Tampa and soon ( November) will be moving to Ft Myers Fl.

[SeaRogue]

Ray,

I was at your dock on Tuesday. I saw "Journey" but did not see you. The E32 formerly known as "The Other Woman" is in the yard in Shalimar getting a new bottom and having her old name removed. She will emerge from the yard as "Moonshine" and return to her old slip awaiting the trip to her new home in Treasure Island.

Sorry that I missed you. Hopefully I will be able to say hello when I return to get "Moonshine".

[Mindscape]

SeaRouge - congrats on the new to you (and sounds like almost like new) 32-3. I've got a '85 32-3 and love it. I'm sure you will be happy with this boat and the advice the folks on this great site will happily give you, just ask!

We sail up on Lake Michagan and have had a great experience with our boat Mindscape. When I was shopping E boats weren't on my original list, but got talked into looking at one and next thing you know, I own one. Glad to this day I bought an Ericson! Welcome aboard.

[SeaRogue]

Frank,

Thanks for your welcome. I also had not considered an Ericson until I came upon one during my search for a boat. I had only been aboard one Ericson in my life prior to that. A classmate of mine had an Ericson 35 in the St. Petersburg marina in 1978. I remember being impressed that he had sailed the boat there from Hawaii.

I chose the 32 because it seems exactly the right size for me. It is small enough to single hand and handle relatively easily while large enough to be a comfortable cruiser. I am also very impressed with the quality of the interior.

I know that I will have a lot of questions to ask here. I am pleased that this forum exists and that other Ericson owners are available to help with my novice questions.

[Ray Rhode]

Moonshine,

Sorry I missed you. Let me know when you plan to return to Alan's and I'll make sure I'm there to pass you your lines.

Too bad you were not here yesterday. We had our "sometimes" annual Fun Race. We would have had enough for an Ericson class. We had fourteen boats from the dock and it was great.

Ray

[Desiderata]

We know how some of you feel. We put together an "Ericson Raftup" this past June in Cortez(Bradenton) FL and we were the only Ericson there. We've restored a '78 E-27 quite thoroughly. As we worked on her, we were impressed with the quality and design of our Ericson. So much so, that we said that if we ever decided to upsize, we'd lean heavily toward the Ericson name. We'd like to get together with our Ericson brothers and perhaps eyeball a bigger boat. We're going to Egmont Key this weekend for a raftup we found out about thru our Sailmonster.com buddies. Its a great site for sailor social events. We'd love to put together another "Ericson Raftup" (DeSoto Point or somewhere in the Tampa bay area) Anybody interested?:egrin:
Mike & Cheri

[SeaRogue]

Hi Mike and Cheri,

I would love to raft up with fellow Ericson sailors in the Tampa bay area. This weekend is out for me since my boat, the 1985 E32-3 "Moonshine" is in the yard in Niceville as indicated in earlier posts.

Although I cannot make the raftup this weekend, please keep me in mind for later events.

I am on Sailmonster under the name CaptThunder.

[WBurgner]

Mike &Cheri,
After several years at the Twin Dolphin Marina in Bradenton my wife and I now keep our E38 in St Pete. Given a little advanced notice we would like to meet up with other Ericson owners in the area.

[fredn56]

I say from the coast, although we have not yet taken the time to sail all the way from Julington Creek on the St John's River to the ocean.
Many pleasant overnight trips up and down the river around Jacksonville.

Fred Nelson
Ericson 23 #344
Ad Astra

[edwardgato]

as a two ericson owner in south florida I am wondering why I am the only southeastern member.These boats are great and as a guy who has owned many boats over the years i would rank the e boats tops in value for used vessels.There has to be a lot of e owners all around me right?

Hey, I'm out here also! Our E29 is sliped at Little Harbor, Ruskin Fl which is just 25 min from our home in Brandon, FL.

Ed S/V El Gato
:egrin:

[Lawrence B. Lee]

Greetings from the Annabel Lee in Savannah, GA. There are three other E-boats here that I know of. All of them are E-30+ boats. The Admiral and I bought our 1988 boat in Charleston, SC where I know several more are berthed (not birthed--let's not go there). It was in Nov. of 2007 and after a cold and frightening trip south on the ICW depending on the PO's GPS and in amazing darkness at night we finally got the boat in front of the last drawbridge. As we were advised that we had a 30 minute wait we throttled back only to have the motor quit. Oh, Bad Word! If we missed the 5:30 opening we were stuck until 7:00 pm. After 28 minutes of tossing the anchor, banging on battery terminals, shaking wires, tightening screws, running, scampering, yelling, praying and cursing (not same breath) the little B****d started just as the bridge tender hailed us with a cheerful "Capt. you can bring her to the bridge." We struggled to get the anchor out of a gooky smelly swamp bottom known as "pluff mud" in the SE and proceeded to pass through out of breath and exhausted. It was there that I was introduced to M25XP starter problems which I have addressed on another thread.

After two years of work, toil and messing around we finally have the boat in the shape the yacht salesman told us it was in. Isn't sailing fun?

Larry Lee
Annabel Lee E-32-200
Savannah, GA

[Blue Heron]

I have been away cruising all over Fla and just got back from the Dry Tortugas west of Key West. I live in Tampa and would love to find others close to cruise with or hang out with. BTW if anyone ever wants to go to the Tortugas to dive... DO IT! It has THE nicest reefs I have ever seen and all the local authorities were super nice!

Anywho... I am back in Tampa and soon ( November) will be moving to Ft Myers Fl.

Yeah, The tortugas rock for gunkholing, just keep a weather eye:-)

[2ducs]

Well after a very long pause from the forum we've decided not to purchase the E-35III in Mobile. It turns out to be in need of much TLC that I do not have time for unless I haul it to my house and besides I'm not looking for a project. So we'll keep looking and hope to meet you all some day.
Happy Sailing:)

[edwardgato]

We live in Brandon, just outside of Tampa. However, we keep our boat "El Gato" sliped at Little Harbor (Ruskin, FL). My email address is edwardgato@msn.com. Maybe we can get to gether for some sailing?

EdGato
el Capitan de "El Gato" E29, 1977

[davisr]

Dear Southeast Forum Members,

I am a new owner of an E25, centerboard. Purchased her in Oriental, NC and trailered her to my home in Charleston, SC about 3 weeks ago. From the many postings in response to the original question "anybody out there?" it would appear that there are many more Gulf Coast owners/forum members than there are East Coast.

Any other owners out there in the Lowcountry of South Carolina? I know someone mentioned that there were several Ericsons berthed in Charleston.

Best,
Roscoe Davis

E25, cb, Hull 226