380 vs 38-200

J

J D

New Member
I have my eye on an Ericson 380 that's for sale locally but is overpriced considering it's age (my opinion only). There have been a few 38s for sale that were only a couple of years older and in similar condition for $40k-$50k less. Is the 380 really worth the premium, or is the price bump simply due to low supply?

Also, as an aside, do they both have the same headroom? My minimum headroom requirement is 6'4" (6'8" would be ideal, but is nearly impossible to find). I haven't been on this boat yet -- worried I'll walk away owning two boats. :egrin:
 
Loren Beach

Loren Beach

O34 - Portland, OR
Senior Moderator
Blogs Author
AFAIK the 380 designation was for the PSC -built version.
Newer in years, with the cachet of being constructed by PSC, price is typically higher. By the mid -90's PSC also changed the transom to a swim platform style and there may be other differences (deck mold or interior build out) that others here can comment on.

Sidebar: While likely a too-small cruiser for you (if you are seriously shopping the larger E-38) you ought to check out that Yamaha 36 out at a brokerage at Shillshole. You should have ample headroom and it is easily as well built as any Ericson. We were aboard several months ago. It is a pure sailing performance cruiser. http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1980/Yamaha-Sloop-2206885/Seattle/WA/United-States

Regards,
Loren
 
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M

Mort Fligelman

Member III
PSC Built Vs Ericson

My .02 worth:-

When I began my quest and search for a 35-3, a broker suggested that I might be much happier with the 34-10, which is the Pacific Seacraft version of this boat....but 34'10" overall as opposed to 35' 6". I never got to check one out and finally found my 35-3.

This fall in going through the boatyard I saw an Ericson that I really did not recognize....but in speaking to the owner and getting the grand tour, I found that it was the 34-10, and was duly impressed....

If all things be equal on the 380 as I saw on the 34-10, as opposed to my 35-3, and the 38's I have been on, the attention to detail, quality of material, and general construction details have the Ericson built boat far in the dust.....no comparison, and certainly worth the additional $.....

Like I said..... my .02 worth, and definitly one mans opinion.

FWIW
 
exoduse35

exoduse35

Sustaining Member
more coins...
If you look at a fair # of any boat one thing will stand out... after 20 years no two are alike anymore! The price should reflect the care of the previous owner, and the condition, as well as the reputation of the design. When I found my E35-2 I got it for 10.6k at the same time there were listings for 35-2s as much as 54k. Mine was deeply discounted because it was taken as a trade by a 2 boat owner and was 35 years old. It was very well treated by its original owners, but was heavily raced and therefore had nothing EVER added that did not increase speed. The other boats had water heaters, refers. dodgers, Etc. Some were well equipped and well cared for and commanded top $. Others were well equipped and long neglected, thus lowering their value. The long and short of it is that you need to find the best deal on the boat that best fits you. There is more to it than just a name. There are once top quality boats being cut up every day because they have been ruined beyond Restoration, and once moderate boats that are now stellar examples of the best of the sailing tradition. So it is not so much comparing price as it is value! Happy hunting, Edd:egrin:
 
u079721

u079721

Contributing Partner
J D said:
I have my eye on an Ericson 380 that's for sale locally but is overpriced considering it's age (my opinion only). There have been a few 38s for sale that were only a couple of years older and in similar condition for $40k-$50k less. Is the 380 really worth the premium, or is the price bump simply due to low supply?

Also, as an aside, do they both have the same headroom? My minimum headroom requirement is 6'4" (6'8" would be ideal, but is nearly impossible to find). I haven't been on this boat yet -- worried I'll walk away owning two boats. :egrin:
Click to expand...

I was aboard a PC built 380 at the Atlantic City boat show one year, and got the chance to compare it with our 1989 38-200. Some of the changes were quite nice, like much improved wiring and plumbing and ports. Some I didn't like, such as losing all that aft storage space to the scoop stern, or losing the storage drawers in the galley, or the ports that didn't like like Ericson anymore. Headroom was the same as mine. As for the price premium, I would be more impressed by equipment and maintenance than the PC heritage. I wouldn't pay a premium for an 19 year old PC built over a 21 or 22 year old Ericson built 38 unless the condition were that much better. And realistically, after 20 years the condition and maintenance will matter more than anything else.

Do you have a link to the listing?
 
u079721

u079721

Contributing Partner
No doubt about it - that is one beautiful Ericson. And given what he paid for it, it might even be a reasonable price. But for $50,000 less you can get a pretty decent 1989 model, and that much cash buys a LOT of upgrades.
 
S

Seth

Sustaining Partner
Pretty Yamaha

No doubt, Loren-
That is one sweet boat. Great hull design pedigree (Peterson or Peterson-esque), and a GORGEOUS interior which is very well laid out for offshore work.

Anyway, I second the emotion that condition and equipment is far more important than model year or builder (Ericson or PSC).

Find the best combination of condition and price and go for it..

I used to buy used airplanes for a few extra bucks, and after speaking with the seller and hearing how nice the plane was, when I got to see it (no matter how impressed I was with it), I would slowly shake my head, murmur a little to myself, and when the seller would ask what was on my mind, I would just say I was dissapointed, and expected better. The more I wanted to buy it, the more "dissapointed" I became..;)

This usually led to a good price being negotiated..

Happy hunting!

S
 
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