Greetings from a rainy Wisconsin. About to undertake a limited refit of newly purchased e25, enough to put her in the water next summer and see how she sails. Looking for advice from other Ericson owners who have undertaken similar projects.
Ahoy and welcome! The majority of Ericson boats are great sailing vessels and am sure you will be pleased.
THAT being said, since it's a '75 there can be problems for you to face given her age and how she was cared for.
Can you possibly provide some photos, findings from a professional survey - if done, what you hope to accomplish with a "limited refit" and what your anticipated usage of the vessel will be? SAFETY comes first, of course, followed by ANTICIPATED future problems of needing to be done and then the "Wouldn't it be nice if......".
Ericson over the years (and even still) have proven to be a competent/competitive racer as well as a comfortable cruiser with lots of cabinetry wood below for an inviting warmth and beauty. Our E32-II (since new in '73) has comfortably sailed us through the Bahamas, Florida and now Michigan, not to mention weathered a few severe storms with grace. Later on the racing course with my son - she more than earned her share of awards and went from "Ha, here comes that Ericson" to "Darn!!...Here comes that Ericson" .
Almost 5 years ago, my son and I noticed a minimal lower shroud problem of water intrusion in the chain plate area and dry rot. We decided to replace the whole bulkhead instead of just a patch job. ...THAT led to the "Never Ending Project" of replacing
ALL major bulkheads, and then electrical, and then fresh water systems, and then head plumbing because of that DANGEROUS consensus comment:
"WHILE WE ARE AT IT"!
It HAS proved more than worthwhile, but is indeed a labor of love and something to be enjoyed as much as sailing due to just being on the boat makes the BEST of a day and times of togetherness. We've found our projects to be equally as bonding as moments shared on a race course or simply a day sail. ...A simple break at our clubhouse for refreshments, sharing our woes and hearing other's equally tough times - AND - remedies is indeed helpful and special. (Even though you may not belong to a club - you will still find sailing friends/neighbors who
WILL take notice and talk [sometimes taking too much of your work time]).
The key thing is for you to prioritize your list of MUST do and want to do items. They must balance with your time available to do them and your budget (which, said list, WILL grow faster than weeds in your lawn!
Do set realistic goals and don't think everything will go according to what you've set as timing goals. ...Remember that "Murphy's Law is superseded by "O'Toole's Law" that said Murphy was an OPTIMIST.
Congrats on your purchase and DO provide us with more info on your boat, more details of what you hope to do and how it is going. This is an EXCELLENT site to resolve any issues and technical problems you will possibly encounter.
Fair Winds,
-kerry