I just started sailing about 5 years ago in a Capri 25 on Lake Guntersville in northern Alabama. I have enjoyed learning to sail and racing in the Capri but would like something more comfortable. Lake Guntersville is on the Tennessee River with access to Mobile Bay and the Gulf Coast, which is where I may (or may not) eventually end up. I recently discovered the Ericson Independence 31 online and immediately fell for its classic lines. I have not found anything but good comments about them online. I guess I am looking for some affirmation from anyone in this group that knows them closely.
Is there any sort of owners group or registry for the 31? I was hoping to locate one in my area to visit just to make sure it is what I am looking for. There was one just recently for sale in the Atlanta area but before I got a chance to check it out, it sold and was moved elsewhere. At 38K it was out of my price range but I was hoping to get to just set foot on one. There is a project boat ('79) for sale in Wilmington, NC but that is about 8 hours away. I was hoping there might be one to visit a little closer, maybe along the gulf coast.
I am thinking about the project boat in Wilmington. A project boat was not my first intention but with less than 80 of them built, I would not expect them to come available very often, and even less often in the southeast. The exterior looks clean but there has apparently been significant leaking into the cabin. A lot of the woodwork would have to be redone. If I went that route I would of course have a survey done first.
I would appreciate any comments and/or advice.
John
Is there any sort of owners group or registry for the 31? I was hoping to locate one in my area to visit just to make sure it is what I am looking for. There was one just recently for sale in the Atlanta area but before I got a chance to check it out, it sold and was moved elsewhere. At 38K it was out of my price range but I was hoping to get to just set foot on one. There is a project boat ('79) for sale in Wilmington, NC but that is about 8 hours away. I was hoping there might be one to visit a little closer, maybe along the gulf coast.
I am thinking about the project boat in Wilmington. A project boat was not my first intention but with less than 80 of them built, I would not expect them to come available very often, and even less often in the southeast. The exterior looks clean but there has apparently been significant leaking into the cabin. A lot of the woodwork would have to be redone. If I went that route I would of course have a survey done first.
I would appreciate any comments and/or advice.
John