I wonder if any of the EYO member can tell-me if a Ericson 35 mk3 can be used in offshore conditions like 50 to 60 knots wind and 18 feets of wave. I want to know more about my boat with some experimented sailors
Eric
FWIW, we all tend to take the opening sentences in any thread and just go forward... good thing, too, since that's what was really requested.
In this case, I also see the question being begged that one would plan to be in storm-force conditions in the first place. Of course, when you make any major crossing beyond a one week weather synopsis, and especially in a time of year known for unsettled weather you can indeed be in 60 kt winds and seas to 18 ft.
I only have a couple of long passages along the west coast to go with my many over-nighters. However, I do know a number of ocean crossing cruisers and they have all avoided heavy weather as described above. They all use weather planning and common sense about routing.
I have personally been in "full gale" conditions for 36 hours with seas breaking everywhere, to 19 feet. (Stats from USCG and NOAA, not my estimations.)
I was on a Cascade 36 on the "rough" trip. IMO any mid-size Ericson would have been equally safe and appropriate. It gets back to, as always, your personal preparation and the equipping of your own boat. Always. Always...
By the 80's, Ericson was installing spendy ORC-level gear on all their boats like that second big manual bilge pump at the helm. They were using bridge decks as part of the deck design. When other builders went to "dockside condo interiors" early, Ericson stuck to galleys and navigation areas that could still funcion at sea. And, etc.
IMHO, the only "issue" with an 80's Ericson is just that it is (over?) 25 years old and needs to have all the often-deferred maintenance done when you buy one. :nerd:
Before going blue water, replace that old (if over a decade) standing rig and lifelines. Engine mounts are probably over-age and flattened. Ports may need new gaskets, rebed the keel, yadda yadda yadda. But, you knew that.
If I could assume (dangerous word) that the opening question is about the basic Desgin and Construction of the hull and deck... then *yes* it is up to continuous time at sea.
Opinions rendered on the hour; deposit .02 Canadian, please!
Oh yeah, and what Morgan said above. Very true.
Cheers,
Loren in PDX
ps: Erc, did you mean "experienced" sailors, or just sailors that have been experimented upon? ("Abby Normal"?)