After a few months of searching and deciding, I closed today on the purchase of a 1978 E34T, #119. Many of you may remember the boat that won the Sail Magazine/Boatworks "Bailout" contest.... This is the boat. Essentially, in 2006, the boat underwent an almost complete 2 year makeover. About the only component not replaced was the Yanmar which still purrs.
I have decided to add a few new toys to make her more cruise friendly and almost complete are a new Norcold Ice Box conversion, Slimline Hot Water Heater and head shower/sump install. I also added a 13 gallon fresh water bladder tank under the quarter berth to offset the weight of the other new components to starboard. Also being added is a lewmar bow roller and 22lb Delta anchor. Northsails has ordered the Tidewater Marine "Fast Track" system for the main as well as fabricating their Northsails "Quickcover" sail pack/lazyjack system.
Thanks to all who have given great advice over the last few months as I have asked fellow Vikings for your insight and knowledge as I was in the deciding mode. A special thanks to Seth and Mark A for all your excellent input. I am anxious to get her launched and out sailing. She will live in Jamestown, RI for the summer and then I will head south for the winter. I would welcome any emails from fellow Viking owners in the NE area as meeting up on a mooring or two in the coming months would be fun.
As the projects and launch preparations near completion, I will upload pictures and updates along the way. My first boat was an E30 and after 16 years, I'm happy to be back in the Viking camp.
Happy Sailing.....
--Ron Mahan
S/V "Lauren B"
'78 Ericson 34T, #119
Jamestown, RI
I have decided to add a few new toys to make her more cruise friendly and almost complete are a new Norcold Ice Box conversion, Slimline Hot Water Heater and head shower/sump install. I also added a 13 gallon fresh water bladder tank under the quarter berth to offset the weight of the other new components to starboard. Also being added is a lewmar bow roller and 22lb Delta anchor. Northsails has ordered the Tidewater Marine "Fast Track" system for the main as well as fabricating their Northsails "Quickcover" sail pack/lazyjack system.
Thanks to all who have given great advice over the last few months as I have asked fellow Vikings for your insight and knowledge as I was in the deciding mode. A special thanks to Seth and Mark A for all your excellent input. I am anxious to get her launched and out sailing. She will live in Jamestown, RI for the summer and then I will head south for the winter. I would welcome any emails from fellow Viking owners in the NE area as meeting up on a mooring or two in the coming months would be fun.
As the projects and launch preparations near completion, I will upload pictures and updates along the way. My first boat was an E30 and after 16 years, I'm happy to be back in the Viking camp.
Happy Sailing.....
--Ron Mahan
S/V "Lauren B"
'78 Ericson 34T, #119
Jamestown, RI