1975 Ericson 25 (mk 1, cb version)

[john61ct]

Found near me, early 8' beam version with shallow draft swing keel

Was $3,000, owner now says he'll take $2,750, includes an apparently sound trailer.

Bruce King design, apparently excellent build quality.

The shallow draft version makes it much easier to self-launch off the trailer, but sacrifice upwind performance a bit?, and

Some say the centerboard may be dangerous in seriously heavy weather, also hatches and other aspects not heavy-duty enough for offshore passage making?

Chain plates may be questionable?

Other issues to look for?

It's in Mass, north of Boston, anyone nearby can help have a look?, or

can recommend a reasonably priced surveyor?

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From ad:

Good shape, sound hull, good sails, headsail hurler, new aluminum fore-hatch, two new Nicro vents on Dorade-style bases, new main hatch (teak), new tiller, rebuilt rudder, new Life Lines, running and standing rigging, cushions.

Includes Load Rite Tandem trailer - new tires, brakes, lights.

Titles in hand

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZK0AA...dh7/s-l400.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7c0AA...diF/s-l400.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zXkAA...diP/s-l400.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yHMAA...diW/s-l400.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/42MAA...dik/s-l400.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/o1QAA...div/s-l400.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/DusAA...di1/s-l400.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/KVYAA...djB/s-l400.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/NMQAA...djH/s-l400.jpg

[john61ct]

Comparing to other narrow beam boats like the Westerlies, Norsea 27.

8'6" is a max dealbreaker hard limit. Yes heavy, transportable rather than trailerable, as per this series of blog posts https://www.google.com/search?q=oystercatcher+"why+I+bought+the+ericson+2 5%2C+part"

After that, seaworthiness is top priority, seakindly & safe on the open ocean. I realize lots of time & money will be required to get any cheap boat ready for blue water, but I at least want to start with "good bones": high structural integrity, *designed for* blue water passage making, at least within the size boundary above, not requiring higher-level skills than usually required, nor great luck with the weather.

Ideally a boat which will take care of its crew when the sea state gets rough with the least tiring motion and best possible safety for its occupants.

"if a boat is a good boat, when real trouble comes she is best left alone. She knows better what to do than you, and if you leave her*alone she will do the right things" —Tony Marchaj

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Lower priority is live-aboard space, especially bunks and headroom. Apparently this model Ericson has 5'6".

And of course storage and carrying capacity.

Last priority is speed, the above requirements yield a pretty narrow range there.

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For background, the original thread where I worked out my priorities: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ts-193354.html If you want to criticize or discuss my criteria, **please** do it there not here, keep this thread to this model Ericson

Other boats on my watch list:
Columbia / Defender 29
Tartan 27
Albin Vega 27
Cape Dory 25D & 27
Bristol 24 & 27
Islander / Bahama
Rhodes Meridian 25
Pacific Seacraft 25
Pearson Triton 28
Cornish Crabber
Halcyon 27
O'Day Outlaw 26

Further suggestions welcome, or even better: help me narrow things down by knocking some out of the running!

[john61ct]

Here's one in Oregon for comparison, bit far for me to travel ATM https://eugene.craigslist.org/boa/d/...615444915.html

[Stu Jackson]

Are you aware that Ericson has their own website? Knowledgeable owners with that specific model can help you out.

[john61ct]

Yes, I have posted there and will again, was thinking I would also get "more objective" feedback here on the blue water issues and (especially) comparisons with the other boats listed.

Also perhaps less chance of someone more motivated and knowledgeable grabbing it before me.

But thanks for the advice!

[Don C L]

I think those Ericsons are good boats, but I don't see that model as intended for bluewater. It will feel bouncy and tender in the bigger waves. Its ballast is not very low. I'd feel better about the fixed keel version. It was really intended as a lake boat or fair weather coastal cruiser and I think it is a great choice for that and gunkholing in shallow areas. That said, would I take one out on a windy day with larger waves.. yes, but I'd pack the Dramamine. Remember the boat Dove, sailed by Robin Graham across the Pacific when he was 16 was a 24' Lapworth, lighter than the Ericson, but it had the ballast down lower in 4' draft.

[john61ct]

Yes, I suspected as much. Do you think that's generally true for all shallow draft with centerboard / swing keel designs?

Just that after parsing through that "why I bought" thread, made me possibly reconsider the focus on full-keel boats

wrt the trailer launching issue. Previously I thought just being a matter of equipment and learning / practicing to get well skilled, but it seems such long / deep launching locations may well be few and far between?

Which would wipe out 95% of my candidates, even Columbia and Nor'sea, leave just the Centaur way in front so far.

Or I just resign myself to needing civilized locations and marinas for most launch / retrieval events, would be a bitter pill indeed.

[Don C L]

Well, what launching situations did you have in mind? I can understand your concern if you want to consider shallow angle ramps or gravel ramps. I am thinking a double axle trailer with a wheel for the tongue and a really long extension bar or let it roll out on a chain could work. Are you thinking of going down to Baja or something like that?

[Don C L]

As far as other shoal drafted/centerboard designs, usually they try to add stability by adding beam and weight, but I think the Tartan 27 MAY fit your demands. I'd call that a good choice for you, but even with the board up it still draws 3' I think. I just checked and it weighs 7400 lbs too... may want to consider 3 axle trailer for that one.

[jefjo]

John I think you might be better of with one of these. (imo) Assuming you want something with a trailer.

https://providence.craigslist.org/bo...587714341.html

https://providence.craigslist.org/bo...572890369.html


https://vermont.craigslist.org/boa/d...614309901.html

[john61ct]

I'm not actually looking to buy anytime soon, and trying to shorten the list of candidates, but thanks I'll check them, but only post back if they do match.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Don C L

As far as other shoal drafted/centerboard designs, usually they try to add stability by adding beam and weight, but I think the Tartan 27 MAY fit your demands. I'd call that a good choice for you, but even with the board up it still draws 3' I think. I just checked and it weighs 7400 lbs too... may want to consider 3 axle trailer for that one.

My trailer will be able to handle GVW 14K# total fully loaded, on two 7K axles, so apparently will be OK even loaded, as long as I stick to that 8'6" beam.

Yes Tartan's definitely in the running, seems better than the Pearsons, but it is a little bit over on the beam. Dolphin 24 fits, but miserable headroom.

Here are others cut for beam too wide:
Pearson 26 & 27
Alberg 30
Dana 24
Seafarer 31 MK1
Sea Sprite 27
Vancouver 27

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Well, what launching situations did you have in mind?

I don't have preconceptions about specific shorelines or ramp types, just want **lots** of flexibility worldwide, without compromising seakindly and safe sailing "much".

Baja's sounded nice so far, anything I should know?

So, say I'm running down a given coastline with my Nor'sea or Columbia/Defender, looking for a place to self-launch. With all the right gear required, having apprenticed 50 launches with the masters, confident but humbly conscientious.

As opposed to with a Centaur.

I don't mind travelling an extra 500 miles to get to a good launch spot, but a thousand would be grossly inconvenient. Is that the kind of ballpark we're talking about?

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by john61ct

My trailer will be able to handle GVW 14K# total fully loaded, on two 7K axles, so apparently will be OK even loaded, as long as I stick to that 8'6" beam.

Yes Tartan's definitely in the running, seems better than the Pearsons, but it is a little bit over on the beam. Dolphin 24 fits, but miserable headroom.

Here are others cut for beam too wide:
Pearson 26 & 27
Alberg 30
Dana 24
Seafarer 31 MK1
Sea Sprite 27
Vancouver 27

I'm surprised Vancouver didn't make the cut. I see its 2" over. I've always thought they'd be a great candidate for a trim tab self-steering vane on the rudder given the plumb stern and transom hung rudder. That boat's got a good rep too.
I don't think you'll have to go 500 miles out of your way to find a launch/landing spot, but where do you want to go?

[john61ct]

I "want" to go everywhere. Realistically I may never leave the Americas, or even just the western Atlantic.

But I have close family in Scandinavia, South East Asia and Australia I'd like to visit if possible.

Nor really making "plans" at this point, but would like to spend the reno / upfitting money on a long-term keeper that gives me maximum options.