Ericson 29 or Islander 28?

[fernorod]

I am new to this forum but have been reading it for years. I currently own a catalina capri 18 and looking to upgrade. There is a 1978 Islander 28 and a 1973 ericson 29. I am hoping to do a few days of sailing building to longer sails. They are same price and will have other more knowledgeable and experienced sailors look at them before I purchase, but for now just looking for opinions. thanks for your time

[fernorod]

the ericson has an atomic 4 and the islander has a volvo. I feel that there is a difference here. am i wrong to assume that?

[Benz]

The Atomic 4 is gasoline, the Volvo is diesel. Atomic 4s have not been made for ages, and though there are parts available (they seem to have a slightly cultish following), it is generally accepted that diesels are more durable, reliable and safe. Even without discussing engines, I'd choose Islander over Ericson--the Islanders I've seen seemed to be better built.

[Maggie-K]

I sailed an Ericson 29 for 10 years , A proverbial brick shithouse of a boat that sails really well and is very forgiving. Very overbuilt construction. Sails well in light air and comfortable and safe in a gale. Several have gone around the world . Check out the Ericson forum

ericson 29 suitability

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, fernorod.

[fernorod]

your responses are appreciated. I have heard and read that both are great boats for that era as far as their construction qualities and sailing abilites. I am leaning a little towards the Islander. I hope see both and sail them next week.

[ohdrinkboy]

At this age, I would say which ever is in better shape if you are just using it for coastal work. Either boat will work, but is one head and shoulders over the other in terms of maintenance and upgrades.

[Piney]

Just go out for a few days on your C18. I have spent many weeks living and cruising on mine throughout the Pacific Northwest. It has more room that John Guzzwell's Trekka.. Once you get used to the size and comments like "you sleep in that?" and "ain't she cute".. its not bad at all..

[rebel heart]

I had an Ericson that I really liked. The only thing that sucked, and it really sucked, was the Atomic 4. It also had a CNG stove that was a pain the ass to find fuel for. Minus the engine and the stove though the Ericson was perfect for me as my first keel boat.

[tbodine88]

The Ericson is nice. I miss mine had to sell it when I lost my job ten years ago.
A previous owner replaced the atomic 4 with a diesel, this was a good thing. If only I had taken care of it! Be sure and have impellers for both the salt water and fresh water pumps.

The islander is prettier.

As for sailing in gales I sailed mine through a sixty mph gale and only got wet. It was raining hard off Antigua.

Boy I really miss that boat

Tom Bodine

[prof_mariner]

I've sailed both and the are both great boats. If they were equal in condition and price I'd lean towards the Ericson were it not for the gas Atomic 4 engine. After witnessing two dockside explosions on inboard gasoline boats (both while refueling and due to poor bilge ventilation) I strongly recommend you either get a boat with an inboard diesel or plan on changing the Atomic 4 for a suitable diesel engine. Yes, gasoline engines can be safe if properly maintained and the proper precautions are taken, but it's my experience that many people do not take those precautions seriously enough and far too many boats I've been asked to deliver (and had Atomic 4s) were time bombs just waiting to explode.

[soloskipper]

I did the Great Loop in my Bristol 29.2 with an Atomic 4 full keel with CB. I can't say enough good things. The Herreshoff design is so sweet. After 26 years, she is for sale at SanCarlosYachts.com
I had her engine totally rebuilt but must give up singelhanding. Oh yes, she won the TransSuperior Cruiser Class in 1989 and she is a 1968.

[David M]

I would keep looking for a boat that is closer to an Islander but with a Diesel. Your two choices each have a major compromise it seems.