Ericson 38, C&C 35, Niagara 35, CS 36 - any showstoppers?

[Waterloo Fox]

I'm looking at all of these boats. I'm not going to ask the question "which should I purchase" - too many factors specific to my use case. Instead, I'm looking for any considerations specific to the boats listed in the subject lnie that might push me towards or (more importantly) away any of these. They are all similarly equipped, in similar condition, and of similar age. The CS and Niagara are the most expensive, the Ericson a bit less, and the C&Cs a bit less than the Ericson.

For context, my use case is recreational cruising on the Great Lakes (based on Lake Huron) - just me and my wife with occasional day trip visitors. I'm looking to balance sailling comfort, living comfort, ability to single hand, and sailing performance. The latter is perhaps least important apart from not wanting a heavy barge given light air in the summer on the Great Lakes.

In case the answer depends on sub-model, the Ericson is the 1-series, the C&Cs are Mark IIIs (some fin keel, some centerboard), the Niagara is the newer Encore layout, and the CS could be either the Traditional or the Merlin.

By the way, Tartan 37s had been on my list, but I'm concerned that sea motion and speed may be too big a penalty. There are also several Catalina 36 Mark I boats of the same vintage, but none in my direct area.

Thanks in advice for any helpful advice.

Eric

[Adelie]

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/niagara-35

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/cs-36

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/cc-35-3

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/ericson-38

[Adelie]

I’ll check the numbers tonight when I get home or which is likely to be the strongest and the fastest.

[Tetepare]

The Niagara has a cored hull, and likely the C&C does as well.

Those you listed are 70s and 80s boats. Most Catalina 36 are newer, with better ergonomics, and a heck of a lot easier to get parts for.

[AiniA]

Note the two CS 36s are very different boats. The Cat 36 Mk II is a much better boat than the Mk 1 but much more expensive. For what you want to do might make sense to look at a Nonsuch 30, probably with the Ultra interior, terrific for single handing. Not sure why you kicked the Tarrtan 37 off the list, it seems very comparable.

[Waterloo Fox]

Thanks for the replies. I just got back from looking at the Ericson 38 - very nice boat. I made a verbal offer - hoping to hear positive news this evening. If that doesn't work then I'm thinking that the next down my list are a couple of C&C 35 Mark III boats. Yes, Tetepare, the concern there will be the cored hull below the waterline.

AiniA, the Cat Mark II boats are definitely nice - unfortunately my budget only extends to the Mark I versions. The two CS versions are in my budget, but few of them on the market right now. Maybe I should give the Tartan more of a chance - I don't have the direct experience to properly judge, but I'm not 100% sold on a centerboard/keel boat - sea comfort, pointing, things that can wrong - feel free to tell me that those shouldn't be concerns!

[Stewie12]

Centreboard will probably cause problems at some time or other. There could also be an annoying noise factor at anchor if you leave it down. Keel boats will give you a better performance to windward. Just check those bolts from time to time and especially if you have run aground.

[AiniA]

Originally Posted by Waterloo Fox

AiniA, the Cat Mark II boats are definitely nice - unfortunately my budget only extends to the Mark I versions. The two CS versions are in my budget, but few of them on the market right now. Maybe I should give the Tartan more of a chance - I don't have the direct experience to properly judge, but I'm not 100% sold on a centerboard/keel boat - sea comfort, pointing, things that can wrong - feel free to tell me that those shouldn't be concerns!

Many years ago we were looking for a similar boat but including the possibility of some offshore use - Bermuda, for example. Our short list was the Niagara, CS 36T, and Tartan. The Tartan was dropped because we could not find one that was good. Quite liked the CS, one major issue was that it did not have a keel sump so any water inside, and there will be water, it ends up in storage areas when you are heeled. Had friends who did a NYC-Bermuda return trip and all their stuff, clothes and food got wet. Ended up with a Mk 1 Niagara that we bought in Nova Scotia and brought up the St Lawrence. Very much liked the boat but we wanted something bigger for liveaboard and extended cruising.

As to centreboards, we ended up with a Bristol 45.5 (5' board up/ 12' board down). it went to windward incredibly well but we left it up most of the time since we were almost always off the wind while doing a circumnavigation. Heard of one 45.5 that sailed around the world with the CB permanently up and the slot glassed over. Ted Hood CB designs are like that the CB is an extra feature not a necessity, don't know about the S&S Tartan, or for that matter various C&C CB boats. Only CB maintenance we had was replacement of bronze sheaves for the pennant.

Good luck with your choice.

[rmesfo]

Originally Posted by Waterloo Fox

Thanks for the replies. I just got back from looking at the Ericson 38 - very nice boat. I made a verbal offer - hoping to hear positive news this evening. If that doesn't work then I'm thinking that the next down my list are a couple of C&C 35 Mark III boats. Yes, Tetepare, the concern there will be the cored hull below the waterline.

AiniA, the Cat Mark II boats are definitely nice - unfortunately my budget only extends to the Mark I versions. The two CS versions are in my budget, but few of them on the market right now. Maybe I should give the Tartan more of a chance - I don't have the direct experience to properly judge, but I'm not 100% sold on a centerboard/keel boat - sea comfort, pointing, things that can wrong - feel free to tell me that those shouldn't be concerns!

Good luck! I was looking at the same type of boats in the SF Bay Area. Went with a smaller, 303 ericson. Have never regretted that decison!