Ericson Serial Numbers

[MVMarshall]

My husband and I just signed a purchase agreement on a 30-foot 1987 Ericson. I sailed for years before we met and had a 35-foot Ericson. Now we're buying this boat to see how much he likes sailing before moving to something more expensive. I remember reading somewhere years ago that the boat serial number could tell you when the boat was laid up and a few other interesting facts; I just can't remember the details. If anyone could help refresh my memory I'd sure apppreciate it! Thanks, M.

[John_colpitts]

You might want to try this question on ericsonyachts.org.

[Jeff_H]

The Coast Guard has a nice monograph on HIN (Hull Identication Numbers) that is available on line:

http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/pdfs/BSC70.pdf#search='HIN%20Hull%20Identification%20Nu mber'

One issue with hull numbers is that they are not always consecutive. Historically, manufacturers could and often did use some numbering system that would not directly correspond with the total number of boats actually built. For example, I understand that Pearson would use a numbering system in which the first number was the years in production and the second and third number was the number of boats built that year. (i.e. hull number 430 would be the 30th boat built during the 4th year that the boat was in production.) I have no idea how Ericson numbered their boats.

Jeff

[mikeronie]

My 1972 Ericson 32 did not have the numbers in the hull. A 3 digit number was stamped on the tiller plate.
Mike