Ericson 35

Bardo · #1 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007

I have been looking at Tartan 34C's as an upgrade to my Bristol 29. But recently, the Ericson 35 has come to my attention. Any Ericson owners or sailors out there who can give me feedback? Quality construction and good sailing qualities, including light air, are my top priorities (DUH).

Valiente · #2 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007

Pearson 35? C&C 35 Mk. I? There's a lot of '70s and '80s cruiser-racers out there that would meet the criterion. Hell, even an older J/35 if it's not too beat up can be had for less than $50K...one sold at our club last month that was a beauty.

cjmcfall · #3 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007

I have also been looking at the Ericson 35s and the Tartan 34c. I have an Ericson 29 now and will be upgrading in the near future. I have no complaints with the Ericson 29 though. I could use more space for me and my German shepherd. We live aboard in Michigan.

bestfriend · #4 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007

Here is a review from an owner. I like the interior of the MKIII the best, plus you are more likely to get a diesel. Tankage seems a little small for a 35 footer, but you would have more stowage.

jgeissinger · #5 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007

I owned an Ericson 35 Mark II for about 8 years and both raced and cruised in it. It has only slightly more interior room than a Catalina 30, although those are big 30 footers. It is pretty tender, due more to hull shape than the fact that is has a large section deck stepped mast and a not too deep interior ballast keel. The hull has fairly slack bilges and little form stability, but it carries about a 45% ballast ratio.

It sails like a dream, and is especially fast in light airs. The cockpit is large and has lots either racing crew or lounging about room. It is a Bruce King design and I think it is a very pretty boat. In Southern California, where I am, you would have no trouble picking up a nice one in the low 20's.

T34C · #6 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007

Buy The Tartan!!!

I'm only slightly biased.

Bardo · #7 (**permalink**) 07-27-2007

I like the steering station aft in the Ericson, and I also like the large quarter berth (both boats). The engine location in the Tartan does not bother me. The Ericsons do seem to be a bit newer for the money, but the MK III is a bit out of my range. Question: With a boat rigged with a coach-top traveller, and the steering station at the transom nearly, does the helmsman have the ability to trim the main?

Thanks,
Freeman

T34C · #8 (**permalink**) 07-27-2007

"I also found the location of the engine and the extension of the settee under which it sits a bit of a nuisance."

I think you would get over that in a hurry the first time you needed to work on it!

Valiente · #9 (**permalink**) 07-27-2007

Good grief, I love the idea of an engine under a center "pod" or table or piece of cabin furniture. The closer you can get the engine to the mast, and the lower you can get it, the better. The habit of putting engines under companionway steps, with access only to the front and part of the top, is a compromise to free up space in the saloon in smaller boats. It's not really such a good idea.

T34C · #10 (**permalink**) 07-28-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by otaga05

I have to respectfully disagree. It would continue to annoy me.

As the owner of a Tartan 34C you doubtless could have given the original poster a much more meaningful response than you did or I could. Why not take an opportunity to tell him what you like or dislike about the boat instead? Even if you disagree with my comments, at least I was trying to give the guy some feedback of which there has been precious little in this thread.

I assumed the poster could read since there is similar information on another thread. However, if the poster asked more specific questions I'd be happy to answer them. I was also trying to be nice since, IMHO, your objections didn't seem well thoughtout and somewhat silly. Sorry.