ericson 27 v. pearson 27 v. ranger 26

[SeaMck333]

Hey ya'll. I'm a first time boat buyer and I'm looking at three different boats:

An Ericson 27, Pearson 27, and a Ranger 26.

All of them are in similar shape: Pretty good. So I guess my question is if all things are equal whats the theoretical best boat? I'm really going to be using it as a family cruiser.

[mikel1]

Hands down the Ericson . . . really. Reputation, build quality, ask around (ericsonyachts.org) look at details throughout, interiors etc. . . . no contest .

[Faster]

Extensive weekending and cruising planned? Ericson or Pearson with the edge going to Ericson..... For weekend racing as a primary role the Ranger 26 is a very good boat. The Ranger 29 could do both best in the under $10K range.

[SeaMck333]

Thank you for the advice. I had leaned towards the Ericson before acctually. I really liked the Ranger for its speed capabilities (owner claims 8 knots in Chesapeake Bay), and I learned on the Pearson, but the Ericson had my gut. Thanks for the confirmation!

[paul323]

Faster has it right (again)...if the boats are the same age/condition, the "edge" (arguably) goes to Ericson. But it's not "hands down" - it's very close. Pearson also made excellent boats. However, if your gut says Ericson, that is the most important factor.

Remember to get it surveyed. Even a smaller, less expensive boat will benefit from a survey - if only to give you a juicy "to do" list!

[olson34]

Good advice so far!
I would also advise a visit to the Ericson owners' large web site at EricsonYachts.org: The Starting Point on Ericson Yachts!.
There are a lot of E-27 owners that log in there.

Happy shopping,
LB

[SlowButSteady]

I would lean toward the Ericson also. Ericson's have the nicest interiors of the three (by far), and also feel a bit roomier on the inside (I think the E27 has the widest beam of the three). However, the Ericson will also be the slowest of the three, but not by a huge amount. Also, I've always felt that, in general, Ericsons of that era tend to feel like they "hobby-horse" a bit more than similarly sized boats.

[SeaMck333]

Well, I'm not overly concerned about speed. With the Ericson's rating I can probably finish once everyone else is already at home drinking and still win a race. :-)

[kulokoo]

I don't have personal experience with the Pearson or Ranger, but I sometimes sail an Ericson 27. I haven't been too impressed with how the E-27 sails but I swear they are indestructable, and there is something to be said for that.

They may not beat the other boats around the buoys, but they will win against the dock every time and they are kind of cool in their way

[jameswilson29]

Originally Posted by SeaMck333

So I guess my question is if all things are equal whats the theoretical best boat? I'm really going to be using it as a family cruiser.

Since you live in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and will likely be sailing in Albermarle Sound, all things being equal, I would choose the boat with the most shallow draft.

Will you be taking the boat out into the ocean? Which inlet will you use?