Thinking about upgrading...

[daledog]

I have a Tartan 37 here outside Cambridge Md, 90 min from DC fro sale that I'd love to show you. I'm only selling because I just bought the HB40. Beautiful boat...

[mikel1]

Carl W: I can't say enough good about the Ericson 27 . . .poke around over at ericsonyachts.org . . .

[Nicklaus]

Carl -

I agree with Mike. It's been a good boat. The only negative is the location of the traveler. It is in front of the wheel - which is great for sailing, but stops you from installing a table - which would be great at the dock. So, it’s a small trade off that I never minded. Last year at the sailboat show, I looked at every other 27 ft boat there. The inside of the Ericson felt like a mansion compared to some of the cramped layouts I saw. And, it has better lines.

Motoring through wakes or chop isn’t great, but I think that’s just par for the course. As for sailing performance, I think it points extremely well (despite some reviews to the contrary) and I can’t remember being passed by many other 27 footers (also despite reviews). I’ve gotten the sails wet and never felt uneasy about the boat’s ability to keep trucking along. When sailing with seas about 3 ft, the waves can push the rudder around so you have to hang on.

All in all, I love it. I am only getting something larger for a little more foot space in the V-berth, a larger cockpit – two things for the wife – and the ability to spend a week on the hook comfortably.

[BubbleheadMd]

I cruised this weekend with a fellow sailing an Ericson 30. There's plenty to love about that boat, and precious little to complain about. You might consider one of them.

[Nicklaus]

Thanks for all the help. After lots of looking - almost a year online - and climbing aboard a handful of top contenders, we're going to close on the Ericson this week.

As often seems to be the case, she was one of the first boats we climbed aboard. We both liked the lines and how well she had been cared for - and then loved them after looking at boats $25k more expensive that were not as well cared for or as pretty.

Thanks for everyone's input and hope to see you on the Bay this spring.

[bobnpaula]

"Lots of choices, but if you buy basic strong construction over "dock side condo" styling and quality, you will always be happier in the long run".

I really agree with this sentiment as you consider both boats. How the boats have been maintained and what "upgrades" have or have not been done (autopilot, chartplotter, newer sails, etc) also should influence the decision.
Everyone has different preferences about cabin size and layout. We are very happy with our "move-up" boat, '97 Caliber 35 LRC... traditional layout, very solid construction with quality portholes/hatches/winches etc and loads of storage for the longer cruises we can now do. Sailing characteristics and "seakindly" motion matter too... should be fun to sail! Thinking about how you will actually be using the boat (and where) should dictate what is on your "must-have" list. For example, sailing in warmer climates means ventilation down below is important. I am the "Admiral" in our case (hate that term), but I would advise other wives/spouses not to get infatuated with the dock-side condo aspect of a boat... a well-found sailing vessel doesn't need fake flowers on the saloon table!!
Good luck, and enjoy the search!