Ericson 35 traveler placement...

[mrhoneydew]

I am starting to research a boat to purchase with the intent to live aboard and eventually outfit for bluewater. From what I have read so far I am drawn to Ericson 35's (mid-70's or so) for both their cockpit and cabin layout. I will be single-handing and it seems that having the traveler located right there forward of the helm would be convenient. My buddy (Hunter owner) thinks that it would just be one more thing to trip over as you move about the cockpit. I think he is just a clutz. Anyway, what do owners think...? Is the traveler location a problem? A benefit? Any issues with cockpit drainage?

I appreciate any input I can get.

Thanks,

don

[JohnRPollard]

You're both right!

It is a better location for shorthanded sailing (or with crew for that matter). And it will be a bit underfoot at anchor.

What many owners do is install a quick disconnect on the mainsheet system so they can get that clutter out of the cockpit (clip it off to the side somewhere) while at anchor, reducing the obstacles somewhat. I've even seen some quick disconnect travellers that can be pivoted out of the way -- but that gets pretty involved as a retrofit.

I don't see much of a connection to cockpit drainage.

[mrhoneydew]

Thank you very much for your reply. Good to know that I am right, even if it does mean that I have to admit that my friend's thoughts also have some merit. The cockpit drainage question also comes from him... just wondering if having the helm station split from the main cockpit as it is causes any issues with drain plumbing. I didn't really see it myself, but thought it worth inquiring about.

Thanks again!

don

[zeehag]

hello honeydo--my ericson 35mII is a sailboat---a hunter is not a sail boat...the location of the traveller is perfect. there is a cockpit well located abaft the binnacle and abaft the traveller---therefore cockpit drainage is not a problem. if the hunter had been designed by a proper designer, there would be no problem with your friends opinion. however, as bruce king is a designer of proper yachts, these ericsons function perfectly well in sailing conditions. ...just make sure you are not out in gale force winds....they reallly like lighter winds and are very very fast......btw---was pooped and drained verry verry fast---perfect set up

[Faster]

There are some real advantages in having a split cockpit like the older E35. It gives the helmsman his/her own space, and you'll be bumping into other crewmembers less, esp during tacks and gybes.

There is the issue of having to step over/around the binnacle and traveller, but just look at that as a way to keep you nimble as you get older!

The E35s mainsheet is very handy to the helm, obviously, and this is a much better setup than any midboom/cabintop traveller arrangement in terms of adjustablilty and power.

I'm surprised to hear an owner suggest that these classics are not good heavy weather boats, but I've not sailed one.

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by Faster

There are some real advantages in having a split cockpit like the older E35. It gives the helmsman his/her own space, and you'll be bumping into other crewmembers less, esp during tacks and gybes.

There is the issue of having to step over/around the binnacle and traveller, but just look at that as a way to keep you nimble as you get older!

The E35s mainsheet is very handy to the helm, obviously, and this is a much better setup than any midboom/cabintop traveller arrangement in terms of adjustablilty and power.

I'm surprised to hear an owner suggest that these classics are not good heavy weather boats, but I've not sailed one.

there is no difficulty whatsoever in getting around in the cockpits---one does not have to bend or stretch or do any weird movements in order to move around in the very comfortable cockpits of the ericson 35mII, contraryh to many opinions...i donot understand the controversy at all --the original make up of the double cockpit and traveller arrangement is simple and efficient and most user friendly.there are no weirdnesses or bizarrenesses or lines to leap over like a gazelle, an dold folks do not have to be concerned about becoming a negative statistic in these cockpits...i get around most easily in mine and i even have a bum knee and a broken lower back....anyone having doubts should stay with catalina or cal...or even hunter, and remain in the slip drinking cocktails....but that is my humble two cents......as for heavy weather---i would not take any light displacement boat out in heavy weather---the mII is easily overpowered in heavy weather and is an excellent racer rather than cruiser....she has a fin keel and a spade rudder and is not a cruiser for blue water.