How tender is an Erickson 38?

[sailingdeac]

IMHO, if you want a fast boat, you will have to accept more heel - with the same sails - than you get with a slow boat. There are of course exceptions. Until you have experienced both types you really cant make a fair judgment of which you prefer. If you want no heel, get a catamaran. The issue is what sails do you want to use and at what wind speeds do you reef or furl. In my aging situation, I use a 100% blade and usually sail only and add the main for cruising. (A 110-130 work) Just let the main luff if the winds build. My E34 will sail just about as fast in 8-20 knots as with a 140 with reasonable heeling. Only during the light winds part of the year do I use the 140.

I expect the sail area to displacement of the 38 vs the 34/35/32 would indicate it is less tender.

[sailingdeac]

Looking again at the Admiral's request for a "stiff boat", I would suspect "fast" is not part of the need. since Ericson really never was into making slow Ericons, I doubt the 38 would fill the bill, but I have never sailed one either.