ericson 29 questions

[taz4]

Hello Im hoping that someone maybe able to help me with probably the first of many questions, so here goes:-

Ive just bought an ericson 29 which has an atomic 4 30hp gas engine. Does anyone know what mpg I should roughly get from this?

It also has some delamination in the cockpit floor. Do you know roughly how much this costs to get repaired? Just looking for approximates.

Thank you in advance.

[FrankLanger]

Congratulations on your purchase! You may also want to post this message on the Ericson website, where you will find many knowledgeable Ericson owners--do a search for the website.
Frank.

[Faster]

My son's Ranger 29 with an A-4 runs at just under 1 gph at normal cruising speed, turning a fixed 3 blade prop.

As far as your cockpit delam, the question is too general and the answer depends on the degree of delamination, the amount of moisture involved, how much damage to the core material took place, what the core material is, etc. etc. It is a possible DIY if you are handy with basic fiberglassing techniques and have the time and shelter to do the job.

[taz4]

Thanks for the info, not sure how badly the core is damaged. I wouldnt think to bad as this is the only spot and everything is rock solid.

[sailingdog]

You should be able to repair the cockpit floor yourself. If the core is still sound...you can always drill holes through the outer skin to let the core dry out and then inject epoxy. If the core material has rotted, then you'll want to remove the outer skin, replace the core material and re-laminate the area. West Systems has a pretty good booklet that you can download from their website on how to do this kind of work for both situations.

[lawdog]

I had a 1976 Ericson 29 for some 8 years before trading up to a 38. Depending upon the seas, I got about 3/4 gal per hour at about 5.5 kts with a folding prop, clean bottom. But you can figure about 1 gph or about 125 miles per tank full. I also installed the electronic ignition, which helped alot, and installed a rebuilt carb and was freshwater cooled. so plus or minus. As far as the cockpit sole goes, It should be fairly easy, if it is in the front section, so just cut the surface around the edges and save, peel or pull the rot out, glass in new marine grade ply, and reinstall the top piece you saved.

Neal