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- Ericson 28+
The Ericson 28+ Sailboat
Designed by Bruce King and built in the USA by Ericson Yachts, the Ericson 28+ is a good performer under sail.
Published Specification for the Ericson 28+
Underwater Profile: Fin keel with spade rudder
Hull Material: GRP (fibreglass)
Length Overall: 28' 6" / 8.7m
Waterline Length: 24' 2" / 7.4m
Beam: 10' 6" / 3.20m
Draft: 5' 0" / 1.5m
Rig Type: Fractional Sloop
Displacement: 7,500lb / 3,402kg
Designer: Bruce King
Builder: Ericson Yachts (USA)
Year First Built: 1980
Year Last Built: 1984
Number Built: 90
Published Design Ratios for the Ericson 28+
Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.7
- Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
- 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
- Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.
Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 40.0
- Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
- Over 40: stiffer, more powerful
Displacement/Length Ratio: 237
- Under 100: Ultralight
- 100 to 200: Light
- 200 to 275: Moderate
- 275 to 350: Heavy
- Over 350: Ultraheavy
Comfort Ratio: 19.9
- Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
- 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
- 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
- 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
- Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat
Capsize Screening Formula: 2.2
- Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
- Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages
read more about these all-revealing numbers...
Sailboat-Cruising.com says...
About the boat:.
The Ericson 28+ is relatively stiff and stable, and can handle moderate to strong winds without excessive heeling or weather helm.
The sail area of the Ericson 28+ is 39.2 m² (422 ft²), which gives it a sail area/displacement ratio of 17.6. This means that the boat is moderately powered and can sail well in light to moderate winds. The fractional rig provides for easier sail handling and trimming, especially when sailing upwind. The boat also has a spade rudder, which provides good maneuverability and responsiveness.
The Ericson 28+ has a diesel engine with 11 HP, which can provide adequate power for motoring when there is no wind or when docking or anchoring. The fuel capacity is 95 l (25 gal), which gives the boat a decent range for coastal cruising.
How is the accommodation of the Ericson 28+?
The Ericson 28+ has a spacious and comfortable interior for its size, thanks to its wide beam and clever layout. The boat can accommodate up to six people, although four would be more comfortable for longer trips.
The boat has two dedicated sleeping cabins: a V-berth in the bow, which can sleep two people, and a quarter berth in the aft starboard side, which can sleep one person. The main cabin also has two settees that can be converted into single berths, one on each side of the folding table.
The boat has a galley on the port side, which has a sink, a stove, an icebox, and ample storage space. The boat also has a head on the starboard side, which has a sink, a toilet, and a shower.
The boat has plenty of natural light and ventilation from the large windows and hatches. The boat also has ample headroom of about 1.8 m (6 ft) throughout the cabin.
How does the Ericson 28+ perform under sail?
The Ericson 28+ is a fun and fast sailboat that can handle various sailing conditions with ease. The boat is well-balanced and responsive, and can point well upwind thanks to its fractional rig and fin keel. The boat can also sail well downwind with its large genoa or spinnaker.
The boat is suitable for both inshore and coastal sailing, as well as offshore or ocean voyages, depending on the skill and experience of the crew. The boat has a hull speed of about 7.4 kn (8.5 mph), which means that it can cover good distances in moderate winds. The boat also has a comfortable motion at sea under sail, although it might be lively in rougher seas.
The boat's main weakness is its performance in very light winds, when it might need some help from the engine to keep moving. However, this is not uncommon for most sailboats of this size and type.
About the Designer:
Bruce King was a yacht designer from California who became famous in the early 1960s for his collaboration with Ericson Yachts, for which he designed many production fiberglass racing and cruising yachts. He also designed large custom sailing and motor yachts, using modern technology and composite materials, and was known for his series of successful offshore racing classic maxi yachts¹.
Sailboats designed by Bruce King include:
- Ericson 27 (1971): A 26' 8" sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, suitable for coastal cruising.
- Ericson 25+ (1978): A 25' 5" sloop with a shoal draft keel and a centerboard, featuring a pop-top cabin for extra headroom.
- Ericson 35-2 (1969): A 34' 8" sloop with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, one of the most popular models from Ericson Yachts.
- Ericson 32-2 (1969): A 31' 7" sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, a fast and comfortable cruiser-racer.
- Ericson 23-2 (1975): A 22' 11" sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, a trailerable pocket cruiser.
- Ericson 23-1 (1969): A 22' 6" sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the first model designed by Bruce King for Ericson Yachts.
- Ericson 38 (1979): A 37' 7" sloop with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a spacious and seaworthy cruiser.
- Ericson 39 (1970): A 39' sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, a fast and sleek racer-cruiser.
- Ericson 28+ (1980): A 28' 6" sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, an upgraded version of the Ericson 28 with more interior space.
- Ericson 31 Independence (1977): A 31' cutter with a full keel and an attached rudder, a traditional bluewater cruiser.
- Ericson 36C (1975): A 35' 11" cutter with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a performance-oriented cruiser.
- Ericson 37 (1973): A 37' 5" sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, a powerful and agile racer-cruiser.
- Ericson 41 (1968): A 41' 4" sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, an elegant and fast offshore cruiser.
- Zap 26 (1977): A 25' 11" sloop with a lifting keel and twin rudders, a lightweight and fun sportboat.
- Zap 29 (1978): A 29' sloop with a lifting keel and twin rudders, an enlarged version of the Zap 26.
- Tradewinds 55 (1980): A 54' 9" ketch with a long keel and an attached rudder, a luxurious and classic cruiser.
- Islander 37 (1966): A 36' 6" sloop with a long keel and an attached rudder, an early design by Bruce King for Islander Yachts.
- Islander 55 (1968): A 54' 7" ketch with a long keel and an attached rudder, the largest model from Islander Yachts.
- Yachtcraft 37 (1966): A variant of the Islander 37 built by Yachtcraft Marine in Canada.
- Yachtcraft MS (1974): A motorsailer version of the Yachtcraft/Islander 37 with an enclosed pilothouse.
- Cape Bay 31 (1977): A 31' sloop with a long keel and an attached rudder, a traditional and sturdy cruiser.
- Signe (1990): A 35 m schooner with a clipper bow and a counter stern, a classic and elegant yacht built by Renaissance Yachts.
- Hetairos (1993): A 42.9 m ketch with a clipper bow and a counter stern, a stunning and fast yacht built by Abeking & Rasmussen.
- Alejandra (1993): A 41.3 m ketch with a clipper bow and a counter stern, a sister ship of Hetairos built by Royal Huisman.
- Sophie (1994): A 28.8 m sloop with a clipper bow and a counter stern, a graceful and swift yacht built by Renaissance Yachts.
- Antonisa (1999): A 39.6 m sloop with a clipper bow and a counter stern, a refined and elegant yacht built by Hodgdon Yachts.
- Maria Cattiva (2003): A 39.9 m sloop with a clipper bow and a counter stern, a sister ship of Antonisa built by Royal Huisman.
- Whitefin (1983): A 27.4 m schooner with a clipper bow and a counter stern, a beautiful and fast yacht built by Renaissance Yachts.
- Scheherazade (2003): A 47.4 m ketch with a clipper bow and a counter stern, the largest sailing yacht designed by Bruce King, built by Hodgdon Yachts.
This additional info was drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material, and believes it to be accurate to the best of their knowledge.
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Advice on Ericson 28 - looking to take the plunge
- Thread starter berner73
- Start date Aug 21, 2009
- Tags advice ericson plunge
Junior Member
- Aug 21, 2009
Well, here she is: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...rrency=USD&access=Public&listing_id=1424&url= Hi Everyone, New to this site, but trying to catch up with lots of reading - resulting in some rather bloodshot eyes at work. My wife and I are in the market for a 28' to 30' cruiser to be used mainly for weekend sailing/cruising and maybe an occasional overnight trip. Initially, racing isn't much of a concern. We'll be sailing out of Boston harbor and plan on spending most of our time local to the North Shore coasts and Cape Cod. I've been sailing for about 12 years, but mostly fresh water day sailing (19') with occasional access to a 27' Soling in Boston Harbor. While not biased toward any specific manufacturer, we're looking for quality and value. I'm not concerned at all with 'name brand' recognition at the marina. Due to reputation, we were initially looking at Tartan, Sabre's, Pearson, etc. (and still are). During that search, I came upon this 1986 Ericson 28. I wasn't familiar with the company at first, so I'm glad to have this site as a reference. At the top is the link to all the pictures and specs. I'm planning on taking a look at it over the next 2 weeks and thought I'd solicit observations, opinions or experiences from anyone willing to chime in. I've read hundreds of posts here, which is why this boat is in the running to begin with. Thoughts on durability, quality of workmanship, asking price, and (if it's even possible), a general feel for the amount of work/cost associated with buying a 23 year old Ericson? Do you see anything from the pictures that screams out to you? Gotcha's that maybe only Ericson owners would catch? I'm looking forward to working on what ever boat we end up with, but would like to get on the water too. Thanks, Joe
Attachments
Sustaining Partner
She appears to be in fairly good condition although broker's photos don't usually highlight the bad. Interior woodwork has been neglected but easily fixed. Cabin sole also looks pretty tired. Obviously get a Survey. Peter Hunt is an excellent surveyor and knows Ericsons well. Ericsons are well built quality boats on par with Sabre and a little better fit and finish than Pearson.
Loren Beach
O34 - portland, or.
Ericson 28 As my first and only boat, I purchased my 1988 E28 about 8 years ago. Great boat, solid, easily single handed. The interior, if well maintained, is a head-turner. Since purchase, I've added an autopilot and stereo (my E28 was pre-wired for cabin speakers). I gave up on trying to maintain the original Universal and Hurth transmission, so I repowered with a 2 cylinder Yanmar (good fit), and added a folding prop. The prop makes a significant difference in speed under sail. If you get the boat, be sure to check for the wiring upgrade to the solenoid (addressed elsewhere on this site). Makes a huge difference in reliable starting. To me, the price looks reasonable if she surveys well.
Fellow Ericson owner south of Boston I bought an 1987 E-28 just this June (an upgrade from my 1971 E-27) I am loving it. Good performance, nice handling in 15 - 25 knot winds coming up through Buzzards Bay in July. comfortable and dry. I bought her from the original owner and she was stored in Warren Rhode Island. WHile of course she needs a few upgrades, I will spend the summer and fall making my winter/spring to do list. Keep in mind there is a lack of storage on an E-28 especially when compared to an 30 foot boat but the Ericsons are well made and I expect this is my last boat and my grandkids will be sailing her some time. If I can be of any assistance, contact me on a private e-mail
Thanks to everyone who has posted so far. I have to admit, I didn't expect such quick and participated response. Seems as though this forum adds an intangible value to owning an Ericson and I hope we can find one that fits our situation. Depending on the mood of Hurricane Bill, we have an appointment for an initial inspection/walk through this Sunday afternoon. I'll be sure to update after (and probably have more questions). I came across a couple of initial inspection guides online to supplement the comments from all of you. While it isn't a substitute for a survey in any way, I'm hoping it will allow us to identify any show stoppers. http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-review-purchase-forum/48177-boat-inspection-trip-tips.html http://www.sailingmates.com/buying-a-used-sailboat.htm Thanks again, and I'd love to hear more thoughts if they're out there. Joe
Perfect Storm
- Aug 22, 2009
The only thing that bothers me is the price. I bought a 1987 E32 for $19000 earlier this year, be aggressive, the season is over and they need to pay yard bills.
Welcome, hope you stay. I joined a few years ago. Started out looking at Pearson. Spent a week on a friends Ericson 27. Really like the cockpit layout. It took me a month of evening but read every post in the design & function, and Maintenance sections. When we found our present boat, I knew just what to look for and what questions to ask. This forum is a great asset to Ericson, akin to Apple or Harley Davison. My wife refers to it as the brotherhood. Lot of good advice and often lightening fast. ml
- Aug 23, 2009
C Masone said: The only thing that bothers me is the price. I bought a 1987 E32 for $19000 earlier this year, be aggressive, the season is over and they need to pay yard bills. Click to expand...
I don't think it's a rare steal, the price of homes has gone down close to 40% and the price of boats is no different (if not worse), they just keep asking the same on Yachtworld. While I was shopping this year, the three boats I looked at carefully all had stories of owners who lost jobs, were transfered, buisness was down, those three boats sold, all of the other boats I have been tracking, that have higher prices, are still for sale, there is no market right now, it's the Perfect Storm, buyers market, go for it, don't let your emotions get in the way.
jreddington
- Aug 26, 2009
Probably the biggest thing keeping me from getting a bigger Ericson is that my E-28 single hands so well. She's a little "tippy" initially but hardens up nicely between 15 and 20 degrees. It can be a bit disconcerting to a guest but a nice feel once you're moving along. My 1984 does have some more teak up the sides of the bunks and in the head. The amount of plastic inside is a bit disconcerting to me but that's just a style issue. One area to be careful is with the veneer around the main cabin ports. These ports can leak. By the time you notice it, the damage has already begun. Cost me well over $1,000 to have this replaced a few years ago. It did make me think of replacing it with a white laminate instead of wood veneer. It would be less susceptible to water damage and lighten up the cabin. But I went traditional and replaced it with wood veneer. I do think my auxiliary engine is a little underpowered. When you are cruising in the middle of New England's dead still August, it would be nice to get a knot or so more out of the engine. And when you're trying to punch through a hefty chop, the waves seriously knock down your speed and with only 11 hp the boat is slow to reaccelerate.
- Deck and Cockpit layout - overall impressed with the Ericson 28
- Room above board is perfect for us
- Size of the boat is comfortable from a sailing experience and intended use perspective
- Extensive feature list
- New mast and main
- Most of the rigging looks serviceable for a couple of seasons if not longer
- Engine looks to be in better shape than I would have expected (~1100 hours), no visible water in the oil, and appears to have been updated/maintained accordingly
- Deck and Hull appear to be in good shape
- Interior has been neglected - concerns me about how the owners have maintained the rest of the boat
- Damp smells in Cabin
- Cushions must be replaced immediately ($3K - $4K?)
- Water in Anchor Locker - probably just plugged as discussed on this forum
- Some damage to deck and cockpit sole/companionway entrance, but I don't have the knowledge to gauge it's impact (picture)
- Water in compartment below step to Vberth, not sure if this could be a result of anchor locker plug?
- Steering seems to be in good shape except for corrosion on shaft (same for drive shaft). Not sure if this is normal, so please comment (pictures)
- Looks as though there may be a water line/stains on sole and some portions of vertical woodwork and bulkhead. Not present everywhere though (pictures)
- Bilge seemed to have a bit more water than I would have expected. This boat appeared to have 2 pumps in two different sections beneath the sole, is that normal?
I see nothing in those photos that is not in line with a 20+ year old boat. Maybe a little more damage to the bridgedeck than normal but likely just cosmetic. The drive shaft looks fine although the hose clamps should be offset 180°. The water staining around the v-berth could be of concern but again mostly cosmetic. I guarantee that this boat leaks from above as will 99% of the 20+ year old boats on the market. Dampness feeling can be bad or nothing at all. I once checked out an E34 that felt like a rain forest and had water dripping from most of the headliner. This boat was on the hard and covered so that water was coming out of the deck through the headliner. I would very strongly recommend not skipping a survey. What you cannot see can hurt you. You absolutely at a minimum should do moisture tests on the deck and hull. You should also have the hull and deck sounded with a phenolic hammer to check for delamination. You also need to pull the boat to do the survey and then you will be able to check for osmostic blistering which is very common on 80s boats. A thorough inspection of the standing rigging is a must. Some boats have an additional bilge pump for redundancy or it could be for a shower. If you are willing to spend $25k+ for a boat, a survey should be no problem. In fact a survey will often pay for itself by finding things to deduct from the price of the boat. Some things you have not mentioned: - How are the through hulls? Do they have proper seacocks? Are all hoses double clamped with Awab clamps? - How do the spars look? Blistering paint around fittings? - How do the winches look? Do they spin properly with a minimum of play? - How old is the standing rigging? When was last inspection?
Tim, Thank you for the reply. We will absolutely will get a survey on any boat that we have serious interest in, no question. This will include a separate engine survey and pulling the boat for proper inspection. Right now we're just trying to eliminate anything that doesn't even warrant a survey. From my untrained eye: The spars look good I only checked 2 winches - forgot the others - seemed fine The through hulls that I saw were seacocks, but I didn't check clamps - good point I don't have an age on the standing rigging, but I'll see if I can get it. Heading out to see the Cal 28 now, so I appreciate the pointers. Hopefully I'll get better at this inspection thing.
Sorry, misunderstood the survey thing. Here is a good inspection list for qualifying a boat. http://www.anything-sailing.com/showthread.php?p=36318
Why the new mast? Replacing the mast is not routine maintenance on a 20 some year old boat. There is a thread somewhere on here about someone replacing the traveler on an Ericson 28. His boom was bent in two places. I believe he mentioned that there were a couple others in the SF bay where the booms were broken. Is there something about the rig on this boat that places extraordinary strain on the spars?
I don't think the mast should be replaced unless damaged beyond repair. I do think it should be stripped and repainted if it is already painted and blistering badly around fittings.
PDX said: Why the new mast? Replacing the mast is not routine maintenance on a 20 some year old boat. There is a thread somewhere on here about someone replacing the traveler on an Ericson 28. His boom was bent in two places. I believe he mentioned that there were a couple others in the SF bay where the booms were broken. Is there something about the rig on this boat that places extraordinary strain on the spars? Click to expand...
Check deck hardware I have a 1983 E28+ and am very pleased with the boat. It's a great sailing boat and is easy to sail with no or limited crew (all the lines on mine are run back to the cockpit). I have two bilge take-ups in two different bilge compartments on my boat also. One is for the electric pump and the other is for the manual pump. Generally my bilges are very dry. You should open up the zippers in the headliner and check all the through-bolted deck hardware (winches, cams, jib track, cleats, pad eyes, etc) for any signs of leaks or loose fittings. Of course the electrical system should also be thoroughly checked as part of your survey. Also, the general condition of the fuel lines and all other hoses on the engine should be evaluated.
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Opinions - Ericson 28 vs Tartan 28
- Add to quote
Looking for my first boat. Have found two that look promising. Have not seen either in person yet but both appear to have been well cared for. Both are mid to late 80's models. Will be weekend cruising of coast of Cape May NJ. Assuming both are in good condition are there pros/cons you can share? Thanks
I like the Tartan 28 a bunch, don't know anything about Ericson. Also consider Sabre 28 - likely a bit older but well built and less money than the T28.
Ericson opinion...for what it is worth I have been shopping Ericson's for a few months online. Mostly the 29, which was made until 76. I currently have a 25 foot Lancer. The earlier boats were built like tanks. The hull to deck joint is glassed over on the inside. You can't get much stronger than that. I am also impressed by the thoughtful design of engine compartment access. Some boats in the 28-30 foot range that have terrible engine access. Two things to think about with the E28...is the vee birth big enough for you (28's usually sacrafice vee birth size) and will the 5'6" draft...if its not a shoal keel model...be a problem for you. I haven't been on one...but from what I have read build quality is on par with the best. There are not a lot of options for a newer boat (> 1985) under 32 feet. Especially if you are not a fan of swept back spreaders (as found in all newer Hunters), which limit your abilty to sail wing and wing directly down wind (you bury the main in the spreaders potentially damaging it). It is unfortunate that there is not a lot of information readily available on the internet. If you search for the Ericson 27 there is some information, but I really wish the Ericson owners out there would help out populating some of the better sites like this one with information. BobM
T28 well made boat. Maybe a little stiffer than the Ericson. Both are good boats, but only the survey wil tell. I lived in OC, NJ for 18 years and sailed an Islander 28 out of OC of many of them and also spent 5 years in Barnegat Bay. Where are you planning keeping her. In Cape May you have the optuion of the Delaware Bay...home of the square wave and chop. Dave
I do own an Ericson 28 (1988) version and have found the make to be of solid build quality. Three quick comments. 1) I've owned the boat for two years and have successfully avoided buyers remorse so far. 2) I've had three previous E28 owners walk by on the dock and each one of them has told me that their E28 was one of their favorite boats. 3) There is a healthy on-line community of Ericson owners at ericsonyachts.org. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them.
cio12 said: I do own an Ericson 28 (1988) version and have found the make to be of solid build quality. Three quick comments. 1) I've owned the boat for two years and have successfully avoided buyers remorse so far. 2) I've had three previous E28 owners walk by on the dock and each one of them has told me that their E28 was one of their favorite boats. 3) There is a healthy on-line community of Ericson owners at ericsonyachts.org. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them. Click to expand...
64Dart, My 1973 Ericson 29 is for sale. PM me if you are interested. I love the Ericson brand, tartans are great too though. Your question depends on the specific boat.
If you want info on ericsons, there is an ericson specific forum on the web, with quite a bit of info on them. Sorry I can not remember the link. But a member of an email list I am on, is a mod, and I met the owner last summer. Marty
Here it is: http://www.ericsonyachts.org/
E29 I have no experience with Tartan but have owned a 1971 E29 for 3 years now. Very happy with her, solidly built and sails very well. Good room below for a 29 foot boat. Every Ericson owner I have talked to has had nothing but good things to say about them.
I am still looking for my E-34 dream boat. I knnow that she is out there somewhere.....
Phrf I don't know if performance is important, but the E28+ is the faster boat per the US PHRF site's ratings by almost 15 points. Sabre has great build quality and is in fact still in business. However, due to the offset prop they are supposed to be a bit of a bear in reverse. Don't forget the basics...that the price of a used sailboat is highly dependent on if it has a diesel...preferably recent or recently rebuilt...and good / a lot of sails. The need to replace either can make what seems like a great price not so great. The number one rule though is buy what you like. Check them both out...but don't buy something you don't like and/or can't live with. To me the Tartan is beautiful...but I finally got around to oiling my teak the third year I had my boat. That's me...but up here in New England the season is darn short...sounds crazy but most years all the boats aren't in until July 4th...no kidding...July..and they are out by mid October. It is amazing, but true. Snow stops flying...it finally stops raining...pull all the lawn furniture out...clean up the lawn from winter...then its paint the bottom, wax the hull, reload all your junk and then splash...its July. Don't get me wrong...I love teak...but not gray teak...and unfortunately between working and working around the house...a Tayana with teak decks is something to be admired...but from a distance. It is one of the things that has kept me from upgrading to date...lack of time...a reluctant Wife...and knowing that I can do anything on my 25 footer by myself in a day. Last year we washed her, painted her bottom, loaded everything aboard and waxed her in a day. I even cleaned and oilled her teak (hand rails, trim around the companionway and around the sliding hatch). I hoped to apply another coat in the water...but it didn't happen...went sailing instead. Much more fun! Bob
Thanks for the advice. I'm going to look at both and I'll let you know what I find out/do.
Ericson vs. Tartan If you want a floating condo, buy the Tartan. If you want a fast, comfortable racer/cruiser, then choose the Ericson. You will never look back...
I've owned Peace & Joy, a 1985 Tartan 28 for 2 years now, but I've known this particular vessel for almost 15 years. She is beautifully appointed and exceedingly well constructed. The former owner took many racing trophies over the years. I bought the vessel his widow; he was a good friend and we raced against each other many times (at that point I had a vintage lean-mean-Alden-designed 1929 racing classic); we usually split the wins and together usurped most of the rest of the fleet. I would not under any circumstances call her a 'floating condo' ... she is nimble, points very well, and can nicely hold her own if a PHRF-rated fleet. Construction and design-wise I've always placed the Tartans on a distinctly higher plane than say the Ericksons, Hunters, Pearsons, etc. My wife isn't crazy about sailing, but is comfortable aboard the Tartan; it's not too bad to single-hand either. Nothing negative about the Erickson (especially since I've never sailed one), but I can echo great accolades about the T28.
David...welcome!...I agree, the 28 is no Condo! Quality of the older Tartans is unquestioned. The recent problems of the company and the change in ownership do raise some concerns about current and recent production and warranty support going forward that have not been answered fully.
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- Sailboat Guide
Ericson 28+
Ericson 28+ is a 28 ′ 6 ″ / 8.7 m monohull sailboat designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts between 1980 and 1984.
- 2 / 6 San Diego, CA, US 1984 Ericson 28+ $16,500 USD View
- 3 / 6 San Diego, CA, US 1984 Ericson 28+ $16,500 USD View
- 4 / 6 San Diego, CA, US 1984 Ericson 28+ $16,500 USD View
- 5 / 6 San Diego, CA, US 1984 Ericson 28+ $16,500 USD View
- 6 / 6 San Diego, CA, US 1984 Ericson 28+ $16,500 USD View
Rig and Sails
Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.
The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.
Classic hull speed formula:
Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL
Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL
Sail Area / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.
SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3
- SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
- D : Displacement in pounds.
Ballast / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.
Ballast / Displacement * 100
Displacement / Length Ratio
A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.
D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
- LWL: Waterline length in feet
Comfort Ratio
This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.
Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
- LOA: Length overall in feet
- Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet
Capsize Screening Formula
This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.
CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)
Shoal draft version: 4’. The ‘+’, apparently designates the fractional rig version. A masthead rig was also available. Dates and number produced includes both versions.
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This is a fresh water only boat with excellent care and light use. .... a must see for anyone in the market. Ericson is famous for the quality of its build, and for sailing performance in all weather. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Starting forward, there is a vee berth with a removeable centerline insert. The insert can be lowered for seating, or raised to increase sleeping area. Next aft, the head is to starboard with a shower. The head has an opening port for light and ventilation, lots of storage, and plenty of room. She had a manual head with holding tank and pump out. Across the hull to port is a hanging lock and more storage. Next aft is the salon. To port is a settee. To starboard is a second settee. This settee expands to form a double berth when desired. There is a dinette table that folds up against the forward bulkhead to allow more room when desired. The table can be used in a full mode (shown) or only half unfolded. Behind the table on the bulkhead is more storage for cups, wine, books, etc. . The engine is under the companionway, with 3 comfortable steps leading up to the cockpit. Aft and to starboard is the quarterberth. At the head of the quarterberth is the electrical panel with the circuit breakers and controls for the whole boat. 
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IMAGES
COMMENTS
Designed to determine if a boat has blue water capability. The CSF compares beam with displacement since excess beam contributes to capsize and heavy displacement reduces capsize vulnerability. The boat is better suited for ocean passages (vs coastal cruising) if the result of the calculation is 2.0 or less. The lower the better.
The Ericson 28+ is a fun and fast sailboat that can handle various sailing conditions with ease. The boat is well-balanced and responsive, and can point well upwind thanks to its fractional rig and fin keel.
Mar 15, 2020 · It's an Ericson 28+, not the standard 28, so it's fractional. But it doesn't have a backstay adjustment, which is odd. One of the things I've heard is that it's a slow boat, and as chef said, underpowered.
May 23, 2022 · Sail safely and in relative comfort for a small boat in the greater New England area including the Gulf of Maine. Perhaps plan and execute a trip to Bermuda one day, and/or participation in one of the West to East (more difficult) Cross Atlantic experinces (ARC) with the World Cruising Club.
Aug 21, 2009 · Deck and Cockpit layout - overall impressed with the Ericson 28; Room above board is perfect for us; Size of the boat is comfortable from a sailing experience and intended use perspective; Extensive feature list; New mast and main; Most of the rigging looks serviceable for a couple of seasons if not longer
Jan 27, 2008 · Two things to think about with the E28...is the vee birth big enough for you (28's usually sacrafice vee birth size) and will the 5'6" draft...if its not a shoal keel model...be a problem for you. I haven't been on one...but from what I have read build quality is on par with the best.
Ericson 28+ is a 8.7 m monohull sailboat designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts between 1980 and 1984. The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement.
Ericson is famous for the quality of its build, and for sailing performance in all weather. Starting forward, there is a vee berth with a removeable centerline insert. The insert can be lowered for seating, or raised to increase sleeping area. Next aft, the head is to starboard with a shower.
ERICSON 28+ Sailboat Data Hull Type: Fin w/spade rudder Rigging Type: Fractional Sloop LOA: 28.50 ft / 8.69 m LWL: 24.17 ft / 7.37 m S.A. (reported): 422.00 ft² / 39.21 m² Beam: 10.50 ft / 3.20 m Displacement: 7,500.00 lb / 3,402 kg Ballast: 3,000.00 lb / 1,361 kg…
Nice TURN-KEY well-maintained sloop rigged Ericson 28. Great coastal cruiser. Can sleep up to six. NEEDS NOTHING 11 horsepower bulletproof Universal diesel less than 1000 hours runs great - has never let me down Newer sails main and genoa.