Ericson boats
Ericson was a California sailboat builder that produced quality cruising sailboats primarily from the 1960s through the 1980s, with 58 hulls still registered in the US today. Most surviving examples date from the mid 1970s to mid 1980s, with a median length of 29 feet and diesel auxiliary power on roughly half the fleet. These boats suit experienced sailors comfortable maintaining vintage fiberglass and willing to budget for rigging, deck, and engine work typical of 40 to 50 year old sailboats.
Ericson used price range
From 619 live listings in BoatVerdict's market data (10th, 50th, 90th percentile).
See Ericson values by model year →Are Ericson boats reliable?
Ericson built solid hulls with generally good layup schedules, but at this age the main cost drivers are deck core condition, standing rigging replacement, and diesel auxiliary maintenance or repowering. Zero USCG recalls on record is a positive indicator of original build quality, though wear items and age related deterioration are unavoidable on boats this old. Expect higher annual maintenance than newer boats, particularly on electrical systems, deck hardware, and through hull fittings.
Common problems to inspect on a used Ericson
- Deck core moisture or delamination, especially around stanchion bases and chainplates
- Standing rigging age and condition, with most needing replacement if over 20 years old
- Diesel auxiliary service history, cooling system condition, and exhaust elbow corrosion
- Hull to deck joint integrity and any signs of movement or leaking at the toe rail
Registry footprint
Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.
Recalls (0)
No USCG recalls on file for Ericson.
USCG MIC entries (2)
Frequently asked questions
Are Ericson sailboats good quality?
Ericson boats were well regarded for solid construction and good sailing characteristics, with robust layup schedules and practical layouts for cruising. At 40 to 50 years old, condition depends heavily on maintenance history rather than original build quality.
What happened to Ericson Yachts?
Ericson ceased production in the late 1980s after building sailboats primarily in California for roughly two decades. The small number of registered hulls today reflects the brand's limited production run and age of the fleet.
What is the typical price range for a used Ericson?
Prices vary widely based on model, length, and condition, but expect most 27 to 32 foot models from the 1970s and 1980s to range from under $10,000 for project boats to $30,000 or more for well maintained examples with updated systems.
What should I budget for annual maintenance on an Ericson?
Plan for $2,000 to $5,000 annually for routine maintenance, haul out, and gradual systems upgrades on a vintage Ericson, with additional budget for major items like rigging replacement, diesel work, or deck repairs as needed. DIY capability reduces costs significantly on boats this age.
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