Ericson 30-2 Information, Review, Specs

During its brief production run from 1977 to 1979, the Ericson 30-2 embodied Ericson Yachts' commitment to quality, a hallmark of the company since its inception in the 1960s. Ericson, founded by former Columbia Yachts employees Handy and Jenkins, quickly became synonymous with durable fiberglass hulls. Bruce King, who designed approximately 40 different models for Ericson, significantly shaped the brand's identity with his focus on balanced sailing characteristics and comfortable interiors, 14]. While specific design philosophies for the 30-2 are not extensively detailed, it is understood to reflect King's general approach of blending practical functionality with a timeless aesthetic, building on Ericson's ethos of superior quality construction.

The Ericson 30-2, with a length overall just under 30 feet and a waterline length of 25.37 feet, exhibits performance characteristics well-suited for both cruising and occasional racing. Her design, featuring a fin keel and transom-hung rudder, contributes to a responsive feel.

Analyzing its performance ratios provides further insight:

• Sail Area to Displacement (S.A./Displ.): At 16.78, this ratio suggests a moderate performer. While not optimized for extreme light air, she is capable of moving well in a breeze without being overly tender.
• Ballast to Displacement (Bal./Displ.): A healthy ratio of 44.49 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to more wind and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. This contributes to her suitability for various conditions.
• Displacement to Length (Disp./Len.): At 245.78, the 30-2 falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This displacement-to-length ratio suggests a comfortable motion offshore, favoring stability and load-carrying capacity over extreme speed.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Ericson 30-2, along with its updated successor the Ericson 30+, for its excellent sailing performance, noting its ability to sail well in both light and strong winds. Some sources indicate the Ericson 30-2 was "designed for performance sailing" and can "race VERY well," suggesting it offers more than just comfortable cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Ericson 30-2 is designed for livability, consistent with Ericson's reputation for pretty and decent quality interiors. Hull #1 of the 30-2, serving as a show boat, featured a "beautiful teak interior," indicating the use of quality materials in the vessel's finish. While detailed interior diagrams are not readily available, the general arrangement typically found on boats of this size and era would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with seating (though seating arrangements can vary slightly between models like the 30-2 and 30+), a galley area, and a head compartment. The boat boasts a comfortable cabin headroom of approximately 6.17 feet, which significantly enhances the feeling of spaciousness below decks. The emphasis on solid construction extends to the interior, with owners often noting the high quality of fit and finish.

Owner's Perspectives

Ericson owners, including those with the 30-2, consistently praise the brand's solid construction and overall build quality. The Ericson 30-2 is regarded as a "well-made boat". While specific common weaknesses or widespread structural problems unique to the 30-2 are not frequently cited, some individual owners have mentioned addressing issues typical of aging vessels, such as the need for bow railing repairs or attention to potential leaks. The strong community of Ericson owners further attests to the enduring appeal and practicality of these vessels, with online forums serving as active hubs for sharing information and discussing maintenance.