Ericson 32 (Scorpion) Information, Review, Specs

The narrative of the Ericson 32 Scorpion begins in 1966, the year of its initial production, with only 24 units ultimately built by 1967. This limited-run vessel holds a unique place in Ericson's heritage as their original 32-foot yacht, sometimes referred to as the Ericson 32-I. The hulls for the Scorpion were crafted from a mold derived from a wooden 5.5-meter boat, a design with an impressive lineage, as it was the vessel in which George O'Day secured an Olympic victory in 1960. Notably, the Ericson 32 Scorpion bears a striking resemblance to the Columbia Sabre, presumed to have been constructed using the identical mold, a similarity that reportedly led to legal disputes over the design.

During this nascent period, Ericson Yachts, founded by Handy and Jenkins, was keen to leverage the potential of fiberglass as a boatbuilding material, focusing on robust construction and thoughtful design. Bruce King, a pivotal figure in Ericson's design philosophy, introduced the Scorpion as one of his first production designs for the company, laying the groundwork for a prolific partnership. The builder's early ethos emphasized durability and quality in fiberglass construction, characteristics that became hallmarks of the Ericson brand.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ericson 32 Scorpion, with its relatively light displacement and generous sail plan, exhibits characteristics indicative of a nimble and responsive sailing vessel. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.2 suggests excellent performance in lighter wind conditions, allowing the boat to move efficiently even when the breeze is subtle. The ballast to displacement ratio, an impressively high 0.565, points to a very stiff and stable hull form, capable of standing up to significant wind without excessive heeling. This attribute contributes to a more comfortable motion in a seaway and allows for a greater sail-carrying capacity. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of around 178.7 places the Scorpion firmly in the category of lighter, more performance-oriented sailboats. This combination of ratios suggests a boat that is both agile and capable of holding its own when conditions become more challenging. While specific anecdotal descriptions of the Scorpion's handling are limited in available records, Ericson yachts, in general, are known for their balanced sailing characteristics, a quality likely inherited by this early Bruce King design.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior accommodations of the Ericson 32 Scorpion is not extensively detailed in general databases, reflecting its early production and focus on sailing performance. Given its origins as a race-bred design, the interior layout would likely have prioritized functional simplicity over expansive living spaces. Typical arrangements for boats of this era and size would include a V-berth forward, a compact head, and a main salon that might convert into additional berths. The galley would likely be rudimentary, offering basic cooking facilities. Storage solutions would have been integrated where space allowed, and ventilation would have relied on traditional deck hatches and portlights. As with many early fiberglass boats from Ericson, the general finish quality would likely have focused on robust, durable materials, perhaps with some wood trim for warmth and aesthetic appeal. While some variations in interior layouts were common even within early production runs of similar Ericson models, specific details for the Scorpion remain largely undocumented in readily available public records.