E+A 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the E+A 40 are defined by its IOR (International Offshore Rule) heritage, manifesting in a hull with significant tumblehome and a relatively narrow entry. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio typically hovering in the moderate-to-heavy range and a generous ballast-to-displacement ratio approaching 45%, the boat is exceptionally stiff and weatherly. According to historical technical notes found at the Ericson Yachts Owners Association, the boat was designed to be driven hard to windward, where its deep fin keel and large spade rudder provide excellent tracking and responsiveness.

Under sail, the E+A 40 feels powerful but requires active trimming to stay in the groove. The high aspect rig and large foretriangle mean the boat relies heavily on its headsails for drive; in heavy air, it remains remarkably balanced, though the tumblehome can cause the boat to feel "tippy" initially before locking in once the broad beam amidships provides secondary stability. Owners often report that the boat handles a sea-way with a "gentle, rhythmic motion" typical of Bruce King’s heavier designs, avoiding the pounding associated with more modern, flat-bottomed performance hulls.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The E+A 40’s flush deck design creates a unique interior volume that differs significantly from its sibling, the Ericson 39. While the lack of a trunk cabin means there are no eye-level portlights while standing, the interior feels cavernous due to the consistent overhead height extending from the companionway to the forward bulkhead. The cabinetry is almost exclusively handcrafted teak, and the layout was often customized to the original buyer’s specifications.

The most common configuration features a large U-shaped galley to port and a dedicated navigation station to starboard. The salon typically employs a pilot berth and settee arrangement, providing secure sleeping quarters for off-watch crew during offshore passages. The "B" variant of the related Ericson 39 hull sometimes utilized a more cruising-oriented layout with an aft cabin, but most E+A 40 models adhered to the classic open-plan aesthetic to maximize the sense of space. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'2", though the flush deck can make the cabin feel darker than contemporary yachts unless equipped with oversized hatches or prisms.

The E+A 40 shares its hull with the Ericson 39 and the later Ericson 39B. While the hulls are identical below the waterline, the E+A 40 is essentially the "Black Label" version of the series, featuring a distinct deck mold and a more robust layup schedule in some instances to accommodate high-tension racing rigs.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several age-related technical areas common to 1970s-era Ericson builds:

1. Chainplate Knees: The E+A 40 uses a system where chainplates are bolted to fiberglass-encapsulated wood knees. Over decades, water intrusion through the deck can rot the wood core of these knees, compromising the rig's structural integrity. This is a high-priority inspection item that often requires a moisture meter or "tapping" with a phenolic hammer.
2. Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the E+A 40 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. The flush deck design has many penetrations (stanchions, genoa tracks, and hatches). If these were not periodically re-bedded, moisture could migrate into the core. Spongy areas around the mast partner or the cockpit sole are common red flags.
3. Rudder Post and Bearings: The large spade rudder is subject to significant leverage. Over time, the internal stainless steel skeleton can suffer from crevice corrosion if the fiberglass shell has leaked. Check for "weeping" of rust-colored water from the rudder when the boat is hauled out.
4. The "Ericson Smile": A common industry term for a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, on a performance boat like the E+A 40, it should be inspected to ensure the keel bolts are torqued to specification and the fiberglass floors (internal grid) are not delaminated.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Ericson Yachts Owners Association, which hosts an extensive archive of original Bruce King blueprints, wiring diagrams, and a robust forum where owners share restoration logs. Because the E+A 40 was produced in limited numbers compared to the standard 39, this technical wiki is the most reliable source for identifying the semi-custom variations present in individual hulls.

The Verdict

The E+A 40 is a "sailor's boat" that rewards those who appreciate the aesthetic of a flush deck and the sturdy feel of a classic IOR cruiser. While it requires more maintenance than a modern production boat, its performance in heavy weather and its timeless lines make it a standout in any harbor.

Pros:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The clean, flush deck profile is widely considered one of Bruce King’s most beautiful designs.
• Build Quality: Generally superior to the standard production Ericson 39s, with high-end interior joinery.
• Sailing Pedigree: Excellent windward performance and a stable, predictable motion in offshore conditions.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: Aging balsa cores and chainplate knees require a vigilant owner and potential structural investment.
• Interior Lighting: The flush deck can result in a dim cabin compared to yachts with trunk cabins and large windows.
• Ergonomics: The lack of a cabin top to brace against can make moving across the wide, flat deck challenging when the boat is heavily heeled.