Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Ericson 23-2 are defined by its relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio. With approximately 1,300 pounds of lead ballast on a 3,200-pound total displacement, the boat is notably "stiff," meaning it resists excessive heeling in moderate breezes far better than contemporary lighter-weight designs. This stability provides a sense of security for novice sailors and allows the boat to carry its sail area longer before needing a reef.
Under sail, the Bruce King-designed hull exhibits a balanced helm, though like many designs of this era with a transom-hung rudder, it can become heavy if the boat is over-canvassed. The sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) sits in a range that qualifies it as a "performance cruiser" for its size class; it is lively enough to be rewarding in light air while maintaining the tracking ability required for short coastal hops. Owner anecdotes often highlight the boat’s "sea-kindliness," noting that it handles choppy conditions with less pounding than flatter-bottomed competitors. However, its fixed keel (drawing 3 feet 9 inches) means it lacks the "beachability" of the earlier Mark I swing-keel version, trading shallow-water access for superior upwind pointing ability and overall structural simplicity.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a 23-foot vessel, the Ericson 23-2 offers a surprisingly functional interior, though it is strictly a "sit-down" cabin with limited headroom (typically around 4 feet 8 inches). The layout follows a classic pocket-cruiser arrangement: a V-berth forward, followed by a compact area for a chemical head or a small portable toilet, and two settee berths in the main salon. The use of warm teak bulkheads and trim was a hallmark of Ericson’s production quality, distinguishing it from the "all-plastic" feel of many budget-oriented 23-footers.
The galley is rudimentary, usually consisting of a small sink and space for a single-burner stove, reflecting its purpose as a weekend cruiser rather than a long-term liveaboard. The boat’s sibling, the Ericson 23-1 (Mark I), featured a more cramped interior due to the trunk required for the centerboard/swing-keel mechanism. By contrast, the 23-2’s fixed-keel design opens up the cabin sole, providing a more spacious feeling underfoot. Later in the production run, Ericson introduced the 25 and 25+, which utilized similar design language but offered significantly more interior volume and the addition of an enclosed head.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should focus on several age-related areas common to the Ericson 23-2 and other California-built yachts of the 1970s.
- Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the 23-2 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture can ingress through poorly bedded deck hardware (cleats, stanchions, or the mast step), leading to soft spots. A thorough "perc" test with a plastic hammer is essential during inspection.
- The "Ericson Smile": While more common on larger models like the Ericson 38, the 23-2 can occasionally show a hairline crack at the forward leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, it should be inspected to ensure the keel bolts are tight and there is no evidence of structural movement.
- Chainplate Attachment: Inspect the points where the shrouds meet the deck and attach to the internal bulkheads. Leaks here can lead to rot in the plywood bulkheads, which are critical for structural integrity.
- Rudder Bushings: The transom-hung rudder is robust, but the gudgeons and pintles can develop play over forty years of use. Excessive vibration or "slop" in the tiller usually indicates a need for bushing replacement.
Community & Resources
The Ericson 23-2 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner communities in the sailing world. The Ericson Owners Association, primarily hosted through the EricsonYachts.org portal, maintains an exhaustive technical wiki, original brochures, and a forum where decades of maintenance history are archived. This resource is invaluable for identifying specific part replacements or rigging specifications that are no longer available from the defunct manufacturer.
The Verdict
The Ericson 23-2 is a premium-built vintage pocket cruiser that prioritizes sailing "feel" and structural rigidity over raw interior volume or trailerability. It is an ideal choice for a sailor who wants a classic Bruce King aesthetic in a package that is easy to single-hand and maintain.
Pros:
- Excellent stability and "big boat" handling characteristics for its size.
- High-quality interior woodwork compared to many 1970s production boats.
- Strong community support and technical documentation.
- Fixed lead keel provides better performance and fewer maintenance headaches than swing-keels.
Cons:
- Limited headroom may be uncomfortable for taller sailors on multi-day trips.
- The fixed keel makes the boat significantly more difficult to trailer and launch without a crane.
- Aged balsa-cored decks require careful inspection for moisture intrusion.
