Design Brief & Intent
The original Ericson 32 was built for a highly specific mission: to offer the pure-sailing performance of an International 5.5 Meter Olympic racer combined with just enough accommodation to serve as a weekend cruiser. Its hull was pulled from the lines of Scandinavian gold-medal winners, most notably the Norwegian design Carina by Sigurd Herbern, combined with the characteristics of George O’Day’s champion yacht Minotaur. Compared to its primary competitor of the era, the Columbia Sabre, the Ericson 32 Scorpion featured a more traditional, graceful counter transom rather than Columbia's reverse transom, and a slightly redesigned trunk cabin that gave the boat a sleeker, more harmonious profile.
To step inside the Scorpion is to step back into the minimalist infancy of fiberglass cruiser design. With a beam of just over six feet, interior volume is severely constrained. The cabin was never intended for luxurious liveaboard comfort; rather, it was a practical shelter containing four basic berths, a tiny galley, and a head. Still, the early builders prioritized a clean cabin layout with rich mahogany and mahogany-marine ply joinery, lending a warm, classic feel to an otherwise utilitarian space.
Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Ericson 32 Scorpion behaves like a true thoroughbred. Its performance metrics reveal a boat optimized for agility and speed. With a displacement-to-length ratio of 178.38, the hull is firmly in the light-to-moderate displacement category, allowing it to accelerate quickly in light air. This responsiveness is amplified by a generous sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.22, giving the fractional sloop rig plenty of power to drive the narrow hull through flat water.
Because of its razor-thin beam, the boat lacks initial form stability, meaning it heels easily in a breeze. However, its stability curve is anchored by an astronomical ballast-to-displacement ratio of 56.52 percent, with 2,600 pounds of lead packed into its deep fin keel. This design choice yields a capsize screening ratio of 1.51, indicating an exceptionally safe, self-righting profile that is highly resistant to rollover. At the helm, this translates into a boat that dips its shoulder early, locks onto a heel, and tracks with incredible directional stability. The comfort ratio of 24.22 reflects a motion that is more active than a heavy-displacement, full-keeled cruiser, yet far more predictable and softer than modern wide-transom, flat-bottomed sportboats.
Variations & Configurations
Given its short two-year production run and scarce build numbers, factory variations of the original Ericson 32 are rare. The predominant configuration was the fractional sloop rig paired with a deep fin keel. While the vast majority of these hulls left the factory with an outboard motor well built into the cockpit deck to keep weight out of the stern, a select few custom units were fitted with small, low-horsepower inboard gasoline engines.
Unlike later iterations of the Ericson 32—such as the Bruce King-designed Mark II and Mark III versions, which featured wide beams, high freeboards, and voluminous cruising accommodations—the Scorpion remained singularly focused. Its layout did not offer the option of aft cabins or multiple head arrangements; it was a pure, unified expression of classic Olympic-meter-boat philosophy.
Modernization & Upgrades
For the modern caretaker, the Ericson 32 Scorpion presents unique opportunities and challenges. The original outboard well configurations have made these hulls premier candidates for electric propulsion conversions. Veteran owners have increasingly turned to modern electric drivetrains, which replace heavy, unreliable vintage outboards or obsolete inboards with silent, high-torque electric motors and lithium-iron-phosphate battery banks. Because the hull slides effortlessly through the water, even a modest electric motor can easily push the boat to its theoretical hull speed of roughly 6.4 knots.
Additionally, due to the age of the fiberglass, common modernization efforts focus on reinforcing deck structures, which were typically balsa-cored. Replacing soft spots in the deck, upgrading vintage bronze hardware to modern self-tailing winches, and rewiring the simple DC electrical systems are standard procedures for those undertaking refits of these classic hulls.
Market Snapshot & Economics
On the brokerage market, the original Ericson 32 Scorpion is an status-defying, exceedingly rare find. Because only about two dozen were ever built, they rarely come up for sale. When they do, they command a niche following of sailing purists who value classic aesthetics and exceptional pointing ability over interior volume.
Prospective buyers should approach these vessels with realistic expectations regarding refit economics. While the purchase price is typically low, restoring a mid-1960s sailboat can quickly exceed its market value. However, for the sailor who desires a head-turning, classic "needle" hull that can out-sail almost any modern cruiser on a beat, the investment represents a highly rewarding labor of love.
The Verdict
The 1966–1967 Ericson 32 Scorpion is a beautiful, nostalgic speedster that captures the essence of classic 5.5 Meter racing. While entirely unsuited for family living or long-term blue-water voyaging due to its narrow beam and limited cabin headroom, it remains one of the most rewarding pure-sailing experiences available on the classic fiberglass market.
Pros
- Exquisite, classic aesthetic with long overhangs and traditional counter transom.
- Outstanding light-air performance and remarkable pointing ability.
- Exceptional righting moment and safety profile due to a very high ballast ratio.
- Excellent candidate for simple, silent, and eco-friendly electric propulsion conversions.
Cons
- Severely cramped interior with minimal headroom and storage.
- Highly tender initial stability, requiring early reefing in heavier air.
- Extreme scarcity of parts and model-specific owner documentation.
- Common age-related issues such as deck core rot requiring labor-intensive repairs.
