Sailing Performance & Handling
The Ericson 32-2 is characterized by its stability and predictable handling, a direct result of Bruce King’s focus on balanced hull forms. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio hovering around 300, the boat is firmly in the "medium-heavy" category by modern standards, providing a motion at sea that is far more comfortable than lighter, contemporary coastal cruisers. Its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 16.4 indicates that while it is not a light-air specialist, it carries enough canvas to remain competitive in moderate breezes.
The boat features a swept-back fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration that was considered progressive at the time of its debut. This setup allows the 32-2 to track well on a reach while remaining surprisingly nimble in tight marina quarters. Owners often report that the boat "finds its groove" at about 15 degrees of heel, where the hull's symmetry provides a light touch on the helm. However, because of its CCA-influenced narrow beam (9' 8"), it can be tender if over-canvased, necessitating early reefing when the wind sustainedly exceeds 18 knots.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a vessel of its era, the Ericson 32-2 offered a remarkably functional and warm interior, heavily utilizing teak bulkheads and trim. The layout is a classic "main cabin" arrangement: a V-berth forward followed by a head and hanging locker, a main salon with facing settees (the port side often converting to a double berth), and a galley and quarter berth aft. According to technical archives at Ericson Yachts, the boat underwent minor interior refinements during its ten-year production run, primarily focusing on the galley configuration and the transition from wood-framed to aluminum-framed portlights.
The 32-2 provides roughly 6' 1" of headroom in the main salon, which was generous for a 32-foot boat in 1970. The galley is typically equipped with a two-burner stove and a deep icebox, though many owners have since retrofitted refrigeration. Unlike its successor, the Ericson 32-3 (introduced in 1985), which featured a much wider beam and an aft-cabin layout, the 32-2 feels more like a traditional ship’s cabin—cozy, secure, and well-suited for a couple or a small family.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Ericson 32-2 with an awareness of its age and the specific construction methods of the 1970s.
- Mast Step Corrosion: The mast is deck-stepped, supported by a compression post that rests on a wooden block or a fiberglass-encapsulated beam in the bilge. Over decades, water ingress can rot this support, leading to "compression settling." This is a critical inspection point.
- Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, the 32-2 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture can enter through improperly bedded stanchions or cleats. A percussion "tap test" or moisture meter should be used to check for soft spots, particularly around the chainplates and the cockpit sole.
- Chainplate Re-bedding: The chainplates are bolted to the bulkheads. If the deck seals fail, water can migrate down the chainplate, rotting the bulkhead and compromising the rig's structural integrity.
- Engine Maintenance: Most 32-2s were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many have been repowered with diesels (such as the Universal M25). Buyers should check the age of the exhaust riser and fuel tank if the original gasoline system is still in place.
Community & Resources
The Ericson 32-2 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner communities in the sailing world. The Ericson Yachts Owners Association serves as a primary repository for original brochures, wiring diagrams, and technical modifications specific to the Mark II. This community is instrumental for new owners seeking to source obsolete parts or advice on structural repairs.
The Verdict
The Ericson 32-2 is a quintessential "plastic classic" that offers an affordable entry point into cruising without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of a Bruce King design. It is a robust, sea-kindly vessel that rewards a sailor who values traditional lines and a sturdy feel over the voluminous, flat-bottomed interiors of modern production boats.
Pros:
- Timeless Bruce King aesthetic with a pleasing sheer line.
- Solid fiberglass hull construction (below the waterline).
- Excellent owner support and documentation available through the association.
- Balanced sailing characteristics that are forgiving for novice sailors.
Cons:
- Age-related issues such as deck core moisture and mast step compression are common.
- Original Atomic 4 engines require specialized knowledge and safety precautions.
- Narrow beam limits interior volume compared to more modern 32-footers.
