Ericson 32-2 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

The 32-2 is a solid fiberglass hull carrying 4,000 lbs of encapsulated lead ballast, with a balsa-cored deck and the builder's Tri-Axial Force Grid for stiffness. At 31.58 ft LOA, 24 ft LWL, 9.67 ft beam, and 4.92 ft draft, it displaces 8,800 lbs for a moderate displacement-to-length ratio of 284 and a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.9. The low-aspect design and CCA-influenced hull shape give it a comfort ratio of 25.2 and a capsize screening of 1.88. The swept-back rudder and keel were influenced by then-current Twelve Meter thinking, and the hull carries a bustle just forward of the rudder to lengthen sailing length.

Rig and Handling

The 32-2 is a masthead sloop rig with a short mast (P 31.5 ft) and long boom (E 13 ft), totaling 452 sq ft of sail area. It heels quickly to 20 degrees or so, then settles in, and several owners said it stops tilting at 30 degrees. Owners report it is only an average performer, though one 1974 owner logged 6 knots upwind in 12 knots of breeze and most rate upwind better than off the wind. It excels on reaches, maintains composure in gales up to 60 knots with little weather helm, and tacks through 110 degrees—an angle one Virginia owner said prevented the boat from pointing to his satisfaction. The relatively short rig is cited as a liability in light winds under 5 knots, though a 150% genoa or drifter/MPS makes it an especially good light-air performer.

Accommodations

The interior is workable and straightforward: a V-berth forward, enclosed head and hanging locker just aft, dinette and settee amidships, corner galley to starboard with quarter berth, and nav table to port. Headroom is 6 ft 2 in. The 1969 32 did not have good ventilation, with only two small opening ports, and one owner said opening ports would improve it. The T-shaped cockpit drew mixed reviews, and water collects at the helm because the scuppers are forward but the boat trims stern down. A number of owners criticized the cockpit lockers for not being adequately waterproofed.

Known Issues

The 32-2 is a deck-stepped mast with no compression post, and several owners complained of mast compression cracking the deck. Some owners report oilcanning in the large unsupported hull areas forward above the V-berth; a 1973 owner said the hull distorts in heavy weather, and a 1987 owner reported heavy seas flexing the hull and popping starboard shelf trim. Others noted thin glass where the mold turns sharply. Quite a few owners of both 32 models complained about gelcoat flaws, and rubber rubrails deteriorate over time. The early 32 has gate valves on through-hulls that should be replaced with positive-action seacocks. A 1972 owner reported wood frames for the main hatch and companionway leaking, letting water reach the balsa core, and said the boat needs a compression post for serious offshore work. A 1974 owner said the aft lower shrouds should have attached to chainplates bonded to hull or inner bulkhead, and stanchions lacked lateral support. Engine access is poor; a 1974 owner said the engine is almost impossible to work on without removing a lazarette wall to reach the clutch, and oil changes are nearly impossible. A 1972 owner bent the spade rudder shaft crashing off a steep wave in gale conditions.

Refits and Ownership

The 32-2 came with a 30 HP Universal Atomic 4 gas engine and 25 gal fuel, 30 gal water. It is often repowered to diesel, a common upgrade that addresses both the gasoline risk and the poor access complaint. Ericson used Barlow winches on early boats. The 1969 hull's known flex and deck-cracking issues make a careful survey worthwhile, but the lead ballast and solid glass hull are durable fundamentals.

The Verdict

The Ericson 32-2 is a period-correct CCA cruiser-racer with a stiff, lead-ballasted hull and a kindly motion in heavy air, but its short rig, deck-stepped mast without compression, and weak ventilation place it firmly in its era. It rewards an owner willing to address gate valves, balsa-core leaks, and engine access.

Pros