Ericson 34-2 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

The 34-2 is built around a solid fiberglass hull taken from a single-piece mold, with a balsa-cored sandwich deck reinforced by plywood backing under through-deck fittings. Ericson’s molded Tri-axial Force Grid distributes mast, shroud, and keel loads through thwarts and stringers that lend the hull its rigidity anchor. A fiberglassed hull-to-deck joint is less prone to leaking than through-bolted alternatives, and the lead ballast keel is externally fastened with beefy bolts. The rudder is foam over a steel frame with a thin fiberglass skin, paired with a moderate fin keel and a semi-balanced shallow spade. Practical Sailor judged the boat to meet the stability and construction standards expected in an offshore cruiser, and several 34-2s have crossed the Atlantic and Pacific.

Rig and Handling

The masthead sloop rig carries just under 600 square feet of sail on a keel-stepped mast with a double-spreader, high-aspect layout. Inboard shrouds and genoa tracks combine with outboard toerail tracks, while a cabin-top traveler and mid-boom sheeting keep the mainsheet clear of the cockpit. Test sailors found the 34-2 heeled no more than about 15 degrees and settled at 12 degrees, holding 6.8 knots across a 60-to-130-degree apparent wind range anchor. The 6-foot 2-inch fin keel tracks well to weather, the balanced rudder gives excellent steering on deep reaches, and the boat is a competitive PHRF performer around a 125 handicap. Owners do occasionally note the 34 is a bit underpowered, but the overall sailing performance is its best attribute.

Accommodations

Below, the 34-2 shows a real teak-and-holly sole and ample teak joinery. The conventional V-berth forward has storage shelves and an optional 25-gallon tank under it supplementing the 20-gallon port and starboard tanks. The keel-stepped mast dominates a saloon with a fold-down centerline table, an L-shaped port settee that converts to a double, and a long starboard settee. The L-shaped galley to port has a double sink, top-loading fridge, and three-burner stove; opposite sits a forward-facing nav station large enough for paper charts, with the head and shower just aft. A double quarter berth behind the galley offers drawers, a hanging locker, and opening portlights. The T-shaped cockpit has a standard 36-inch wheel, a raised cambered seat with gull-wing hatches, and wide side decks that ease passage outside the shrouds.

Known Issues

Some owners report that the Tri-axial Force Grid can crack, and cracking or crazing around the anchor locker has also been noted. On the 34-2 specifically, owners have complained of leaky portlights and a soft cabin sole near the mast step. The Universal MD 25 diesel’s fuel governor is a known trouble spot, with small springs and components that can break and prevent starting.

Refits and Ownership

The standard engine was the Universal MD 25 rated at 21 horsepower, though the test boat carried a 28-horsepower Volvo MD-2030. The Ericson 34-200 signifies the 34s built by Pacific Seacraft after the mold transfer.

The Verdict

The Ericson 34-2 is a well-resolved King design that balances racer-cruiser performance with a practical, teak-filled interior. Its grid-supported hull and offshore-capable record recommend it, while a few owner-reported structural and systems niggles deserve a careful survey.

Pros