Ericson 35-2 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Ericson 35-2 is widely regarded as a "sailor’s boat," known for a balanced helm and an ability to outperform many modern cruisers in light-to-moderate air. With a displacement of 11,600 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 43%, the boat is remarkably stiff and carries its canvas well into the upper teens before a reef is required. Its Sail Area/Displacement ratio of approximately 15.9 suggests a versatile performer that avoids the sluggishness often associated with 1970s cruisers.

Owners frequently report that the 35-2 tracks exceptionally well due to its modified fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration that was progressive for the late 1960s. While the hull shape reflects some IOR influences—specifically the tumblehome in the midships section—it lacks the twitchiness found in more extreme racing designs of that period. In a retrospective analysis, technical contributors at EricsonYachts.org note that the boat excels on a beat, pointing high and maintaining momentum through a chop, though like most spade-rudder boats of its vintage, it requires an attentive hand when running deep in heavy following seas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel designed in the late 1960s, the Ericson 35-2 offers a surprisingly ergonomic interior that maximizes its 10-foot beam. The layout is traditional: a forward V-berth followed by a head and hanging locker, a main saloon with a drop-leaf table, and an aft galley. Most models feature a starboard-side settee that converts into a double berth and a port-side pilot berth positioned above the main settee, providing a total sleeping capacity for six.

The interior is heavily finished in teak, reflecting the high-water mark of American production craftsmanship. Headroom is generous for a 35-foot boat of this era, topping out at approximately 6'2". Throughout its 13-year production run, the 35-2 saw minor variations in cabinetry and engine access, but the hull remained consistent. It is important to distinguish this model from its "siblings": the rare 35-1, which featured a long keel and traditional transom, and the later Ericson 35-3 (introduced in 1982). The 35-3 was a completely different hull with a wider beam and a modern "Tri-Axial Force" grid system, aimed squarely at the cruising market of the 1980s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Ericson 35-2 should focus their inspection on several age-related structural areas common to this specific build:

• Chainplate Bulkheads: The 35-2 uses a plywood bulkhead to anchor the shroud chainplates. Over decades, leaks from the deck-to-chainplate seal can rot the core of these bulkheads, compromising structural integrity. This is the most common "deal-breaker" found during surveys.
• Deck Core Delamination: Like many boats of its era, the deck is balsa-cored. Moisture intrusion around stanchion bases, handrails, and the mast step is common. A percussion "tap test" or moisture meter is essential to identify soft spots.
• The Spade Rudder: The rudder post and internal framing are susceptible to corrosion and water ingress. If the rudder feels heavy or "mushy," it may indicate the internal foam core has become saturated or the fiberglass skin has begun to delaminate from the internal skeleton.
• The Atomic 4 Engine: Many 35-2s were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many owners have since repowered with diesels (such as the Universal M25). Buyers should carefully evaluate the fuel system and exhaust manifold if the original gasoline engine is still in place.

Community & Resources

The Ericson 35-2 benefits from one of the most robust owner associations in the sailing world. EricsonYachts.org serves as a comprehensive technical wiki and forum where decades of refit logs, original brochures, and Bruce King’s design notes are archived. This community is a vital resource for sourcing specific replacement parts, such as the unique portlight gaskets or rudder bearings.

The Verdict

The Ericson 35-2 remains a premier choice for the budget-conscious sailor who refuses to sacrifice sailing pedigree for interior volume. It is a timeless Bruce King design that looks as "right" in a marina today as it did in 1970.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and upwind pointing ability.
• Timeless, elegant aesthetics with a classic reverse transom.
• Active and highly knowledgeable owner community for technical support.
• High ballast ratio provides a stable, confidence-inspiring ride.

Cons:

• Older models may still have the Atomic 4 gasoline engine, which requires meticulous maintenance.
• The spade rudder is vulnerable to delamination and requires careful inspection.
• Susceptibility to bulkhead rot near chainplates if deck seals were neglected.