Ericson 27
🚨 Critical: The Ericson Chainplate Problem
The Ericson 27's chainplates are inboard, passing through the deck inside the cabin at partial bulkheads. The deck penetrations collect water over decades of use, and the chainplates corrode at the point where they pass through the deck — the most exposed area that is also the most hidden from view. Corroded chainplates can fail under sailing loads, causing a dismasting. This is the single most important item to investigate on any Ericson purchase.
What to look for: Rust staining on the headliner or cabin top near the chainplate penetrations. Soft or discolored deck around chainplate cover plates. Request that the cover plates be removed so the chainplate condition at the deck level can be inspected directly. If the boat doesn't have documentation of chainplate replacement in the last 10–15 years, budget for it immediately.
Cost: Chainplate replacement on an Ericson 27 typically runs $1,500–$3,500 depending on whether the deck needs repair around the penetrations. This is a dealbreaker only if the seller refuses to negotiate or inspect. A boat with recently replaced, documented chainplates is a significant value indicator.
⚠ Known Issues & Common Problems
-
Critical
Chainplate Corrosion (see full warning above)
Inboard chainplates corrode at the deck penetration. Hidden behind headliners. Failure under load causes dismasting. The #1 issue on every Ericson — inspect before making any offer.
Remove cover plates. Look for rust staining on cabin top. Request documented replacement history. Budget $1,500–$3,500 if unknown or suspect. -
Critical
Original Through-Hulls
All Ericson 27s are now 45–60 years old. Any original bronze through-hulls are operating far past service life. Dezincification is common in boats of this age and can cause sudden failure below the waterline.
Knife blade test every through-hull at survey. If original, plan for immediate replacement regardless of apparent condition. Budget $600–$1,500. -
Major
Engine — Atomic 4 Gas or Diesel Conversion
Earlier Ericson 27s came with the Atomic 4 gasoline engine, now 45–60 years old. Many have been converted to diesel (Yanmar, Universal, Westerbeke) — a diesel conversion is a significant value-add for safety, parts availability, and reliability.
Verify engine type before viewing. A documented diesel conversion adds $2,000–$4,000 in value. If Atomic 4, inspect for fuel leaks, cracked manifold, and smell bilge for gasoline. -
Major
Standing Rigging Age
Rigging on any Ericson without documentation should be assumed overdue for replacement. Wire standing rigging has a 10–15 year service life. These boats are 45–60 years old.
Ask for rigging replacement documentation. Inspect swages at both ends for cracks or corrosion. Budget $1,000–$2,000 for full replacement. -
Major
Interior Liner Delamination
The Ericson 27 uses a molded interior liner bonded to the hull. Over time, the tabbing that bonds the liner to the hull can delaminate, causing the interior to feel loose or creaky. Not a structural catastrophe, but an indication of deferred maintenance and a moisture pathway.
Press on the interior liner throughout the boat — it should feel solid. Any flex or movement indicates delaminated tabbing. Listen for creaking sounds when the boat flexes. Minor reglassing repairs: $500–$2,000. -
Minor
Original Electrical System
Wiring on a 45–60 year old boat is definitively outdated. Non-tinned wire, inadequate circuit protection, and aging insulation are the norm. A rewire is appropriate on any E27 purchase.
Inspect the main panel. Look for melted or cracked insulation, corrosion at terminals. Budget $1,500–$4,000 for a professional rewire; DIY can be done for $500–$1,000 in materials. -
Minor
Deck Hardware Bedding
All deck hardware — cleats, winches, blocks, fairleads — was originally bedded with polysulfide or early polyurethane compounds that have long since hardened and cracked. Expect deck leaks around most deck hardware on an uninspected E27.
At survey: tap deck around all hardware for wet core. Rebed all hardware as part of a thorough first-year ownership program. Budget $200–$800 in sealant and labor.
✅ Survey Checklist
Chainplates — Top Priority
- Remove chainplate cover plates — inspect condition at deck penetration
- Look for rust staining on cabin top near chainplate locations
- Check deck firmness around chainplate bases
- Ask for documented chainplate replacement history
Hull, Keel & Deck
- All through-hulls — knife blade dezincification test
- Full deck tap test — hatches, hardware, mast base
- Keel-hull joint — inspect fairing and look for cracking
- Hull-deck joint — inspect all around for separation
- Osmotic blistering — note extent below waterline
- Rudder bearing — any lateral play?
Interior
- Interior liner — press everywhere; any flex or creaking?
- Bilge condition — standing water, oil, rust?
- Keel bolt area in bilge — rust staining?
- Head compartment — hose condition and smell
Rig & Engine
- Engine type — diesel or Atomic 4 gas?
- Standing rigging documentation and swage inspection
- Engine service records and hour meter
- Forestay and shroud toggle condition
- All running rigging condition
- Fuel tank — check for rust or contaminated fuel
- Transmission — forward, reverse, neutral at sea trial
Electrical
- Electrical panel — breaker condition, wiring age
- Battery bank age and state of charge
- Navigation lights function
- VHF radio function
- Bilge pump — electric and manual
Sea Trial
- Engine cold start and behavior under load
- Sail balance — any excessive weather helm
- Rig behavior — mast movement, any unusual sounds
- Any vibration under power (prop/shaft)
💰 Price Guide by Condition
The Ericson 27 commands a modest premium over equivalent Catalinas due to its sailing reputation and build quality. The chainplate situation is the primary price variable — a boat with documented recent replacement is worth significantly more.
| Condition | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Project | Unknown chainplate status, original through-hulls, Atomic 4 engine, deferred maintenance throughout. Needs significant work before sailing. | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Good | Chainplates inspected/replaced, diesel conversion, working systems, some deferred maintenance but sailable today. | $9,000–$14,000 |
| Excellent | Documented chainplate replacement, diesel, recent rigging, new through-hulls, updated electrical. Turn-key ready to sail coastal passages. | $14,000–$20,000 |
⭐ Why Sailors Seek the Ericson 27
The Ericson 27 consistently appears on "best-sailing 27-footers" lists for good reason. Bruce King's design gives the boat a well-balanced helm, a fine entry, and a hull that moves through chop rather than slamming. Ericson owners often describe their boats as "alive" in a way that contemporary production boats aren't. The 40% ballast ratio makes it stiffer than many competitors, and the fin keel gives it real upwind ability.
The Ericson 27 class still actively races in many ports, and the owner community is knowledgeable and engaged. If you find a well-maintained example with documented chainplate replacement, you'll have a boat that's genuinely satisfying to sail — and that holds its value because buyers who know boats seek it out.
👥 Owner Communities & Resources
Ericson Owners Group (Facebook)
The most active Ericson community online — technical questions, parts, and owner introductions. Search Facebook Groups for "Ericson Yacht Owners."
Facebook Group →Ericson Yachts Registry
Track your boat's history and connect with previous owners. Useful for researching a specific hull's history before purchase.
ericsonyachts.org →Sailing Calculators
Use our ballast ratio calculator to compare the E27 (40%) against other boats you're considering. The SA/D of ~15.5 puts it in the conservative cruiser category.
sailboatsusa.com/calculators →