Everything you need to know before buying a used Ericson 27 — design history, early vs. late production changes, what years represent the best value, common problems to inspect, and real price data from 9 active listings.
The Ericson 27 is a design that proved so durable and practical it became one of the most prolific cruising yachts of the 1970s. Designed by the legendary Bruce P. King and produced by Ericson Yachts of Southern California, the 27 was introduced in 1971 and remained in production through 1978, with a remarkable 1,302 hulls built — making it one of the highest-production sailboat designs of that era.
King's association with Ericson Yachts was extraordinarily prolific: over 34 years, he designed 24 different models for the company, and Ericson built approximately 7,000 boats total from his designs. The Ericson 27 represents King at his most successful — a design that balanced modern fin-keel performance with practical, livable cruising accommodations at an affordable price point.
The E27's appeal lay in what it offered: real interior headroom (6 feet 1 inch), an inboard engine option that would become standard, good sailing balance, and a construction quality that was solid without being extravagant. Ericson, like many builders of the era, used an end-grain balsa core in the deck and cabin trunk for stiffness and insulation, and — crucially — generally did a better job of sealing deck fittings than competitors, which kept core rot to a minimum on surviving examples.
The boat was designed during a transformative period in sailing. The fixed-keel, full-displacement designs of the 1960s were being challenged by lighter, faster fin-keel boats. The Ericson 27 sits right at that inflection point: it's heavier and slower than the racers, but livelier and more efficient than the traditional full-keel cruisers that were being phased out. This middle-ground positioning is precisely why so many were built and why so many are still sailing.
The Ericson 27's proportions reflect its design philosophy: moderate displacement with a fin keel that provides upwind efficiency and modern handling characteristics. Here are the key numbers from the Keel Index spec page:
| LOA | 26' 8" (8.13 m) |
| LWL | 20' 2" (6.15 m) |
| Beam | 9' 0" (2.74 m) |
| Draft | 4' 6" (1.37 m) |
| Displacement | 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) |
| Ballast | 2,600 lb (lead/iron, 37%) |
| Sail Area | 344 ft² |
| Hull Type | Fin keel with spade rudder |
| Rigging | Masthead sloop, deck-stepped mast |
| SA/Displacement | ~14.1 (moderate cruiser) |
| Headroom | 6' 1" (1.85 m) |
| Water Capacity | 40 gallons |
| Power | Inboard (Atomic Four or diesel, optional outboard on early boats) |
| Berths | 5 (V-berth forward, 2 settees, 2 quarterberths) |
| Hull Speed | ~6.7 knots |
The 6 feet 1 inch of headroom was — and remains — the Ericson 27's major selling point. You can stand upright throughout the cabin, change clothes in the head, and live aboard comfortably for extended periods. This advantage, combined with the wide 9-foot beam, gives the E27 considerably more living space than a Cape Dory 25 or similar-length traditional cruiser.
The 37% ballast ratio is moderate for a cruising boat — not as high as the full-keel designs, but higher than the stripped-out racing IOR boats. The spade rudder reflects King's racing pedigree and provides positive feedback and good tracking when properly tuned. Unlike attached-rudder designs, the spade rudder can be damaged if struck, but modern epoxy repair techniques make this manageable.
The displacement-to-length ratio of 363 and SA/D of 14.1 mark this as a "moderate cruiser" — well-powered for its weight, but not overcanvassed. In moderate breeze (12–18 knots), the boat moves along pleasantly. In light air (under 10 knots), it becomes sluggish, which is the classic tradeoff for a heavier displacement hull.
The Ericson 27 enjoyed a seven-year production run with several significant midstream updates. Understanding these changes will help you evaluate a boat you're considering and understand what you're getting.
| Feature | Early (1971–1973) | Mid (1974–1975) | Late (1976–1978) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | Tiller only | Tiller or wheel (optional) | Wheel standard (hull #754+) |
| Interior finish | Mahogany plywood | Teak (1974 onwards) | Teak with refinements |
| Cockpit layout | Traditional, transom cutout | Redesigned, T-shaped, ventilation hatch | T-shaped standard, mainsheet aft |
| Engine standard | Outboard (transom), inboard optional | Atomic Four most common | Atomic Four or diesel standard |
| Deck/cabin | Original design | Redesigned with vent hatch | Established design, cosmetic refinements |
| Best for | Budget buyers willing to upgrade systems | Good balance, first major update applied | Most refined, typically best condition |
These are now 50+ years old. The hull and structural integrity are often sound — Ericson's fiberglass layup was solid — but the systems are dated. Many original Atomic Fours (if equipped) are reaching the end of their service life. Teak and stainless fasteners have had decades to corrode. Port seals are likely original and failing. The mahogany plywood interiors can be charming, but water intrusion has likely caused damage to cabinetry. Early boats are the most affordable but require the most comprehensive refurbishment before they're truly ready to cruise.
The 1974 redesign was a genuine upgrade: teak interiors hold up better than mahogany, the redesigned cockpit with the T-shaped helm is more comfortable for long passages, and the ventilation hatch improves cabin air circulation. However, boats from 1974–1975 are still 50 years old with outdated engine and electrical systems. The upgrade path is the same as early boats, but you're starting with a better foundation. Wheel steering became optional in 1974, which is worth seeking out if you prefer it over a tiller.
Late-production Ericson 27s benefit from seven years of manufacturing refinement and the 1974 upgrade package fully mature. These boats still carry the practical cabin design and good build quality, but they're "only" 46–50 years old rather than 50+. Many feature diesel engines (particularly later examples), which tend to age more gracefully than the Atomic Four. A well-maintained 1977–1978 example with updated systems, serviceable sails, and reliable power represents the best value proposition for someone ready to sail the boat rather than extensively restore it.
The Ericson 27 sails like the product of the 1970s it is: a competent, forgiving boat that's faster and more responsive than the full-keel designs of the 1960s, but heavier and less ambitious than the racing machines that came later. The PHRF rating (225–230) puts it boat-for-boat with much smaller boats like the Catalina 25 — a humbling reality if you approach this boat thinking it's a racer.
In moderate to heavy conditions (15+ knots), the Ericson 27 shines. The displacement provides a stable platform that resists sudden heeling; the boat reaches a comfortable angle of heel and stays there — what sailors call "steady as a church." The motion is sea-kindly and not jerky. The spade rudder provides excellent weather helm control and feedback, and the 37% ballast ratio is sufficient to keep the boat upright and manageable in rough conditions. Many E27s have weathered serious storms without drama. The design was never tested in extreme conditions the way modern boats are, but the basic seaworthiness is genuine.
Below 10 knots of apparent wind, the Ericson 27 loses momentum. The 7,000-pound displacement and moderate SA/D ratio mean there's simply not enough breeze to keep the boat moving at respectable speeds. The wider beam helps (9 feet provides righting moment even in light air), but you'll find yourself under power more often than you'd like in light-air sailing areas. This is the classic displacement-boat problem: you gain stability and comfort at the price of performance in marginal conditions.
The spade rudder gives the Ericson 27 a responsive, predictable helm. Tacks are crisp and confident — no hanging in stays if you're paying attention to sail trim. The boat carries moderate weather helm under working sails, which provides good feedback without becoming tiring. Close-quarters maneuvers are manageable, though the fin keel and inboard power mean you have less turning radius than a full-keel design. Helm character is one of the E27's genuine strengths — the boat talks to you, which is more pleasant than the heavy, numb feeling of some cruisers.
After 45–50 years in service, the Ericson 27 exhibits predictable age-related issues. A professional survey is essential.
Like all boats with balsa-cored decks, the Ericson 27 is susceptible to water intrusion causing core rot — but Ericson generally did a better job sealing deck fittings than some competitors, so widespread delamination is less common than on, say, comparable Catalina 27s. Still, inspect around every hardware penetration (stanchion bases, cleats, winch mounts, mast partners) carefully. Press firmly; any soft spots or cracking gelcoat indicate moisture intrusion. Localized delamination can be repaired with epoxy injection ($400–$1,200 per area). Extensive rot across large areas requires more comprehensive fiberglass work.
A specific weak point on the Ericson 27: moisture collects in the crevice where chainplates attach to the inside of the cabin trunk, leading to corrosion and potential failure. This is not a design defect unique to Ericson, but it's documented in the E27 community. Inspect all chainplate areas carefully from inside the cabin — look for white corrosion (aluminum oxidation) or water staining. Chainplate failure is a serious safety issue; if you find evidence of corrosion, have them professionally addressed before trusting the rig in heavy air.
The Atomic Four gas engine, standard on most Ericson 27s, has a known weakness: its raw-water cooling system is susceptible to fouling and to ingestion of saltwater if cooling lines are misrouted or if an overboard fitting fails. Ericson had a recall for an exhaust fitting that allowed water to back-flow into some engines, causing damage. Any Atomic Four you inspect should have been well-maintained or repowered — ask for service records. If the engine is original and hasn't been completely rebuilt, budget $2,000–$4,000 to either overhaul it or repower with a small diesel (a popular upgrade on E27s).
The spade rudder is a structural vulnerability. Unlike an attached rudder that bolts to the keel, a spade rudder's only attachment is to the hull. Strike it hard — running aground, hitting an underwater object — and it can fracture at the base, which is catastrophic and expensive to repair ($3,000–$6,000+). Modern epoxy repair techniques have made this manageable, but it's a risk. Handle the boat carefully when maneuvering in shallow or rocky water.
Ericson 27s of the 1970s are prone to osmotic blistering, particularly boats that have spent years in the water without haul-out and maintenance. Inspect the underwater hull carefully during any pre-purchase survey. Minor, small blisters (golf-ball sized or smaller) are cosmetic and treatable with barrier coatings. Larger, deeper blistering requires more significant intervention and suggests the boat spent years waterlogged or poorly maintained.
Wheel steering, optional in 1974 and standard from 1976 on, uses a cable-and-pulley system that requires periodic maintenance and inspection. Tiller steering is simpler and has fewer failure points — but is less comfortable for extended passages. If the wheel is original, inspect the cable, pulleys, and quadrant for corrosion and proper adjustment. This is routine maintenance, not a show-stopper, but it's worth budgeting for.
The Ericson 27 holds its value reasonably well for a 45–50-year-old boat, though not as strongly as the more cult-status Cape Dory or classic full-keel designs. The E27's wide production run (1,302 boats) means there's good supply, which keeps prices moderate. Boats with diesel engines command significant premiums over Atomic Four examples — often $3,000–$5,000 more for otherwise comparable boats.
Based on 9 active listings in our database, here's what the current market looks like:
Use the Keel Index price estimator to compare any specific asking price to current market comps.
One of the unexpected pleasures of Ericson 27 ownership is the community. While Ericson went out of production decades ago and no longer builds boats, the owner community remains active and supportive.
EricsonYachts.org has served the community for over 23 years as a comprehensive resource. The EY.o Information Exchange forum covers everything from design history and identification to systems maintenance, mechanical troubleshooting, and buying/selling advice. The community is active and knowledgeable — asking about an E27 you're considering will typically generate detailed responses from owners who've encountered the same issues.
Parts availability is excellent for standard marine hardware (winches, cleats, blocks, through-hulls) — Ericson used off-the-shelf components from major suppliers. Ericson-specific parts (cabin trim, portlights, companionway hardware) are harder to source but often available through the owner community or resourceful fabrication. The Atomic Four engine is simple and well-documented, with dedicated communities supporting it even though Universal (the manufacturer) stopped production decades ago.
Engine support: For boats with original Atomic Fours, the Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Community is an invaluable resource with detailed technical knowledge. Repowering is popular — common options include small Yammars (8–10 hp) or Kubota-based engines (Universal or Beta Marine). The owner community has extensive experience with these retrofits and can guide you through the process.
The Ericson 27 is a boat for sailors who value livable interior space, stable, predictable handling, and reasonable fuel efficiency over raw speed. It was designed during a sweet spot in sailing design — modern enough to handle well, heavy enough to be comfortable offshore, practical enough to cruise with a modest crew. After 50 years and 1,302 built, that design philosophy has proven itself.
It's not the fastest boat in its class, not the lightest displacement, not the best-equipped cabin. But the combination of decent headroom, inboard power, a spade rudder that communicates what it's doing, and a wide enough beam to keep you comfortable in a seaway makes it a genuinely useful cruising boat. The sheer numbers built mean that example to example you can be confident of the design's fundamentals.
The limitations deserve respect. This is a boat for moderate sailors in moderate conditions — excellent for coastal cruising, weekend trips, and exploring protected waters. Long offshore passages or extreme-weather sailing would be uncomfortable and impractical. Light-air sailing requires patience and often resort to power. The systems are 45–50 years old and will need updating.
But if you value substance and practicality over flash and performance, and if you're willing to embrace the character of a boat from an earlier era, the Ericson 27 will reward you with faithful, unpretentious service. The active owner community means you're never truly alone with a problem. And the moderate asking prices mean you're buying significant value in cruising capability for a reasonable dollar investment.
View the full Ericson 27 specs, performance ratios, and live price estimates on Keel Index.
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