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Ericson 32
Designer: Bruce King  ·  Builder: Ericson Yachts  ·  First built: 1969
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About the Ericson 32

Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts between 1969 and 1978, the Ericson 32 earned a strong reputation as a capable and well-balanced coastal cruiser with genuine offshore potential. King's design reflects the performance-oriented thinking of its era, featuring a fin keel with spade rudder configuration that delivers responsive handling and solid upwind performance — qualities that made Ericson Yachts a respected name among West Coast sailors during the 1970s. With a masthead sloop rig and a favorable sail area-to-displacement ratio, the Ericson 32 carries enough canvas to move well in light air while remaining manageable for a small crew or couple. The ballast-to-displacement ratio speaks to a stable, confidence-inspiring platform, and the comfort ratio suggests the boat is best suited to coastal passages and protected waters rather than extended bluewater voyaging, though many owners have ventured further afield successfully. Built from fiberglass, the Ericson 32 has proven durable over the decades, and a healthy used market reflects its enduring popularity. For buyers seeking an approachable, classically designed sloop with a proven track record, the Ericson 32 remains a compelling option.

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Market Price Estimate Beta
$2,900 – $49,000
typical asking price
Median $23,500  ·  15 listings used
All listings
$2,900 – $49,000 15
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 31.58 ft / 9.63 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
Beam 9.67 ft / 2.95 m
Max Draft 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
Displacement 8,800.00 lb / 3,992 kg
Ballast 4,000.00 lb / 1,814 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 452.00 ft² / 41.99 m²
Headroom 6.17 ft / 1.88 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce King
Builder Ericson Yachts
First Built 1969
Last Built 1978
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
192
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
17.02
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
25.2
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.88
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.56
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.87
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 829.25
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 38.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 31.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.0
SA Fore 247.0
SA Main 204.75
Resources & Community
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