Back to Search
Ericson 36
Designer: Ron Holland  ·  Builder: Ericson Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1980
+ Add to Compare
About the Ericson 36

Designed during the 1970s heyday of performance cruising, this mid-sized sailboat represents Ericson's commitment to creating fast, seaworthy vessels that could handle both weekend adventures and extended coastal passages. The Ericson 36 emerged from a California design philosophy that prioritized sailing performance without sacrificing livability. Built with a moderate displacement hull and fine entry, this yacht delivers responsive handling and good light-air performance that made Ericson boats popular among discriminating sailors. The design strikes an appealing balance between cruising comfort and sailing ability, making it well-suited for coastal cruising, club racing, and longer passages in experienced hands. Like other Ericsons of this era, the 36 features quality construction standards and thoughtful interior layouts that maximize space efficiency. The boat's reputation for solid build quality and sailing performance has helped maintain strong resale values over the decades. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Ericson 36 continues to attract sailors seeking a capable mid-sized cruiser with proven offshore credentials. These boats represent excellent value for those willing to maintain and upgrade older fiberglass construction, offering genuine sailing performance at accessible prices.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 35.58 ft / 10.84 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.00 ft / 8.84 m
Beam 11.83 ft / 3.61 m
Max Draft 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Displacement 11,600.00 lb / 5,262 kg
Ballast 5,230.00 lb / 2,372 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ron Holland
Builder Ericson Yachts (USA)
First Built 1980
Last Built 1984
Number Built 32
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
111
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
45.09
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
212.33
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. 7.35 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.77
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.50 ft / 4.42 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 599.00 ft² / 55.65 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Universal
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 24
Fuel Capacity 50 gals / 189 L
Water Capacity 70 gals / 265 L
How It Compares

vs. Catalina 350, Cc 36 1, Ericson 35 3

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Ericson 36 ★
35.6 ft
Catalina 350
35.5 ft
Cc 36 1
35.7 ft
Ericson 35 3
35.5 ft
LWL
Ericson 36 ★
29.0 ft
Catalina 350
30.5 ft
Cc 36 1
27.8 ft
Ericson 35 3
28.9 ft
Beam
Ericson 36 ★
11.8 ft
Catalina 350
12.5 ft
Cc 36 1
11.5 ft
Ericson 35 3
11.3 ft
Displacement
Ericson 36 ★
11 lbs
Catalina 350
13 lbs
Cc 36 1
12 lbs
Ericson 35 3
13 lbs
Ballast
Ericson 36 ★
5 lbs
Catalina 350
5 lbs
Cc 36 1
5 lbs
Ericson 35 3
5 lbs
Sail Area
Ericson 36 ★
Catalina 350
566 sq ft
Cc 36 1
599 sq ft
Ericson 35 3
597 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Ericson 36 ★
111 s/nm
Catalina 350
147 s/nm
Cc 36 1
Ericson 35 3
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Ericson 36 ★
Catalina 350
16.2
Cc 36 1
18.4
Ericson 35 3
17.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Ericson 36 ★
45.1 %
Catalina 350
40.9 %
Cc 36 1
41.7 %
Ericson 35 3
40.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Ericson 36 ★
Catalina 350
21.9
Cc 36 1
23.8
Ericson 35 3
25.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Ericson 36 ★
Catalina 350
2.12
Cc 36 1
2.01
Ericson 35 3
1.93
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Ericson 36 ★
212
Catalina 350
207
Cc 36 1
250
Ericson 35 3
241
Hull Speed
Ericson 36 ★
Catalina 350
7.4 kts
Cc 36 1
7.1 kts
Ericson 35 3
7.2 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Ericson 36 ★
Catalina 350
Cc 36 1
2.3
Ericson 35 3
2.3
Find a Ericson 36 For Sale