
ERICSON 29
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.58 ft |
| LWL | 22 ft |
| Beam | 9.25 ft |
| Draft | 4.33 ft |
| Displacement | 8,500 lb |
| Ballast | 3,899.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38.3 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 32.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.92 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.2 ft |
| Mainsail | 421.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 223.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 379.7 sq ft |
Engine
| Universal | Atomic 430 hpSee all 6 parts → |
About the ERICSON 29
Reported SA above = Main + 120% Genoa. Tot. SA (100%): 395.27 ft2 / 36.72 m2 Mast height above DWL: 42.33'/12.8m Dimension from Owners Manual. Thanks to ERICSON 29 owner Todd S. for providing corrections.
Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts (USA) from 1970–1978, the Ericson 29 is a classic masthead sloop with a displacement of 8500.0 lb and a beam of 9.25 ft. While the exact hulls built count is unknown, this model is widely recognized for its comfortable interior and robust construction, though it requires vigilant maintenance of its aging structural components.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling over high-performance racing metrics. Its moderate displacement and fin keel make it a stable platform for families or couples seeking a manageable cruiser with ample storage.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.82 and a comfort ratio of 28.3, the Ericson 29 is generally considered suitable for protected coastal passages and short offshore trips rather than extended bluewater voyaging. Its moderate displacement and fin keel provide adequate stability for coastal cruising but lack the heavy displacement and full keel characteristics preferred for serious offshore passage-making.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Cal 30 and O'Day 30, which share similar dimensions and a focus on comfortable cruising. These models are comparable due to their similar beam widths, displacement ranges, and reputation as reliable, family-oriented coastal cruisers.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
20 listings · boat years 1970–1979 · median $11,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 28.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
30 reported issues across 9 systems for the ERICSON 29, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ERICSON 29? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 30 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the ERICSON 29
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