ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE (CUTTER)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 33 ft |
| LWL | 23.92 ft |
| Beam | 10.42 ft |
| Draft | 4.92 ft |
| Displacement | 11,400 lb |
| Ballast | 4,499.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38.33 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 32.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.92 ft |
| FLforestay | 15 ft |
| Mainsail | 514.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 287.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 488.7 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4 |
About the ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE (CUTTER)
Displayed here is cutter version without bowsprit. LOD: 30.92ft Also called the LIBERTY 31 (Squadron Yachts (USA)) and the Cape Bay 31
Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts (USA) from 1977–1981, the Ericson 31 Independence (Cutter) is a robust cruising sailboat with a displacement of 11400.0 lb and a beam of 10.42 ft. While the exact hulls built count is unknown, the fleet is characterized by a heavy, comfortable ride with a comfort ratio of 29.15 and a low capsize ratio of 1.86.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize interior volume and stability over high-performance racing, particularly those seeking a cutter rig for easier single-handed handling.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 11400.0 lb, a fin keel with a max draft of 4.92 ft, and a low capsize ratio of 1.86, the boat is well-suited for offshore passages, supported by owner reports of solar panel and watermaker installations.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 30 and O'Day 32, which share similar displacement and beam dimensions from the late 1970s, offering comparable interior space and cruising comfort.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE (CUTTER) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 9 systems for the ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE (CUTTER), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE (CUTTER)? 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 14 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE (CUTTER)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4, Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ERICSON 31 INDEPENDENCE (CUTTER)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…