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89data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this ERICSON 35-3 buyer’s report
ERICSON 35-3

ERICSON 35-3

Ericson Yachts🇺🇸· Design: Bruce King
$26,140 avg$10,000 – $42,900 (11 listings)1982–1998
$1.8K – $4.9K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin
Ericson Yachts Information

Specifications

Hull

LOA35.5 ft
LWL28.87 ft
Beam11.33 ft
Draft6.17 ft
Shoal Draft5.0 ft
Displacement13,000 lb
Ballast5,200 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.2 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height43 ft
Jforetriangle base15.8 ft
Pmainsail luff36.7 ft
Emainsail foot12 ft
FLforestay15.8 ft
Mainsail616.1 sq ft
Jib (100%)363.4 sq ft
Spinnaker617.8 sq ft

Engine

CommonlyUniversal, Kubota, Atomic 4

About the ERICSON 35-3

Different design from ERICSON 35-2.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts (USA) from 1982–1998, the Ericson 35-3 is a popular masthead sloop known for its balanced performance and comfortable interior. While the exact hull count is unspecified, the model's longevity and widespread owner reports highlight its status as a reliable coastal cruiser with a distinct maintenance profile.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling, as evidenced by the high frequency of dodger and bimini installations for protected cockpit living.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 13000.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.93, and a comfort ratio of 25.68, the Ericson 35-3 offers moderate offshore capability, though its fin keel and relatively light displacement suggest it is better suited for protected waters than heavy ocean passages.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Cal 35 and O'Day 35, which share similar displacement, beam, and cabin layouts, making them direct competitors in the mid-1980s to late-1990s market for family-friendly, performance-oriented cruisers.

Performance

Comfort25.7
Capsize1.93
SA/Disp17.3
Disp/Len241
Bal/Disp40.0

ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)

Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.

Polar Diagram

24680°30°60°90°120°150°180°WIND
4kn6kn8kn10kn12kn14kn16kn20kn24knbeat VMGrun VMG

Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC

Racing Ratings

GPH657.1 s/miOSN639.5

Triple Number

LowMedHighOffshore0.81301.02361.1270Inshore0.63710.84360.9561

ORC Measured

Displacement6471 kg (14269 lb)Wetted surface25.4 m² (273 ft²)Stability index-1.0

Sail Areas (ORC)

Main26.8 m² (289 ft²)Genoa55.4 m² (596 ft²)Spinnaker101.5 m² (1093 ft²)Asymmetric95.2 m² (1024 ft²)

Speed Table (kn)

TWA \ TWS468101214162024
52°4.05.26.06.56.76.86.96.96.9
60°4.25.56.26.66.87.07.07.17.2
75°4.35.66.36.77.07.17.37.47.5
90°4.25.56.36.77.07.27.37.67.8
110°4.05.46.46.97.27.57.78.18.3
120°3.85.26.36.87.27.57.78.38.7
135°3.44.75.86.57.07.37.68.28.9
150°2.84.05.16.06.67.07.37.98.5
Beat VMG2.63.54.14.54.74.94.95.04.9
Run VMG2.53.54.45.25.96.46.87.47.9

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 5 listings
Low
$17,016
Estimated Value
$19,036
High
$29,526
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

11 listings · boat years 19741990 · median $25,317

$0$20k$40kmedian $25,31719751980198519901987 35-3 · $21,900 · NC, US1985 Ericson 35-3 · $10,000 · Massachusetts, US1990 Ericson 35-3 · $42,900 · Florida, US1983 Ericson E-35 mk3 · $24,500 · Rhode Island, US1987 Ericson 35-3 · $38,000 · Florida, US1989 Ericson ericson 35 mkiii · $29,000 · AL1974 Ericson ericson e35 · $17,900 · WI1977 ericson 35 3 · $11,3851983 ericson 35 3 · $33,2051983 Ericson Yachts 35-3 · $33,437 · California, United States1987 Ericson Yachts 35.3 STD · $25,317 · Florida, United StatesAsking price (USD)Boat model year

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 35.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.8K – $4.9K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

15 reported issues across 5 systems for the ERICSON 35-3, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

5 critical6 major4 minor
Keel4Deck4Structural3Engine3Hull1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a ERICSON 35-3? 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 15 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 35-3?

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 35-3

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…