ERICSON 38-200
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.67 ft |
| LWL | 30.5 ft |
| Beam | 12 ft |
| Draft | 6.5 ft |
| Shoal Draft | 4.92 ft(1.50 m) |
| Wing Keel | 5.00 ft(1.52 m) |
| Displacement | 15,500 lb |
| Ballast | 6,300.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 50 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 43.25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 733.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 406.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 690.6 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4 |
About the ERICSON 38-200
The ERICSON 38-200 shared the same hull, keel, rudder, with earlier versions (ERICSON 38x) but had a new deck and interior with a recessed companionway. Thanks to Christian Williams of ericsonyachts.org for providing corrections.
Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts (USA) from 1986–1990, the Ericson 38-200 is a substantial cruising sloop with 120 hulls produced. It combines a 15500.0 lb displacement with a 26.8 comfort ratio, offering a stable platform that owners frequently upgrade with modern electronics and solar power.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize comfort and stability over high-performance racing, particularly those willing to invest in routine maintenance of the deck and keel structure.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a 1.93 capsize ratio and 6300.8 lb of ballast, the Ericson 38-200 is well-suited for offshore passages, provided the critical structural integrity of the deck core and keel sump is verified.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Cal 40 and O'Day 38 of the same era, these boats share similar displacement and beam characteristics, appealing to buyers seeking a robust, full-keel or fin-keel cruiser with ample interior volume.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
5 listings · boat years 1987–1990 · median $35,000
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 37.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
15 reported issues across 8 systems for the ERICSON 38-200, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ERICSON 38-200? 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 38-200?
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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 38-200
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…