ERICSON 381
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.5 ft |
| LWL | 30.5 ft |
| Beam | 12 ft |
| Draft | 6.5 ft |
| Displacement | 14,400 lb |
| Ballast | 6,300 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 47 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 42.25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 701.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 381.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 649.2 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4 |
About the ERICSON 381
Updated version of ERICSON 38 (1980). Shallow draft: 4.92'/1.50m Thanks to Christian Williams for providing corrections and layout plan.
Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts (USA) between 1982 and 1986, the Ericson 381 is a rare production model with only 39 hulls built. This limited run distinguishes it from more common Ericson models, offering a unique blend of performance and comfort for owners seeking a distinctive vessel.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable, stable platform with a 24.94 comfort ratio over extreme racing performance. Its manageable size and fin keel design make it accessible for small crews or couples looking for a reliable cruising companion.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 14400.0 lb and a low capsize ratio of 1.98, the Ericson 381 is well-suited for offshore passages, offering substantial stability and safety margins for bluewater cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Ericson 36 and 38, which share similar dimensions and the Bruce King design philosophy of balanced cruising comfort. The Hunter 36 and O'Day 36 are also relevant comparables from the same era, offering similar beam and displacement characteristics for coastal cruising.
Direct variant of the ERICSON 381
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 37.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
1 reported issues across 1 systems for the ERICSON 381, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ERICSON 381? 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 1 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 381?
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, Beta Marine — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ERICSON 381
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…