Ericson 29 Known Issues

Name: Ericson 29
Brand: Ericson Yachts (Usa)
Availability: InStock

Common problems, survey red flags, and what to inspect before buying a Ericson 29.

These are the most commonly reported problems on the Ericson 29, compiled from surveys, owner reports, and marine forums. Use this list as a pre-purchase inspection checklist — especially the high-severity items.

Known Issues

4 High 4 Medium

Accommodations

Medium

The interior liner is a molded pan that is tabbed rather than fully bonded to the hull, and gaps between the liner and hull create hidden voids that trap moisture and can mask structural issues from visual inspection during survey.

Engine

Medium

Most examples were fitted with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. These engines are aged 45–50+ years and commonly suffer from worn carburetors, deteriorated fuel lines, and corroded heat exchangers. Many owners have repowered with small diesels; confirm engine type and condition carefully.

Hull/Deck

Medium

The deck-to-hull joint on early Ericson models uses a bolted and bedded external aluminum toerail that serves as the primary fastening. Bedding compound deteriorates over time, allowing water intrusion into the joint and leading to delamination of the inner fiberglass flange.

1970–1974 models

High

Balsa core was used in the deck construction, and water intrusion around deck hardware fittings that were not properly rebedded causes soft spots and core rot, particularly around chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast partners.

High

Chainplate knees are glassed to the hull liner and bulkheads, and the glass tabbing can crack or delaminate where it bonds to the liner rather than the hull skin. This is a known weakness in Ericson construction of this era and should be carefully inspected.

Medium

The mast is deck-stepped on a compression post that transfers loads to the keel floor. The compression post base and the surrounding fiberglass floors should be inspected for cracking or movement, as this area is frequently stressed and sometimes inadequately supported in this production run.

Keel

High

The encapsulated ballast keel on some hulls used iron ballast encapsulated in the fiberglass shell. If the laminate is cracked at the keel stub, water intrusion causes the iron to swell and rust, cracking the fiberglass further from the inside out.

Rigging

High

The spade rudder is supported only by the rudder stock with no skeg, and the lower rudder bearing in the hull can wear significantly, causing slop and allowing the rudder to move athwartships under load. Inspect for bearing wear and check for any cracking in the rudder trunk.

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