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Known Issues & Common Problems

Ericson 35 3 Known Issues

Common problems, survey red flags, and what to inspect before buying a Ericson 35 3.

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These are the most commonly reported problems on the Ericson 35 3, compiled from surveys, owner reports, and marine forums. Use this list as a pre-purchase inspection checklist — especially the high-severity items.

9
Known Issues
3 High 6 Medium
Accommodations
Medium
The interior liner and furniture are glassed or tabbed to the hull and deck, making access to chainplates, hull fittings, and through-hulls difficult. Any repair or inspection of structural components often requires partial demolition of the interior.
Electrical
Medium
Wiring in early production boats used undersized wire runs and non-tinned copper conductors that corrode in the marine environment. The DC panel and bilge areas in particular should be inspected for corrosion, chafe, and non-standard alterations from previous owners.
1982–1988 models
Engine
Medium
The Yanmar 3GM or 3HM diesel engines commonly fitted in these boats can suffer from a raw water impeller that is difficult to access due to tight engine compartment clearances, leading to deferred maintenance and overheating damage. Verify full service history and check for signs of overheating.
Hull/Deck
High
The balsa-cored deck used throughout production is prone to water intrusion around deck hardware, chainplates, and stanchion bases. Once wet, the balsa core rots and delamination spreads, often invisibly under the fiberglass skin. Tap testing and moisture metering of the entire deck is essential.
Medium
The hull-to-deck joint on Ericson 35-3 models uses an inward-turning flange bolted and glassed. This joint is known to develop leaks, particularly at the bow and stern corners where sealant fails. Inspect carefully for water intrusion and soft spots in adjacent coring.
Medium
The plastic opening ports used in the cabin trunk on earlier production boats are known to become brittle and crack with UV exposure, leading to leaks into the cabin. Many have been replaced with aftermarket aluminum ports.
1982–1988 models
Keel
High
The encapsulated lead keel attachment relies on a series of keel bolts that can develop weeping rust stains in the bilge. The keel-to-hull joint is also susceptible to cracking and water intrusion, and any signs of movement or soft gelcoat at the keel stub should be investigated thoroughly.
Rigging
High
The chainplate knees on this model are glassed to the hull liner and can develop stress cracks or delamination over time. Chainplate-to-deck penetrations are a chronic leak point that allows water to saturate the nearby balsa core and compromise structural integrity.
Medium
The aluminum mast step and mast base area on deck should be inspected for soft coring resulting from water intrusion around the mast boot and partner, a commonly reported problem on this model.
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