• Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat docked, with blue sails and palm trees in the background. - 1The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat docked, with blue sails and palm trees in the background. - 1
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat docked at marina, surrounded by other boats and palm trees. - 2The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat docked at marina, surrounded by other boats and palm trees. - 2
  • Slide: The Image of Sailboat Ericson 381, 1986 model, docked at marina with clear blue sky. - 3The Image of Sailboat Ericson 381, 1986 model, docked at marina with clear blue sky. - 3
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat deck view with hatch and rigging. - 4The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat deck view with hatch and rigging. - 4
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat named "Momentum" docked in a marina. - 5The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat named "Momentum" docked in a marina. - 5
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat cockpit with blue canopy, docked in a marina. - 6The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat cockpit with blue canopy, docked in a marina. - 6
  • Slide: The Image of Cockpit view of a 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat, featuring steering wheel and navigation instruments. - 7The Image of Cockpit view of a 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat, featuring steering wheel and navigation instruments. - 7
  • Slide: The Image of Steering wheel and navigation instruments on 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat. - 8The Image of Steering wheel and navigation instruments on 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat. - 8
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat mast and rigging against clear blue sky. - 9The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat mast and rigging against clear blue sky. - 9
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat on stands, blue sky background, marina setting. - 10The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat on stands, blue sky background, marina setting. - 10
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat hull and keel on dry dock. - 11The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat hull and keel on dry dock. - 11
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of a 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with wooden finishes and cozy seating area. - 12The Image of Interior of a 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with wooden finishes and cozy seating area. - 12
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with wood finish and cozy seating area. - 13The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with wood finish and cozy seating area. - 13
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with wood finish and seating area. - 14The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with wood finish and seating area. - 14
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat, featuring wooden furnishings and cozy seating area. - 15The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat, featuring wooden furnishings and cozy seating area. - 15
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with navigation equipment and wooden cabinetry. - 16The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with navigation equipment and wooden cabinetry. - 16
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 yacht interior kitchen with wooden cabinetry and appliances. - 17The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 yacht interior kitchen with wooden cabinetry and appliances. - 17
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 yacht interior kitchen with wooden cabinetry and dual sink. - 18The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 yacht interior kitchen with wooden cabinetry and dual sink. - 18
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 yacht bathroom with wooden accents and compact shower area. - 19The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 yacht bathroom with wooden accents and compact shower area. - 19
  • Slide: The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 yacht bathroom with wooden cabinets and compact toilet. - 20The Image of 1986 Ericson 381 yacht bathroom with wooden cabinets and compact toilet. - 20
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat bathroom with wooden cabinetry and compact design. - 21The Image of Interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat bathroom with wooden cabinetry and compact design. - 21
  • Slide: The Image of Cozy cabin interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with wooden finish and cushioned seating. - 22The Image of Cozy cabin interior of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with wooden finish and cushioned seating. - 22
  • Slide: The Image of Interior cabin of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with cushioned berth and wooden paneling. - 23The Image of Interior cabin of 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat with cushioned berth and wooden paneling. - 23
  • Slide: The Image of Electrical control panel on a 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat, featuring switches and gauges. - 24The Image of Electrical control panel on a 1986 Ericson 381 sailboat, featuring switches and gauges. - 24
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1986 Ericson 381

$28,000

Used

Boat in San Diego, CA 92101 US

builtBuilt in 1986
Year the boat was built
model

381

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Perkins)

Engine type and count
length

38 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
1986 Ericson 381 - "Momentum"

Performance Cruiser | Bruce King Design | Ready to Sail

"Momentum" is a beautifully maintained 1986 Ericson 381, designed by the legendary Bruce King. Known for their blend of performance and comfort, the 381 is a true racer/cruiser with a PHRF of ~100 and a Comfort Ratio around 25-ideal for those who love both speed and livability.

This masthead sloop features a performance fin keel and spade rudder, offering excellent handling under sail and at the helm. The cockpit is well laid out for easy short-handed sailing and comfortably accommodates the crew for longer passages.

Specifications

  • LOA: 37.6 ft | Beam: 12 ft | Draft: 6.5 ft

  • Displacement: 14,500 lbs | Ballast: 6,300 lbs

  • Fuel: 56 gal | Water: 85 gal | Waste: 21 gal

Sails & Deck Equipment

  • Mainsail on Flying Dutchman system

  • 130% Genoa on Harken furling system

  • Full dodger and new (2022) bimini for all-weather comfort

  • Folding swim ladder on the stern

  • Deck in fair to good condition, with all fittings and hardware fully functional

Interior

  • Cabinetry and woodwork in overall good condition

  • Some minor floorboard wood degradation near the head

  • All interior cushions replaced in 2021 (some minor cleanable stains)

  • 110V microwave oven installed

  • LPG system (tank, lines, and fittings) in place for future stove/oven installation

  • Jabsco manual head with ~20 gal holding tank (pump replaced, macerator rebuilt in 2021)

  • Pressurized water system plus foot pumps

  • Hot water heater runs on shore power or engine heat exchanger (electric heater currently in use)

Engine & Mechanical

  • Perkins 4.107M 45HP diesel - excellent running condition

  • Starts easily, even after sitting for months; minimal blow-by

  • Alternator rebuilt (2025) | Starter motor replaced (2024) | Alternator rebuilt (2021)

  • 3 new 12V batteries (2021) and updated wiring throughout

  • New AC/DC instrument panel (2022)

Electronics & Systems

  • CPT Autopilot - fully operational

  • Signet Marine Instruments:

    • SL254 Wind Point/Speed (new 2021)

    • SL267A Knotlog (refurbished 2023, new sensor 2024)

    • SL172 Depth Sounder (new 2023; new through-hull sensor ready for next haul-out)

  • S-L Seawolf 520 Windlass - overhauled (2021)

  • Raytheon Radar installed (monitor not included)

  • New running, anchor, and deck lights

Maintenance & Upgrades

  • Bottom repainted (2022) - no blisters observed

  • Keel bolts re-torqued (2021) - no hull/keel separation

  • Bottom cleaned and inspected monthly, zincs replaced as needed

To-Do List / Minor Projects

  • Install new depth sounder sensor at next haul-out (included)

  • Check knot log sensor

  • Repair minor leak in engine coolant line to water heater

  • Replace head door handle

  • Inspect/repair cabin header zippers

Summary

"Momentum" is a solid, well-equipped Ericson 381-an ideal choice for sailors looking for a proven performance cruiser that's been responsibly maintained and regularly upgraded. With only a few small projects remaining, this boat is cruise-ready and awaiting her next adventure.

Nominal Length
38ft
Length Overall
37.5ft
Length at Waterline
30.5ft
Beam
12ft
Max Draft
6.5ft
Displacement
14400lb
Ballast
6300lb
Cruising Speed
7.4kn
Cabins
2
Heads
1
Fresh Water Tanks
85gal
Fuel Tanks
56gal
Holding Tanks
21gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Perkins
Engine Model
4.107M
Total Power
45hp
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1986
Drive Type
direct
Propeller Material
bronze
Microwave Oven
✓
Marine Head
✓
Battery Charger
✓
Depthsounder
✓
Log Speedometer
✓
Wind Speed And Direction
✓
Compass
✓
Bimini Top
✓
Steering Wheel
✓
Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Price History

DateEventPrice
11/1/25Initial price$28,000

Overview from around the web 1986 Ericson 381

Customers praise the 1986 Ericson 381 for its solid construction and comfortable cruising capabilities

Many highlight its spacious interior layout, which offers ample room for extended trips and liveaboard comfort. Owners appreciate the boat's balanced sailing performance, noting it handles well in a variety of conditions. The thoughtful design features, including generous storage and quality finishes, receive positive remarks. Overall, the Ericson 381 is regarded as a reliable and well-crafted cruiser that appeals to sailors seeking both performance and comfort.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1986 Ericson 381 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat known for its solid construction and comfortable accommodations. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Sturdy Build: The Ericson 381 features a robust fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship, providing durability and safety for extended cruising.

Spacious Interior: With a well-designed layout, it offers ample living space, including a comfortable salon, multiple cabins, and a functional galley.

Good Sailing Performance: The boat handles well under sail, offering a balanced and responsive ride suitable for both coastal and offshore passages.

Generous Storage: Plenty of storage lockers and compartments make it practical for long voyages.

Attractive Design: Classic lines and a sleek profile give the Ericson 381 timeless appeal.

Cons

Aging Systems: Being a 1986 model, some mechanical and electrical systems may require updating or maintenance.

Limited Headroom: While comfortable, the cabin headroom may feel somewhat restricted compared to more modern designs.

Moderate Draft: The keel draft may limit access to shallow waters or certain anchorages.

Outdated Interior Styling: The interior finishes and décor reflect the era and might need refurbishment to suit contemporary tastes.

Performance in Light Winds: Some sailors note that the Ericson 381 can be sluggish in lighter wind conditions due to its displacement.

Made For

The 1986 Ericson 381 is ideal for sailors seeking a comfortable and capable cruiser with solid performance. It’s well-suited for couples or small families who want a spacious and well-designed sailboat for coastal cruising or longer offshore passages. With its balanced sailing characteristics and ample onboard amenities, the Ericson 381 appeals to those looking for a reliable and stylish vessel that combines ease of handling with comfortable living space.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1986 Ericson 381. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sloop cost in today's market, or how much does a Ericson cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$317.79/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 28,000
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1986 Ericson 381. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sloop cost in today's market, or how much does a Ericson cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$317.79/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 28,000
OR
%

Contact Cruising Yachts - San Diego

1880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101

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San Diego, CA 92101

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Contact Cruising Yachts - San Diego about 1986 Ericson 381

1880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101

By checking this box, I consent to receive recurring marketing text messages, phone calls, and emails from Cruising Yachts - San Diego at the number and email provided, including messages sent using an autodialer or prerecorded voice. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. Consent is not a condition of purchase. We'll also send helpful email updates about your boat search. You can unsubscribe whenever you like. See Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Contact Cruising Yachts - San Diego

1880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101

By checking this box, I consent to receive recurring marketing text messages, phone calls, and emails from Cruising Yachts - San Diego at the number and email provided, including messages sent using an autodialer or prerecorded voice. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. Consent is not a condition of purchase. We'll also send helpful email updates about your boat search. You can unsubscribe whenever you like. See Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

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