1981 Ericson 38

$59,900

Used

Boat in Forked River, NJ 08731 US

builtBuilt in 1981
Year the boat was built
model

38

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Universal)

Engine type and count
length

38 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
38ft
Length Overall
38ft
Beam
12ft
Max Draft
4.92ft
Drive Up Draft
4.92ft
Displacement
14850lb
Dry Weight
14850lb
Ballast
6300lb
Heads
1
Fresh Water Tanks
60gal
Fuel Tanks
30gal
Holding Tanks
30gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
other
Engine 1
Engine Make
Universal
Engine Model
432
Total Power
32hp
Engine Hours
2538
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1981
Drive Type
other
Sails and Canvas
Wheel helm with cover. Main, full battened and mainsail cover. 2 Genoa 125, Dacron, 135% Laminated. Spinnaker pole and sail. Harken roller furling. Harken main traveler- 2024 Harken main blocks- 2024. Bimini and cover. Dodger with connector (abrasion guard added 2023). 2 Barient #32  self tailing winches in cockpit. Barient #21 and #23 under dodger, cabin top. Outside seating at helm. Outside cushions. Interior cushions.
Interior
Full galley with double stainless sink and hot & cold water faucet, Hot water heater Sea Frost 12 v. Refrigerator Furion Gimbaled 3 burner stove/oven- Propane- 2024 Ice box Mainstay microwave Manual fridge drain pump. Wine rack and cabinet. Dinette table converts to sleeping area. Settee table converts to sleeping area.
Enclosed head with separate shower stall. New shower head and hose- 2024 Jabsco china toilet, manual- 2023 Overboard discharge. Deck pump out. Sink with hot cold faucet.- 2024
New plumbing throughout with ez winterization connection- 2023. New interior flooring- 2023 New interior curtains- 2025 City water hook up- 2023 2 house water filter- 2023 New sliding cabinet doors in head and galley- 2024
Wet locker Optional Max air ceiling fan for galley- 2023 5 new fans- 2025 New companionway screen/plexi cover- 2023 New companionway curtains- 2023 Insulated ceiling- 2024
Exterior and topsides
Bimini- 2008 Dodger with connectors- 2010 Davits- 300lb. Cockpit shower Cockpit cushions- 2013 Wheel steering Adjustable backstay Non-skid deck- 2010 New mast and rigging- 2008
Flexigold 3 blade propeller
Swim ladder
Barient #32 winches (2) in cockpit- self tailing Barient "21, #23 cabin top Harken roller furling Anchor with chain and rode. Anchor wash- 2025

Electronics
Ritchie 5" compass Uniden VHF radio- 2023 Raymarine Axion 9 MFD with Lighthouse Nav and mapping- 2023 Raymarine depth finder, speed and wind- 2023 Raymarine autopilot- 2025 Fusion radio- 2024 Smart TV with sound bar- 2024 DVD player- 2024
Lights
Port and stbd running lights- 2023 Steam light- 2023 Anchor/mast light- 2023 New interior lighting- 2024
Safety gear
2 bilge pumps Bilge hi level alarm- 2024 Seaflo Dry Bilge alarm- 2025 Engine compartment blower Emergency rudder control.
Electrical System
Engine battery- Group 24- 2024 House batteries- 3 Lithium- 2025 Promarine battery charger, Pro Nautic series, 3 banks- 2025 New Blue Sea 12 v distribution panel- 2023/2024 Alternator 65 amp with belt- 2025 100 w solar panel and control- 2025

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
1/29/26Initial price$59,900

Overview from around the web 1981 Ericson 38

Customers appreciate the 1981 Ericson 38 for its solid construction and classic design

Many highlight its spacious interior layout, which offers comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. Sailors often praise the boat’s balanced sailing performance and ease of handling, making it suitable for both coastal and offshore adventures. The quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in the 1981 model are frequently noted, along with its reliable rigging and well-designed deck plan. Overall, owners value the Ericson 38 for its combination of durability, comfort, and sailing capability.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1981 Ericson 38 is a classic cruiser known for its solid construction and comfortable accommodations. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Sturdy Build: The Ericson 38 features a robust fiberglass hull and deck, providing durability and reliability for coastal and offshore sailing.

Spacious Interior: Designed for comfortable cruising, it offers ample living space with well-laid-out cabins, a functional galley, and a roomy salon.

Good Performance: With a moderate displacement and efficient sail plan, the Ericson 38 delivers balanced sailing performance suitable for a variety of conditions.

Easy Handling: The boat’s rigging and deck layout make it manageable for short-handed crews, enhancing its appeal for cruising couples or small crews.

Quality Finishes: The interior woodwork and fittings reflect quality craftsmanship, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere below deck.

Cons

Older Design: As a design from 1981, some features may feel dated compared to modern sailboats, including interior styling and certain hardware.

Maintenance Requirements: Being a classic boat, it may require more regular upkeep and potential updates to systems like plumbing, electrical, and rigging.

Limited Headroom: While comfortable, the cabin headroom may feel a bit restricted for taller individuals compared to newer models.

Performance Limitations: Though balanced, the boat may not match the speed and agility of more contemporary designs, particularly in light wind conditions.

Made For

The 1981 Ericson 38 is ideal for sailors seeking a versatile and comfortable cruiser with solid performance. It appeals to those who appreciate classic design combined with reliable craftsmanship, making it perfect for coastal cruising, weekend getaways, or longer passages. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a couple looking for a dependable and spacious boat for extended adventures, the Ericson 38 offers a balanced blend of comfort, durability, and ease of handling.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1981 Ericson 38. 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 Sail Cruiser 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
$679.85/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 59,900
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1981 Ericson 38. 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 Sail Cruiser 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
$679.85/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 59,900
OR
%

Contact Forked River Yacht Sales

107 Bay Ave, Forked River, NJ, 08731

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Address

107 Bay Ave
Forked River, NJ 08731

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