1983 Ericson 28+

Below decks, this 28+ feels bigger than her LOA suggests, with that generous beam carrying well aft. The teak joinery has the classic Ericson warmth that makes staying aboard on a cool evening genuinely inviting, not just tolerable. The fractional rig means you’ll spend more time trimming an easy mainsail and less time wrestling oversized headsails when the breeze pipes up. Under power, the relatively new Yanmar gives you the confidence to push into a chop or slide neatly into a tight slip. With proper sail inventory already on board, you can move straight into fine‑tuning trim and rigging instead of funding a sailmaker’s next vacation.

For local waters that demand both upwind performance and easy single- or shorthanded handling, the Ericson 28+ is a sweet spot. The 5-foot draft offers solid keel bite for pointing high in the prevailing breezes, yet remains manageable for most marinas and harbor approaches in the region. Chop common to this area is softened by the boat’s moderate displacement and fine entry, giving a more comfortable ride on afternoon beats. The layout works well for weekend cruises to nearby coves, with enough headroom and real berths for a small crew. It’s nimble enough for club racing, yet forgiving for relaxed evening sails after work.