The Ericson Yachts 36C 1978 vs Ericson Yachts Sloop 1978 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 28 hp for the Ericson Yachts 36C 1978 and 10 hp for the Ericson Yachts Sloop 1978. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Ericson Yachts 36C 1978 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Ericson Yachts Sloop 1978 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Ericson Yachts 36C 1978 could be the deciding factor.
The Ericson Yachts 36C 1978 has a documented displacement of 16 000 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
For auxiliary power the Ericson Yachts 36C 1978 carries a 28-hp engine against 10 hp on the Ericson Yachts Sloop 1978. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Bottom line: The Ericson Yachts 36C 1978 at 36,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Ericson Yachts Sloop 1978 at 27,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.