Ticon 34 CB Information, Review, Specs

The Ticon 34 CB began production in 1983, a pivotal year for Ticon Yachts as it transitioned its manufacturing operations to Kelt Marine in Aurora, Ontario. This move allowed Ticon to leverage Kelt Marine's established reputation for quality construction, which had previously yielded successful models and even a "boat of the year" award. The Ticon 34 CB, or Georgian 34, was part of Ticon's brief but impactful tenure in the Canadian marine industry, which spanned from 1981 to around 1988. The design ethos behind the Ticon 34 CB, spearheaded by Bruce Kirby, focused on the advantages of the unstayed cat ketch rig. This configuration, as seen in many of Kirby's designs, emphasizes simplicity, ease of handling, and inherent strength, making it capable of open ocean sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ticon 34 CB boasts a length overall of 33.67 feet and a waterline length of 31.25 feet, contributing to a hull speed of approximately 7.49 knots. With a displacement of 13,800 pounds and a substantial ballast of 6,000 pounds, its ballast-to-displacement ratio is an impressive 0.434. This high ratio suggests a stiff and stable vessel, well-equipped to stand up to significant wind and maintain an upright position. The displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 202 indicates a moderate-weight vessel, leaning towards a performance-oriented cruiser rather than a heavy displacement offshore boat. With an estimated sail area of 1000 square feet, the Ticon 34 CB exhibits a very high sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 27.9, pointing to excellent performance in lighter air conditions. The unstayed cat ketch rig, characteristic of Bruce Kirby's designs, is known for its simplicity and balance, allowing for easy handling and often providing excellent self-righting properties.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the interior layout of the Ticon 34 CB is less uniformly documented, with some sources suggesting that interior fittings might have been owner-finished or custom-built, potentially leading to variations between individual boats. One known configuration includes two aft cabins. Despite the limited specific details on materials and finish quality, the design principles of the era often favored practical and comfortable layouts. For those interested in the specifics, searching owner forums and reviews might provide anecdotal insights into the typical interior arrangements, storage solutions, and ventilation characteristics that owners have experienced.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Ticon 34 CB, or Georgian 34, frequently discuss their experiences on various sailing forums, seeking and sharing information about this unique Bruce Kirby design. While specific, widely synthesized common strengths or weaknesses are not extensively detailed in readily available public reviews, the general sentiment revolves around the distinct advantages and handling characteristics of the cat ketch rig. Inquiries often relate to the build quality from Ticon Yachts Limited during its operational period. The presence of a "Ticon Sailboat Owners Association" and dedicated forum sections suggests a community of enthusiasts who maintain and share knowledge about these classic Canadian-built sailboats.