Ticon 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Ticon 27 is characterized by a high-aspect rig and a hull form that favors responsiveness. With a displacement of approximately 5,200 lbs and a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 41%, the boat is notably stiff for its size, allowing it to carry its sail plan effectively into freshening breezes. The sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/Disp) sits in a range that suggests a performance-oriented cruiser; it is lively in light air—a necessity for summer sailing on the Great Lakes—yet maintains a predictable motion when the chop builds.

Handling is aided by a balanced spade rudder and a fin keel (standard at 4' 4"), providing the T-27 with a tight turning radius and excellent tracking upwind. Performance observations from the period note that the boat accelerates quickly out of tacks, a trait often attributed to Mark Swanson’s background in designing hulls with low wetted surface area. While it lacks the ultimate heavy-weather mass of a full-keeled offshore cruiser, its ability to point high and its predictable helm make it an ideal platform for club racing or coastal hopping. Owners frequently remark on its "sea-kindliness," noting that the wide beam (nearly 9.6 feet) provides a stable platform that resists excessive heeling, which is a significant confidence-builder for novice sailors or families.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The standout feature of the Ticon 27's interior is its remarkable volume, a direct result of Swanson’s decision to carry the 9' 7" beam well aft. This design choice provides a level of living space typically found on 30-foot vessels of the same era. The layout is conventional but executed with an eye toward maximizing every inch of the fiberglass hull. Upon descending the companionway, the galley is situated to starboard, often featuring a two-burner stove and a deep icebox, while a dedicated navigation station sits to port.

The main salon utilizes a fold-down table configuration to keep the floor plan open, with comfortable settees on both sides that double as sea berths. Forward, an enclosed head separates the salon from a surprisingly spacious V-berth. The use of molded headliners and teak accents provides a clean, bright aesthetic that has aged better than many of its more "wood-heavy" contemporaries. While most T-27s were built as standard sloops, Ticon did experiment with variety in their larger fleet, such as the Bruce Kirby-designed Ticon 34 Cat Ketch, but the T-27 remained focused on the popular fin-keel sloop configuration to ensure broad market appeal.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Ticon 27 should focus their inspections on the common structural themes of 1980s Canadian builds. Because these boats were produced in a facility that utilized balsa-coring for the decks, moisture ingress is the primary concern.

1. Deck Delamination: Pay close attention to the areas around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. Soft spots in these areas indicate core rot, a labor-intensive repair.
2. Keel-to-Hull Joint: Check for the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While common on older boats, significant cracking may suggest the need to retorque keel bolts or reinforce the fiberglass sump.
3. Engine Access and Maintenance: Many T-27s were equipped with small Yanmar or Universal diesels. While these are reliable, the engine compartment is compact; check the raw-water strainers and exhaust elbows for corrosion, as neglected maintenance in tight spaces is common.
4. Rigging Age: Given that Ticon ceased operations in the late 80s, original standing rigging should be treated as "end of life" if it hasn't been replaced in the last 10–15 years. Inspect the swage fittings for hairline cracks.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory presence for Ticon Yachts, the brand maintains a small but dedicated following. Information regarding the T-27 and its larger siblings can often be found through the Canadian Yachting Magazine archives, which has historically covered the evolution of the Oakville and Aurora-based builders. Additionally, because the boats were built at the Kelt Marine facility, technical crossover exists with the Kelt owner associations, particularly regarding fiberglass layups and hardware sourcing from that era.

The Verdict

The Ticon 27 remains a highly competitive choice for sailors seeking a balanced, North American-built cruiser that punches above its weight class in terms of interior volume and light-air performance.

Pros

• Spacious Interior: One of the roomiest 27-footers ever built, thanks to its wide beam.
• Performance Heritage: Designed by Mark Swanson with a focus on agility and speed.
• Structural Integrity: Generally well-built hulls from a period of high-quality Canadian manufacturing.

Cons

• Balsa-Core Vulnerability: Like many boats of its era, the deck requires vigilant maintenance to prevent water intrusion.
• Limited Production Run: With fewer units produced than competitors like Catalina or Hunter, finding specific replacement parts (like custom castings) may require fabrication.
• Tight Engine Space: Routine maintenance can be a challenge for larger-framed owners due to the compact engine bay.