Sailing Performance & Handling
With an 11-foot beam—exceptionally wide for its length—the Ticon 30 is a "stiff" boat that prioritizes stability over light-air agility. It utilizes a moderate displacement of 9,600 lbs and a ballast-to-displacement ratio that suggests a boat built for security in a breeze. Under sail, the Halsey Herreshoff pedigree is evident; the hull shape provides a predictable motion and resists heeling early. The Ticon 30's design foundation, identical to the Chrysler 30, is detailed in editorial retrospectives by Canadian Yachting, which highlight its transition from a mass-market production boat to a more refined Canadian-built cruiser.
The boat typically carries a masthead sloop rig, often paired with a shoal draft keel (approximately 3' 10") or a deeper fin keel. While the wide beam provides a massive platform for family cruising, it results in a high wetted surface area that can make the boat feel sluggish in light winds (under 8 knots). However, once the breeze picks up, the Ticon 30 tracks well and maintains its momentum through a chop, making it a favorite for coastal passages where comfort and safety are prioritized over high-performance racing metrics.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Ticon 30 is its most celebrated feature, often described by owners as feeling more like a 34-foot vessel. The 11-foot beam allows for a layout that avoids the "tunnel" feel common in 30-footers from the 1970s. Upon descending the companionway, the breadth of the salon is immediately striking, featuring a U-shaped dinette to port and a straight settee to starboard. Ticon improved upon the original Chrysler 30 interior by using higher-quality wood joinery, often utilizing teak veneers and solid trim that gave the boat a more traditional, "yacht-like" atmosphere.
The galley is typically positioned near the companionway in a "U" or "L" configuration, providing excellent bracing for the cook while underway. The vessel offers a standard V-berth forward with a surprisingly large head compartment, and most models include a sizeable quarter berth or a double aft berth. Sibling models built on similar design philosophies include the T-27, a Mark Swanson design, and the Ticon 34, which was a Bruce Kirby-designed cat ketch also known as the Georgian 34. These variations allowed Ticon to offer a cohesive lineup ranging from accessible daysailers to innovative, performance-oriented cruising ketches.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many Canadian-built boats of this era, the Ticon 30 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Potential buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a percussion "tap" test around the chainplates, stanchions, and the mast step, as these are common sites for moisture ingress and delamination.
- Rudder Bushings: The oversized rudder provides excellent control but places significant stress on the steering system. Check for excess "slop" or play in the wheel steering (typically an Edson system) which may indicate worn rudder post bushings.
- Engine Access and Cooling: While the beam is wide, the engine is tucked behind the companionway. Inspect the exhaust risers and raw-water cooling hoses for age-related cracking, as these components are difficult to reach and frequently neglected during routine maintenance.
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: On older units, check for the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While the Ticon 30 is robustly built, the stainless steel keel bolts should be inspected for torque and signs of crevice corrosion, especially if the boat has been sailed hard in heavy weather.
Community & Resources
While Ticon Yachts ceased operations in 1988, a dedicated community of owners remains active, particularly within Great Lakes sailing clubs. Technical resources are often shared through the Herreshoff design community and the Chrysler 30 owner groups, as the hull and rig specifications are largely interchangeable. Information regarding the builder's history and the shift to Kelt Marine can be found through the archival records of the Oakville Historical Society.
The Verdict
The Ticon 30 is a robust, thoughtfully designed cruiser that offers some of the best interior volume-for-value in the used boat market.
Pros:
- Massive interior volume and 11-foot beam make it a premier family cruiser.
- Strong Halsey Herreshoff design pedigree ensures stable, predictable handling.
- Higher quality interior joinery compared to its Chrysler-built predecessors.
Cons:
- Relatively sluggish performance in light air due to wide hull and weight.
- The wide beam can result in higher slip fees and more difficult hauling.
- Prone to standard 1980s balsa-core moisture issues if not meticulously maintained.
