Ticon 34 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Ticon 34 is its cat ketch rig, featuring two unstayed masts and, typically, wishbone booms. This configuration eliminates the need for standing rigging (shrouds and stays), which significantly reduces windage and simplifies the deck layout. According to design notes from the Bruce Kirby archives, the objective was to provide a "balanced" sail plan that could be managed entirely from the cockpit without the physical strain of grinding large primary winches for a genoa.

Because the masts are stepped further forward and aft than a traditional sloop, the boat exhibits a different motion in a seaway. It is exceptionally stable on a reach, where the two large sails provide a powerful, steady drive. However, like many cat ketches of its era, the Ticon 34 does not point as high into the wind as a contemporary fin-keeled sloop. Owners often report that while the tacking angles are wider, the ease of "shaking out" or reefing the sails—which can be done independently—makes the boat far more versatile in varying wind conditions. The lack of a headsail means there is no heavy sail to drag across the bow during a tack, making it an ideal choice for single-handed sailors or aging couples.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Ticon 34 was engineered to compete with the voluminous "condo-marans" of the 1980s, offering an interior that feels significantly larger than its 34-foot length suggests. This is largely due to the beam, which carries well aft, and the lack of a traditional mast compression post in the center of the main salon (as the unstayed masts are stepped elsewhere).

The standard layout features a V-berth forward, followed by a full-width head—a luxury for a boat of this size. The main salon utilizes the 11-foot-plus beam to offer a traditional U-shaped dinette and a straight settee opposite. The joinery is typical of the Canadian Ticon/Kelt era: functional teak veneers and solid trim that have generally aged well if protected from moisture. A notable variation exists in the later "Georgian 34" iterations, which occasionally featured revised galley layouts or different engine access points depending on the specific yard that finished the hull. The galley is generally positioned at the base of the companionway for optimal ventilation and proximity to the cockpit.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their survey on the structural integrity of the mast steps and partners. Because the masts are unstayed, the entire load of the sail plan is transferred directly to the hull and deck at the partners.

• Mast Partner Stress: Check for crazing or stress cracks in the gelcoat around the mast holes on deck. Significant deformation here can indicate a softening of the core or structural fatigue.
• Deck Core Saturation: Like many 1980s production boats, the Ticon 34 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the mast partners or the chainplates (for the wishbone tackle) is a common "gotcha" that can lead to expensive delamination repairs.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: The large spade rudder provides excellent maneuverability but is prone to developing "slop" in the bearings over decades of use.
• Wishbone Hardware: Inspect the fittings at the ends of the wishbone booms. These are proprietary or semi-custom components that can be difficult to source if they have succumbed to heavy corrosion or metal fatigue.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal manufacturer support network, the Ticon 34 shares a community with the Georgian 34 and other Bruce Kirby cat ketch designs (such as the Norwalk Islands Sharpies). Information is frequently exchanged through regional Canadian yachting associations, particularly those based in Ontario where the boats were originally manufactured. Technical details regarding the Bruce Kirby hull designs can sometimes be cross-referenced through maritime museums or historical archives dedicated to Kirby’s extensive portfolio.

The Verdict

The Ticon 34 is a "thinking person's" cruiser, trading the raw upwind speed of a sloop for a relaxed, simplified, and spacious onboard experience.

Pros:

• Effortless Handling: The cat ketch rig and lack of standing rigging make it one of the easiest 34-footers to sail solo.
• Massive Interior: Exceptional headroom and an open-concept salon provide the living space of a much larger vessel.
• Kirby Pedigree: A hull designed by a world-class architect ensures the boat remains predictable and safe in heavy weather.

Cons:

• Upwind Limitations: Will not point as high or move as fast into the wind as traditional sloops.
• Atypical Aesthetics: The two-mast look and wishbone booms are a "love it or hate it" design choice.
• Structural Sensitivity: The unstayed masts require a perfectly sound deck and step, making thorough surveys mandatory.