Ticon T-30..... Caribbean cruiser?

[Ford Prefect]

Hello, i'm looking at purchasing a '81 Ticon T-30. Fixed fin keel and very beamy (almost 12 feet). ideally, I'd like to take it down to the bahamas, VI's and beyond. Is this a boat that can handle the Caribbean? The beam makes for an attractive live-aboard i don't know much of the boat. only 30 to 35 were built.

thanks for your advice

[skipmac]

The boat will get you there as long as it isn't falling apart and you don't sail off in the middle of a hurricane.

More important than the boat is the captain and crew.

[Ford Prefect]

So no sailing in a hurricane....Check.

Have you sailed one of these before Mac?

[skipmac]

Never been on one but am vaguely familiar with them. Built in Canada I believe. Haven't heard anything bad about them.

More basing my opinion on many trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean on a variety of boats and the even wider variety I saw along the way. Bottom line, watch the weather, handle the boat within it's limitations and don't run into something then you can take most any half decent boat to the USVI. It is a long beat to windward but you can break the trip up into hops no more than 150 miles tops. That's just an overnight sail.

More important than which boat is the condition of the boat. I would rather take a cheap boat in good condition than a million dollar boat that has old rotten hoses, corroded and frozen seacocks, old rigging and bad wiring.

If you plan on sailing into high latitudes where really bad weather can hit you on short notice at any time of the year then start looking for a world class, heavy duty kind of boat. Sailing to the Caribbean then get one you like and can afford and make sure it's in decent repair.

[GordMay]

Check out ➥ Ticon Sailboat Home Page, Ticon 30, Ticon 27, Ticon 34, Chrysler 30, TMI 30, Sailboats, T-30, Sail Nautical

[DrZ14]

I have one for sale on a Lake in Alabama if your are interested!!! email me footh300@gmail.com

.......in Alabama on the Tennessee River.

1981 Ticon T-30 sailboat for sale in Alabama

[Seagull111]

Dr Z, your 30 footer looks like a nice rig, a draft of only 3foot 9 makes it a nice Bahamas boat.

[ColinR]

I've been sailing a 1986 Ticon 30 in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. I've found it to be a comfortable and reliable production sailboat. I believe it would be fine for cruising the Bahamas, etc. If I was crossing oceans, I'd look for something different.

The equipment and details of these boats changed considerably over the years, and the condition of boats this age vary considerably depending on the amount of owner care and attention. Standard draft was 5'6", but there was also shoal draft option. The later models had better equipment (e.g. bigger winches, better anchor setup).

[Ford Prefect]

Thanks all. I found what i think is a deal on a Aloha 32 and doing the haul out and inspect next week. If something turns out to be a bigger issue than i expect I'll continue the search and may find my way towards Z's neck of the woods