Description
The Ericson 34T is a performance-oriented IOR-influenced cruiser designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts from 1978 to 1979, with approximately 40 units produced as the trunk-cabin variant of the flush-deck Ericson 34 for enhanced headroom and cruising appeal, featuring a masthead sloop rig with optional tall spars (I=45 feet, P=39 feet) delivering up to 530 square feet of sail area for spirited upwind performance under short-handed crews. Its fin-keel hull with spade rudder measures 33.67 feet LOA, 26.33 feet LWL, and 10.92 feet beam, displacing a light 10,000 pounds with 5,000 pounds of lead ballast yielding a high 50 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio for stiffness, powered typically by a 21- to 30-hp Universal diesel (or original Atomic 4 gasoline auxiliary) with around 25 to 30 gallons of fuel and 40 to 60 gallons of water capacity. The moderate displacement-to-length ratio of 244 provides a lively yet manageable motion for coastal or light offshore work, complemented by a comfort ratio around 25 and capsize screening of 2.03 indicating good stability despite the era's racer-cruiser lines, while a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.6 ensures responsive handling in breezes though it demands patience in drifts; the secure cockpit with wheel steering suits racing or family outings, and the teak-accented interior offers generous 6-foot-plus headroom in a practical layout for four: forward V-berth with hanging lockers, U-galley to port amidships with deep sinks and gimbaled stove, enclosed head opposite, L-shaped dinette converting to double berth to port in the saloon facing a straight settee with pilot berth, and a compact quarter berth aft, all emphasizing functionality and privacy for weekend warriors or extended coastal sails.
