Description
The Ericson 34T Tall Rig is a performance-oriented IOR-influenced cruiser designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts from 1977 to 1979, with approximately 41 units produced overall and the tall rig as a desirable option on many for superior light-air performance, featuring a masthead sloop configuration with extended spars (I=45 feet, P=39 feet, J=13.83 feet, E=11.2 feet) delivering about 530 square feet of sail area for spirited upwind pointing and acceleration 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 and quick recovery from knockdowns, 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 forgiving motion suited to coastal racing or moderate offshore passages, complemented by a comfort ratio around 25 and capsize screening of 2.03 indicating good stability for its era's pinched-stern lines, while the elevated sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.22 ensures responsive handling and speeds up to 6.5 knots in 10-12 knot breezes though it benefits from active crew input in chop; the secure cockpit with wheel steering and optimized sheet leads favors competitive 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 speed, functionality, and privacy for weekend warriors or club racing.
