CT-38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Ta Chiao shipyard, founded by the Kuo family in Kaohsiung around 1960, transitioned from building wooden fishing boats to becoming a leader in fiberglass yacht manufacturing in Taiwan by 1965. The CT-38, with its production commencing in 1978, emerged during a prolific period for the builder. Ta Chiao quickly established a reputation for the build quality and timeless designs of its CT (Chiao Tai) series, consistently focusing on meticulous manufacturing processes. The CT-38 features a solid fiberglass hull and deck, a hallmark of Ta Chiao's construction, ensuring durability and strength for extended voyages. Its long keel with a transom-hung rudder is a classic design choice for bluewater vessels, emphasizing directional stability and protection for the rudder.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The CT-38 is characterized by its substantial displacement and traditional hull form, which directly influence its sailing performance. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.95, the CT-38 is a moderately powered vessel, indicating that while it may not be a spirited performer in light airs, it is designed to carry its momentum well and offer a comfortable motion in heavier conditions. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.313, coupled with a full long keel, contributes to good inherent stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a breeze, though it may not exhibit the extreme stiffness of boats with higher ballast ratios.

Further underscoring its heavy-displacement nature, the CT-38 boasts a displacement to length ratio of approximately 382.4. This high figure firmly places it in the category of a very heavy, traditional cruiser, prioritizing comfort and stability over outright speed. This configuration, combined with its long keel, typically results in a yacht with excellent directional stability, making it less prone to course deviations and easier to steer over long distances and in rough seas. Anecdotal evidence suggests the CT-38 is a heavy sailboat, which can feel slightly underpowered at times, a common trade-off for its robust construction and comfortable motion.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout details for the non-Warwick CT-38 are not extensively documented, Ta Chiao yachts of this era are generally recognized for their traditional and robust interiors. Builders like Ta Chiao were known for utilizing luxurious teak woodwork throughout their accommodations, creating a warm and classic aesthetic highly sought after by owners. Given its substantial beam of 11.75 feet and a length overall of 37.33 feet, the CT-38 would typically feature a functional and comfortable layout for extended cruising. Common arrangements for vessels of this size and type include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a galley, and a head compartment. Storage capacity would likely be generous, catering to the needs of cruisers undertaking long voyages. Owners have occasionally noted the challenge in finding specific information about the cabin layout for this particular CT-38 model.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Ta Chiao CT-38 often praise the vessel for its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. The robust build, a hallmark of Ta Chiao, provides confidence for bluewater passages. However, the limited availability of specific information and owner reviews for the non-Warwick CT-38 has been noted by those seeking to learn more about the model. Despite this, the enduring presence of Ta Chiao boats on the used market speaks to their lasting appeal and the appreciation for their contribution to the bluewater cruising community.