CT-43 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the CT-43 spanned from 1985 to 1991, with a limited run of only 13 units built by Ta Chiao Shipbuilding Co.. Ta Chiao, founded by the Kuo family in Taiwan around 1960, transitioned from wooden fishing boats to pioneering fiberglass construction in the yacht market by the mid-1960s. The company quickly established a reputation for building sturdy, ocean-capable cruising yachts, often characterized by luxurious teak interiors. The CT-43, with its design attributed to Ron Holland, reflects this ethos, focusing on reliability and comfort for bluewater passages. The boat's close resemblance to the Formosa 43, including shared hull lines, suggests a common design heritage from this era of Taiwanese yacht building.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The CT-43's design specifications indicate a vessel built for comfort and stability rather than outright speed. With a displacement of 23,780 lbs and a waterline length of 33.85 ft, its Displacement to Length ratio is approximately 613, classifying it as a very heavy, traditional full-displacement cruiser. This substantial weight contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, prioritizing seaworthiness over light-air performance. The Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.78 suggests that the CT-43 is moderately powered for its weight, likely performing best in moderate to strong breezes rather than excelling in very light wind conditions. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio, around 0.395, indicates good initial stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind and providing a secure feeling while underway. The CT-43 features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a common configuration for cruising yachts of its era, offering a balance of directional stability and maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the CT-43 are not widely documented in available information, the general reputation of Ta Chiao yachts provides insight into its likely accommodations. Ta Chiao was known for incorporating luxurious teak woodwork throughout their interiors, creating a warm and classic aesthetic highly valued by owners. Given its generous beam of 13.0 ft and significant hull volume, the CT-43 would offer spacious living areas below deck. Typical for cruising yachts of this size, the interior would likely feature a comprehensive layout including a comfortable salon, a functional galley, private sleeping cabins (such as a V-berth forward and potentially a quarter berth or aft cabin), and a dedicated head compartment. The robust fiberglass solid deck and hull construction would further contribute to a sense of security and durability in the accommodations.