Formosa 46 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Formosa 46 began in 1978, a period when Taiwanese builders like Ta Chiao were establishing a strong reputation for fiberglass yacht construction and timeless designs. Ta Chiao, founded in Kaohsiung around 1960, pioneered fiberglass techniques in Taiwan in 1965, building on its experience with wooden fishing boats to specialize in larger sailing vessels by 1966. The company became known for its meticulous manufacturing processes and luxurious teak woodwork, a hallmark often seen in its popular CT series.

The Formosa 46's design lineage traces back to naval architect Doug Peterson's highly regarded Kelly-Peterson 44. The original Peterson 44, designed in 1976 for Jack Kelly Yachts, was conceived as a performance cruiser. Builders of the Formosa 46 are said to have lengthened the original Peterson 44 plans by incrementally increasing the distance between each station, resulting in a roomier interior, particularly with an extended stern compared to the double-ended Peterson 44. This modification created what some refer to as a "Cheaterson," sometimes built without the payment of design royalties. While specific design variations (e.g., MkI vs. MkII) are not widely documented for the Formosa 46 itself, the core design evolved from a well-respected cruising platform.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total calculated sail area of approximately 911 square feet and a displacement of 33,000 pounds, the Formosa 46 features a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of around 14.18. This indicates a moderately powered vessel, suggesting she will perform best in moderate to stronger winds, offering a comfortable motion rather than being a light-air speedster. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 238 places her firmly in the moderate to heavy displacement category, underscoring her design as a solid, traditional cruiser built to handle offshore conditions.

The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) is approximately 30.3%. While this might suggest a lower initial stiffness compared to boats with higher ballast ratios, the overall hull form and deep maximum draft of 6.46 feet contribute to a reasonably stable and stiff boat with excellent righting capability. The Formosa 46 is rigged as a cutter, a configuration favored by many bluewater sailors for its versatility in sail handling, allowing for a balanced sail plan across a range of wind conditions. Owners often praise the Peterson 44/46 designs for their sweet sheer and spectacular sailing skills. Anecdotal evidence suggests that while generally robust, some owners note that docking maneuvers in close quarters can require attention, though many find the boat stops on a dime when going bow first.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Formosa 46 is frequently highlighted for its spaciousness and the warm, glowing solid teak joinery, a signature of Ta Chiao's craftsmanship. Descriptions and photos reveal typical interior arrangements designed for extended cruising comfort. Many layouts feature a large aft cabin, often totally private with an en-suite head, accessed via an aft companionway – a notable feature of these yachts.

The main salon is spacious, often incorporating a fitted galley, a chart table, and comfortable seating. Configurations commonly include multiple cabins, such as a master cabin and additional guest cabins, sometimes totaling four cabins and two heads. While specific maximum headroom is not consistently listed, the extended stern of the 46-foot version, compared to the 44, was specifically noted to produce a much roomier interior. The use of solid teak throughout creates a classic and luxurious aesthetic, with ample storage integrated into the joinery.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Formosa 46, often congregating in online forums and mailing lists dedicated to Peterson and Formosa yachts, consistently praise the boat's solid construction and its capabilities as a bluewater cruiser. Many appreciate the boat's robust design and timeless elegance, making it a popular choice in the used boat market. The comfortable motion in a seaway is a frequently mentioned strength, aligning with Ta Chiao's reputation for building ocean-capable vessels.

However, some common maintenance points and weaknesses have been noted. Rudder problems, potentially due to issues with the original stainless steel components, are mentioned by some owners. While the general construction is considered solid, differences between the Formosa 46 and the original Kelly-Peterson 44 designs exist, with some being perceived as improvements and others less so. As with many vessels of this vintage, typical issues related to aging systems and fittings, such as the potential for original deck fittings to develop leaks, are part of the ongoing maintenance for owners of these classic yachts.