Sea Tiger 34 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Sea Tiger 34 commenced in 1976 by Ta Chiao, also known as Ta Chiao Bros. Yacht Building Co., in Taiwan. The builder, established around 1960, transitioned from wooden fishing boats to pioneering fiberglass construction in Taiwan by 1965. Ta Chiao quickly gained a strong reputation for the build quality and timeless designs of its sailing yachts, a philosophy that extended to the Sea Tiger 34. William Garden, a prolific designer known for his practical and seaworthy cruising yachts, lent his expertise to the Sea Tiger 34, aligning with Ta Chiao's ethos of creating vessels capable of enduring demanding offshore passages. The boat features solid fiberglass hull and deck construction, indicative of the era's robust building practices.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 18,000 pounds and a waterline length of 26.67 feet, the Sea Tiger 34 boasts an exceptionally high displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 948, marking it as a very heavy sailboat for its size. This substantial weight, combined with its long keel, contributes to a stable and comfortable ride, particularly in rough conditions. The ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at around 22% (4,000 lbs ballast in an 18,000 lbs displacement). Despite this relatively low ballast ratio, the boat is described as "reasonably stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized". However, the heavy displacement, coupled with an absence of readily available reported sail area data, leads to a common observation that the Sea Tiger 34 is "under powered," suggesting it may struggle to perform briskly in light air. Its design as a full-keel vessel reinforces its suitability as a bluewater cruising boat, prioritizing stability and directional stability over outright speed.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sea Tiger 34, consistent with Ta Chiao's design philosophy, likely features luxurious teak woodwork throughout, creating a warm and classic aesthetic. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the layout typically includes a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon would feature port and starboard settees, with a galley area and ample lockers for storage. Engine access is usually well-integrated, allowing for maintenance of the 25 hp Volvo Penta MD2B diesel engine. A navigation station would also be a standard feature, designed for offshore cruising. These elements combine to offer a functional and comfortable living space for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Ta Chiao yachts from this era often praise their solid construction, and the Sea Tiger 34 is no exception. However, common themes in owner discussions for Ta Chiao vessels of this period include maintenance considerations typical of boats built in the 1970s. For instance, the original deck fittings sometimes developed leaks, often requiring re-bedding. Concerns have also been noted regarding the use of "knock off hardware that looked robust but which" sometimes proved problematic. Owners acquiring these boats today should anticipate needing to address various systems, including potentially replacing "standing and running rigging, sails, engine, and steering gear" if not updated by previous owners. The period of the Sea Tiger 34's production also coincided with a peak in fiberglass blister issues, which might be a consideration for potential buyers. Despite these potential maintenance challenges, the Ta Chiao Sea Tiger 34 maintains a reputation as a capable and comfortable bluewater cruiser for those seeking a robust vessel for long-distance sailing.