Tanton 45 Information, Review, Specs

The Tanton 45 emerged in 1983, a product of naval architect Yves-Marie Tanton, who was known for his innovative approach to yacht design. Tanton's philosophy for the 45 appears to have centered on creating a vessel that was both practical for long-distance cruising and enjoyable to sail, departing from traditional yachting conventions. The builder, Ta Chiao, founded in Taiwan around 1960, had already established itself as a pioneer in fiberglass construction among Taiwanese boat builders, having adopted the technique by 1965. By the time the Tanton 45 was introduced, Ta Chiao had built a strong reputation for the quality and timeless designs of its sailing yachts, particularly its well-known CT series, with meticulous attention to manufacturing processes and luxurious teak interiors. The Tanton 45 was part of this legacy, benefiting from Ta Chiao's commitment to building strong, ocean-capable vessels designed to withstand the rigors of bluewater passages. Evidence suggests the Tanton 45 had a significant production run, with models appearing as late as 1996.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tanton 45 is characterized by a sail plan designed for efficiency and ease of handling, featuring a cat-ketch rig. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 22.22, the Tanton 45 is poised to be a lively performer, particularly excelling in lighter air conditions where its ample sail area can generate significant power. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.357 suggests a moderately stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze without being overly tender, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Further enhancing its sailing profile, the Tanton 45 boasts a displacement to length ratio of approximately 189.36. This relatively low figure places it in the lighter, more performance-oriented category for cruising yachts of its size, hinting at an agile and responsive character. Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the boat's balance, with some reporting that it is "perfectly balanced and will steer herself upwind". The cat-ketch rig itself is often associated with design principles aimed at aiding single-handing, making the Tanton 45 an appealing option for those who frequently sail with limited crew.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom dimensions are not extensively detailed, the Tanton 45's interior layout emphasizes practicality and comfort for extended cruising. A notable feature of the accommodation is the owner's double berth located in the starboard "hip," thoughtfully integrated with a connected head and a stand-up shower. This configuration suggests a design focused on maximizing livable space and privacy for the primary occupants. Given Ta Chiao's reputation, the interior is likely to feature the luxurious teak woodwork common in their vessels, contributing to a classic and warm aesthetic highly valued by owners. Storage, ventilation, and the overall finish quality would typically align with the builder's ethos of creating robust, comfortable, and well-appointed cruising yachts.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tanton 45 often converge in online forums and social media groups, sharing insights and experiences. While a comprehensive summary of common strengths and weaknesses requires a deeper dive into these communities, the general sentiment aligns with the boat's design intentions. Owners consistently appreciate the Tanton 45's solid construction, a hallmark of Ta Chiao-built vessels, and its comfortable motion during bluewater passages. The distinctive cat-ketch rig is frequently cited for its ease of handling and performance characteristics. Specific common issues or maintenance concerns for the Tanton 45 are not readily highlighted in general reviews, suggesting a generally reliable platform.