Tashiba 40 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Tashiba 40 began in 1984. Although the exact end year of production is not explicitly stated in the provided data, it was introduced around 1980 as the Baba 40, later also known as Panda 40, before being branded as Tashiba 40. Robert Perry himself describes the Tashiba 40 as "one of his all-time favorite" designs, embodying his philosophy for creating capable and aesthetically pleasing cruising yachts. Perry is widely recognized for designing successful cruising yachts, with his work, including the Valiant 40, influencing modern cruising sailboat design by emphasizing seaworthiness and performance.

Ta Shing Yacht Building Ltd., the builder, has a long-standing reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and robust construction, a ethos deeply ingrained during the era of the Tashiba 40's production. The yard is celebrated for building high-quality, custom bluewater cruising yachts that feature solid fiberglass hull construction, premium woods, and hand-joined cabinetry. While the basic design of the Baba, Panda, and Tashiba 40s remained identical, any differences typically lay in the mix of custom factory upgrades chosen by individual buyers. The Tashiba 40 is notably a "double-ender" with a canoe stern, a design choice often associated with seaworthiness and traditional lines.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tashiba 40 is designed as a heavy-displacement, full-keel cruiser, emphasizing stability and comfort over light-air speed. With a displacement of 29,000 lbs and a waterline length of 34.5 feet, its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio calculates to approximately 315.28, firmly placing it in the heavy cruiser category. This high ratio indicates a boat built to withstand rough seas, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than quick acceleration.

The Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio for the Tashiba 40, with a total calculated sail area of 864.25 sqft, is approximately 14.65. This suggests a moderately canvassed vessel that performs reliably but is not optimized for very light wind conditions. It will likely require a bit more breeze to get moving efficiently compared to lighter, more performance-oriented designs. The Ballast to Displacement ratio stands at approximately 34.4% (10,000 lbs ballast in a 29,000 lbs displacement), contributing to its stability but indicating it may not be as stiff as some dedicated offshore racers with higher ballast ratios.

Equipped with a cutter rig, the Tashiba 40 offers versatility in sail management, allowing for effective balancing of the sails across a range of wind conditions. The long keel hull type, a characteristic of the design, provides excellent directional stability, which is a significant advantage on long passages, albeit at the expense of some maneuverability in tight quarters. The maximum draft of 6.0 feet further enhances its stability and upwind performance. Owners consistently praise the Tashiba 40 for its robust construction and comfortable motion offshore. It is known as a strong, full-keel vessel built for bluewater passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tashiba 40 is typically characterized by a classic, warm, and well-appointed cruising layout, often featuring extensive use of wooden finishes and hand-joined cabinetry, consistent with Ta Shing's reputation for quality 3, 4, Builder Article. While specific headroom details are not provided in the structured data, the hull shape is described as relatively beamy, suggesting good interior volume.

Common interior arrangements include sleeping berths for up to seven people, depending on the specific configuration. Descriptions often detail a comfortable V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon typically features settees that can serve as berths, often surrounding a centerline or offset table. A well-equipped galley and a navigation station are standard, with quarter berths often found aft. Owners have lived aboard these vessels for extended periods, undertaking significant voyages, highlighting the livability and functionality of the interior layout for long-term cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tashiba 40 consistently commend its solid construction and its reliability as a true bluewater cruiser. Many have undertaken extensive voyages, living aboard for years, which speaks to the boat's comfort and seaworthiness. The robust build quality, particularly the solid fiberglass hull, is frequently cited as a major strength, with reports of hulls and decks surveying well with no soft spots or delamination issues, even after decades of use. The canoe-stern, full-keel design is appreciated for its offshore capabilities and comfortable motion in challenging sea states.

While highly regarded, some common considerations for owners include the need for ongoing maintenance typical of any yacht of its age. However, overall sentiment leans heavily towards satisfaction, with owners expressing a deep affection for their Tashiba 40s. The enduring appeal of the Tashiba 40 underscores its position as a sought-after vessel for those desiring a traditional, capable, and well-built offshore cruising yacht.