Taswell 43 Information, Review, Specs

The Taswell 43 emerged during a significant period for Ta Shing Yacht Building Ltd., as the yard transitioned from primarily OEM contracts to developing its own distinct brands. Having established a strong reputation for meticulous craftsmanship through partnerships with acclaimed names like Mason, Baba, and Nordhavn, Ta Shing introduced its Taswell range of yachts around 1985 or 1986. The Taswell 43, beginning production in 1987, was a direct result of this strategic move, designed by Bill Dixon, who was instrumental in shaping Ta Shing's in-house brand identity, 12].

Bill Dixon's design philosophy for cruising yachts emphasizes blending classic sailing characteristics with modern performance and comfortable living spaces. For the Taswell 43, this translated into a vessel capable of demanding sailing expeditions, offering both excellent seaworthiness and abundant space. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, a testament to Ta Shing's commitment to robust build quality, ensuring foundational strength and longevity, 3]. During its production run, buyers of the Taswell 43 had several design options, including different interior layouts and draft configurations. A standard maximum draft of 6.25 feet was available, alongside a shoal draft option of 5.25 feet, providing versatility for various cruising grounds. Later in its production, a version known as the Taswell 43 All Season was introduced, often featuring a deck saloon configuration to enhance comfort and protection.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Taswell 43 is designed as an intermediate-performance cruiser, offering a balance of speed and stability for offshore conditions. Her calculated sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.73 suggests a moderate performer, capable of making good progress in a range of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light airs or demanding in heavy weather.

With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 40.85%, the Taswell 43 exhibits good stability and stiffness, enabling her to stand up well to strong winds and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio, coupled with her robust build, contributes to a secure and reassuring feel offshore. Her displacement-to-length ratio of around 187.34 places her on the lighter side for a dedicated cruiser of her size, hinting at a more performance-oriented profile than heavier, more traditional designs. This combination allows for respectable speed, potentially on par with vessels like the Valiant in terms of cruising performance.

Equipped with a cutter rig, the Taswell 43 benefits from a sail plan that breaks the total sail area into smaller, more manageable units, making her easier to handle, particularly for short-handed crews or in strong winds. The fin keel design, common for performance cruisers, contributes to good upwind ability and maneuverability. Owners frequently praise the Taswell 43 for its excellent seaworthiness and its ability to handle demanding conditions with safety. The skeg-hung rudder provides robust steering and protection, further enhancing its bluewater credentials.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom details are not universally documented, the Taswell 43 is widely recognized for offering ample space and comfortable accommodations, making it ideal for extended voyages and liveaboard cruising. The interior layout was offered with multiple options to suit different owner preferences. Typically, these yachts feature a thoughtfully arranged living space designed for comfort at sea and in port. Common configurations often include a spacious V-berth forward, a well-appointed head, a generous main salon for dining and relaxation, and a functional galley equipped for extended provisioning. Aft cabins, often accessible via a passageway, typically offer private sleeping quarters. Many Taswell 43s, particularly the "All Season" or deck salon versions, benefit from raised deck saloons that provide excellent natural light and panoramic views, enhancing the sense of space below deck. The finish quality is generally high, reflecting Ta Shing's reputation for using premium materials and hand-joined cabinetry. Storage is typically abundant, catering to the needs of long-distance cruisers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Taswell 43 consistently highlight the yacht's solid construction and its capability as a serious bluewater cruiser. The vessel's comfortable motion in a seaway and its overall seaworthiness are frequently praised, making it a favored choice for demanding sailing expeditions. The sturdy fiberglass hull and robust build quality are often cited as major strengths, contributing to the boat's longevity and reliability.

Common strengths noted include excellent safety at sea, ample interior spaces for living and storage, and a reliable engine, often a 55hp Yanmar. Many owners appreciate the versatility offered by the various layout options and the comfort provided by features like air conditioning, generators, and water makers, which are often found on these well-equipped vessels.

While generally well-regarded, some owners have noted recurring issues, such as the tendency for original deck fittings to develop leaks over time, often requiring re-bedding. Additionally, discussions among owners sometimes touch on minor issues typical of boats of their age, such as bilge pump functionality. Despite these occasional maintenance points, the Taswell 43 maintains a strong and loyal following, with many owners completing extensive global voyages aboard their Ta Shing-built vessels, underscoring the brand's reliability and seaworthiness. The Taswell 43 is considered an approachable entry point into the Taswell brand for couples or solo sailors seeking a high-performance cruising yacht.