Taswell 49 MS Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Taswell 49 MS began around 1990, with examples noted through the late 1990s, showcasing a significant production run for the model. Designed by Bill Dixon, the entire Taswell range, including the 49 MS, aimed to produce "high quality, high performance yachts". Dixon's philosophy for the Taswell 49 MS favored "fluent not radical lines," balancing a moderate displacement hull with a fine entry and a powerful sail plan. This approach resulted in a yacht designed for both speed and comfort across various conditions.

Ta Shing Yacht Building Ltd., the builder, has long been celebrated for its unwavering commitment to hand-crafted quality and meticulous attention to detail, a reputation solidified during the era of the Taswell 49 MS's production. Their manufacturing ethos emphasizes robust construction, notably featuring solid fiberglass hulls and decks with end-grain balsa cores, ensuring longevity and durability. The vessel was offered with a deep fin keel, as well as a shoal draft option of 5.25 feet, providing versatility for different cruising grounds. The design also prominently features a center cockpit, a configuration favored for offshore comfort and safety.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Taswell 49 MS is characterized as a "well balanced long distance cruising yacht", renowned for its ability to sail effectively both on and off the wind. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.68, the Taswell 49 MS exhibits a moderate performance profile, suggesting she will be capable in a range of wind conditions without being overly tender or sluggish. Her ballast to displacement ratio, at around 0.40, indicates a good degree of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a strong breeze comfortably. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 197 classifies her as a moderate displacement vessel, striking a balance between light performance-oriented boats and heavier, more traditional cruisers.

Equipped with a cutter rig, the Taswell 49 MS benefits from a sail plan that breaks the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, a configuration often preferred for offshore sailing. While a fin keel can offer greater maneuverability, the deep fin keel version of the Taswell 49 MS, drafting around 6 feet 11 inches, provides substantial stability, making her a confident and seakindly vessel for bluewater passages. Owners frequently describe her as feeling "like a tank" while underway, underscoring her solid and stable motion.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Taswell 49 MS is designed for liveability and extended cruising comfort, often presented in an "All Seasons" or pilothouse configuration featuring panoramic deck saloon windows. The craftsmanship below decks is a hallmark of Ta Shing, with interiors typically finished in beautiful teak, complemented by teak and holly sole flooring. Headroom is generous throughout, with the main salon boasting an impressive 6 feet 4 inches, while the pilothouse offers approximately 6 feet 3 inches, and guest cabins around 6 feet 2 inches.

The typical layout comprises three private cabins and offers between six and seven berths. This arrangement often includes a very accommodating V-berth forward, a twin bunk cabin, and a spacious aft master cabin. The master cabin is a highlight, frequently featuring a queen-sized, partial walk-around berth, "cavernous wardrobes," a central dressing table, and an en-suite head. The center cockpit design not only provides a secure and comfortable helming position but also allows for an expansive and private aft cabin below. The main salon is centrally located, offering a curved settee and ample space for relaxation and dining.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Taswell 49 MS consistently praise the yacht's exceptional build quality and robust construction, often describing it as a "well designed luxury yacht". Many appreciate its suitability for long-distance cruising, noting its comfortable motion in a seaway and overall seaworthiness. The "gorgeous" joinery below decks is frequently highlighted as a testament to Ta Shing's craftsmanship. While generally well-regarded, some isolated reports suggest that issues related to the original fiberglass build might occur over time, though this appears to be less common than the widespread praise for its solid construction. The design by Bill Dixon is particularly lauded for balancing performance with exceptional interior accommodations, making the Taswell 49 MS a favored choice for those seeking a capable and comfortable bluewater cruiser.