Tayana 47 DS Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Tayana 47 DS commenced in 1991, continuing Ta Yang's legacy of crafting durable, blue-water capable vessels. Robert Perry, a frequent collaborator with Tayana, designed the 47 DS as part of a line of yachts intended for serious cruising. The builder, Ta Yang Yacht Building Co. Ltd., has historically focused on creating sturdy and reliable vessels suitable for long-distance voyages, utilizing fiberglass construction techniques and emphasizing semi-customization with high-quality materials and equipment. This ethos is evident in the Tayana 47 DS, which was conceived with a "slightly more spacy hull design" compared to many contemporaries.

Notably, the Tayana 47 line offered variations, with both the Deck Saloon (DS) model, as detailed here, and a Center Cockpit (CC) model available, both designed by Robert Perry and starting production in the same year. The Tayana 47 also served as a precursor or closely related design that was later extended to become the Tayana 48, suggesting an evolutionary development in the series.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tayana 47 DS, with a length overall of 47 feet and a waterline length of 40.25 feet, is a substantial monohull designed for comfortable passage making. Her displacement of 35,000 lbs combined with a ballast of 11,675 lbs results in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 33.3%. This indicates a stable, though not overly stiff, motion, prioritizing comfort in a seaway over extreme racing performance. The displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at around 239.6, firmly places her in the heavy-to-moderate displacement cruiser category, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly vessel capable of handling diverse conditions with a comfortable motion.

The reported total sail area of 995 sq ft, coupled with the displacement, yields a sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 14.79. This moderate ratio suggests she is adequately powered for a cruising yacht, offering reasonable performance across a range of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light airs or excessively burdened in heavy weather. As a cutter-rigged vessel, the Tayana 47 DS's sail plan breaks down the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, a configuration often favored for offshore sailing due to its versatility and ease of handling in varying conditions. Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Tayana 47 as a strong, well-built sailing yacht.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tayana 47 DS is designed for comfortable living aboard, characterized by its generous volume. Reviews often highlight the spaciousness, noting it is "more spacy than 73% of all other designs." Many Tayana 47 DS models feature a superb teak interior, reflecting the builder's commitment to using fine solid exotic woods, contributing to a warm and classic ambiance below deck. While the exact maximum headroom can vary with semi-custom builds, some examples boast an impressive 7 feet of headroom, enhancing the sense of openness.

Typical layouts often include a spacious salon, a well-appointed galley, multiple sleeping cabins (such as a V-berth forward and additional berths aft), and a head with shower. The Deck Saloon design itself provides abundant natural light and often offers panoramic views from the main living area, a significant advantage for liveaboards and those undertaking long voyages. While specific details on storage and ventilation can vary between individual boats due to the semi-custom nature of Tayana yachts, the general reputation of the builder suggests thoughtful design for offshore living.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tayana 47 DS often praise its robust construction and overall suitability for blue-water cruising. The solid build quality is a recurring theme among those familiar with the vessel. The spacious interior layout is also frequently appreciated, especially by couples and families planning extended stays aboard.

However, as with any vessel of its age and class, prospective owners should be diligent. While generally well-regarded, some discussions among owners and past reviews hint at potential areas for attention. For example, designer Robert Perry himself described some "insufficient" aspects of the Tayana 47, which may have led to the development of the Tayana 48. Specific boat conditions can vary significantly, with one owner noting a particular Tayana 47 had a "really rough" interior, even after being repaired following a sinking incident in 1995. Therefore, a thorough survey is consistently recommended by owners to assess the condition of the vessel and identify any common maintenance issues that might arise in an older cruising yacht. The active community around Tayana yachts, often found in online forums, provides valuable insights into the ownership experience, highlighting both the enduring strengths and potential considerations of these capable cruisers.