Tayana 52 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The production of the Tayana 52 commenced in 1983 and continued until 1991. During this era, Ta Yang Yacht Building Co. Ltd., founded in Taiwan in 1973, had already established itself as a premier builder of semi-custom blue-water cruising yachts. The company's name, "Ta Yang," translates to "big ocean," reflecting their core philosophy of crafting durable vessels capable of undertaking significant offshore passages. This ethos aligned perfectly with Robert Perry's design goals for the Tayana 52, which he intended to be a "rugged and strong boat capable of keeping a crew of four comfortable at sea for long periods of time".

Perry's collaboration with Ta Yang was instrumental in shaping many of the builder's iconic models, including the immensely popular Tayana 37 and the successful Tayana 48. The Tayana 52 further solidified this partnership, embodying Ta Yang's commitment to high-quality fiberglass construction and the integration of fine solid exotic woods for interiors. Throughout its production run, the Tayana 52 was offered in both aft cockpit and center cockpit configurations, with the latter often praised for its superior accommodations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tayana 52 is designed for serious offshore performance, a characteristic evident in its robust build and carefully considered hull form. With a calculated sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.09, she possesses moderate light-air performance for a vessel of her size and displacement. However, her substantial displacement of 38,570 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.38 suggests a stable and powerful motion, capable of standing up to a good breeze. Her displacement to length ratio of approximately 231.44 places her firmly in the category of a heavy cruiser, indicating a comfortable ride through a seaway, though perhaps not the fastest in very light conditions.

Equipped with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the Tayana 52 offers a good balance between tracking ability and maneuverability. Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Tayana 52 as a "powerful, robustly built, seakindly" vessel, an "offshore sailing machine" that delivers a sweet sailing experience. The cutter rig, a common feature, enhances sail-handling flexibility, allowing for easy adjustment to varying wind conditions and proving to be a benefit for long-distance cruising. Her theoretical hull speed, based on her waterline length, is approximately 8.69 knots, indicative of her capability to cover significant distances efficiently.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom data is not consistently available, the Tayana 52 is widely recognized for its spacious and comfortable interior, designed to facilitate extended living aboard. The interior finish often features the "typical Taiwanese dark wood," known for its quality, with some vessels benefiting from subsequent sanding and refinishing to brighten the living spaces. The builder's commitment to using fine solid exotic woods and reputable equipment, such as Lewmar and Whitlock hardware, contributes to a high-quality feel below deck.

The interior layout of an aft cockpit Tayana 52 typically includes three staterooms, making it an ideal choice for larger crews or those desiring ample privacy. The design often incorporates partial bulkheads with large walkthroughs, creating an open and airy feel despite the robust construction. For those seeking even more expansive living areas, the center cockpit versions are noted for offering "superior accommodations". These layouts are thoughtfully arranged to be "ideal for long distance sailing," providing well-appointed galleys, comfortable salons, and sufficient storage for provisions and personal gear, making the Tayana 52 a highly sought-after yacht for serious cruisers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tayana 52 frequently laud its solid construction and the comfortable motion it exhibits in a seaway, attributes that are consistent with Ta Yang's reputation for building durable blue-water cruisers. The strong sense of community among Tayana owners underscores the loyalty and satisfaction derived from these robust vessels. While specific recurring issues for the Tayana 52 are not prominently detailed in broad owner discussions, the overall consensus points to a reliable and capable yacht that instills confidence in its crew during offshore passages. Prospective buyers are often encouraged to consult the active Tayana Owners forums for detailed insights into specific models and maintenance considerations.