Tayana Vancouver 42 Information, Review, Specs

The name "Ta Yang" itself, translating to "big ocean" from Mandarin, perfectly encapsulates the builder's vision of crafting yachts suitable for grand passages, a philosophy clearly evident in the Vancouver 42's design and construction.

History and Design

The Tayana Vancouver 42 began production in 1979, emerging from the Ta Yang Yacht Building Co. Ltd. in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The builder, Ta Yang, established in 1973, quickly focused on developing sturdy, reliable fiberglass blue-water cruising yachts, a niche for which they became renowned. The collaboration with Robert Harris, a respected naval architect, was pivotal in the creation of the Vancouver 42. Harris's Vancouver designs have earned reputations for being well-built offshore cruisers with impressive cruising range, load-carrying capacity, and a comfortable motion.

Approximately 200 units of the Vancouver 42 were built, solidifying the yard's commitment to robust, cutter-rigged cruisers. During its production run, the Tayana Vancouver 42 was offered in both aft-cockpit and center-cockpit configurations, catering to different cruising preferences. Around 130 of these vessels featured an aft cockpit, while approximately 70 were built with a center cockpit. An optional pilothouse was also available, providing northern sailors with the ability to extend their sailing seasons. The emphasis on heavy displacement and a pronounced sheer line with good freeboard at the bow underscores its design for handling heavy weather effectively.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tayana Vancouver 42 is characterized by its substantial build, designed for stability and comfort over outright speed. With a displacement of nearly 30,000 pounds (29,157 lbs) and a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 362, she is undeniably a heavy, traditional cruiser. This robust construction allows her to handle tough conditions with remarkable stability and control, making good progress even in 30-knot winds.

Her sail area to displacement ratio of about 15.09 suggests that while she is capable, she may require more wind to achieve optimal performance, rather than excelling in light air. However, her impressive ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.40 (40.47%) indicates excellent stiffness and stability, enabling her to stand up to significant wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. The vessel's fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to a balanced helm and reliable tracking, critical attributes for long-distance cruising. Owners consistently praise her sailability and ability to manage heavy weather conditions, often noting her solid construction and comfortable motion.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tayana Vancouver 42 is renowned for its generous volume and the quality of its craftsmanship, reflecting Ta Yang's reputation for fine teak interiors and high-quality materials. Owners praise the spacious accommodations that are well-suited for extended live-aboard comfort and blue-water sailing.

While specific headroom figures vary depending on the exact model and year, the interior typically features a well-appointed salon, a U-shaped galley designed for offshore cooking, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. The aft-cockpit versions often include a spacious aft cabin, while center-cockpit models may offer an even larger master stateroom beneath the cockpit, sometimes with an ensuite head. The use of fine solid exotic woods, especially teak and spruce joinery, throughout the cabin gives a warm and classic feel. Storage is ample, designed to accommodate the provisions and gear required for long voyages. Ventilation is typically achieved through numerous opening ports and hatches, crucial for comfort in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tayana Vancouver 42 consistently commend its reputation for quality construction and its exceptional offshore capabilities. Many consider it a well-built offshore cruiser, providing a sense of security and reliability for serious cruisers. The vessel is frequently praised for its ability to handle tough conditions with stability and control, a key factor for those undertaking long-distance passages. The solid fiberglass hull and timeless design are frequently cited as significant strengths.

While the Tayana 42 is widely admired, common discussions among owners often revolve around routine maintenance inherent to older vessels, such as the condition of original deck fittings or teak decks. The strong sense of community among Tayana owners often facilitates shared knowledge and support for addressing any typical issues that might arise over time. The vessel's reputation for robustness, combined with its comfortable live-aboard capabilities, continues to make it a sought-after choice for those seeking a capable and enduring blue-water cruising yacht.