CT -47 Ctr Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The CT 47 Center Cockpit is built on a hull form that reflects Robert Perry’s signature "performance cruiser" philosophy of the late 20th century. Unlike its predecessors, which often featured full keels and heavy wineglass sections, the CT 47 utilizes a modified fin keel and a large skeg-hung rudder. This configuration significantly reduces wetted surface area and improves the boat’s ability to point to windward. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio typically exceeding 300, the boat is undeniably a heavy-displacement vessel, designed to prioritize sea-kindliness and momentum over light-air agility.

In heavy weather, the CT 47 excels. The hull’s moderate beam and deep forefoot allow it to part seas rather than pound into them, a trait frequently praised by owners in offshore conditions. The cutter rig—a standard configuration for this model—provides a versatile sail plan that allows for easy reefing and balanced handling when the wind rises above 20 knots. While it may feel sluggish in light air (under 8 knots), the boat’s high sail area-to-displacement ratio for its class ensures that once it reaches hull speed, it tracks with remarkable stability. The skeg-hung rudder offers a tactile, heavy feel that provides the helmsman with confidence in following seas, preventing the rhythmic "hunting" often associated with lighter, spade-rudder designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the CT 47 is a showcase of Ta Chiao’s mastery of teak joinery. Consistent with the builder’s reputation for "Leaky Teaky" charm (a term of endearment for the maintenance-heavy wood), the cabin is characterized by hand-carved details, solid teak soles, and extensive louvered cabinetry. The center cockpit layout is the defining feature of the "Ctr" variant, allowing for a magnificent full-beam master stateroom aft with a private head and, in many versions, a small seating area or vanity.

The main salon is spacious, benefitting from the boat’s 13-foot-plus beam, and usually features a U-shaped galley that is well-secured for cooking at sea. A common sibling to the CT 47 is the CT 48, which often utilized the same hull but featured a different deck mold or transom treatment. There is also the CT 49, which shares much of the Perry-designed DNA but offers slightly more volume. Because these boats were often semi-custom, interior layouts can vary; some owners opted for a dedicated navigation station that rivals those found on 60-footers, while others prioritized a larger forward guest cabin. Headroom is generous throughout, typically exceeding 6'4" in the main salon, making it a viable long-term liveaboard for taller sailors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach the CT 47 with a technical eye, as the very features that make it beautiful—teak and heavy construction—are its primary sources of wear.

1. Teak Deck Longevity: Most CT 47s were delivered with thick teak side decks fastened with screws into a balsa or plywood core. Over decades, these fasteners can allow water to ingress into the core. A "wet deck" is the most common and expensive repair associated with this model.
2. Fuel and Water Tanks: Ta Chiao frequently used black iron for fuel tanks and stainless steel for water. Black iron tanks are prone to internal corrosion, and because they were often "built-in" before the deck was joined to the hull, replacement can require significant structural surgery or the cutting of the salon floor.
3. Chainplate Corrosion: The chainplates on the CT 47 are often buried behind beautiful teak cabinetry. Owners report that inspecting these for crevice corrosion is difficult, yet vital, as leaks from the deck-to-hull joint can settle against the stainless steel and cause catastrophic failure over time.
4. Mast Step and Compression: The mast step should be inspected for signs of "sinking" or corrosion, particularly if the boat has been raced or pushed hard in heavy weather.
5. Porthole Leaks: The iconic bronze or stainless portholes are known to develop leaks if the bedding compound has dried out, which can lead to rot in the surrounding decorative teak trim.

Community & Resources

The CT 47 benefits from a dedicated community of "Taiwanese Boat" enthusiasts. The CT Owners Group and various "Leaky Teaky" associations provide a wealth of technical knowledge regarding the specific construction quirks of Ta Chiao yachts. These groups are instrumental for new owners seeking to source replacement parts or advice on structural repairs like tank replacement or deck re-coring.

The Verdict

The CT-47 Center Cockpit is a "sailor's boat" that demands a high level of maintenance in exchange for world-class offshore capability and a timeless aesthetic. It is not a boat for the casual weekend dock-sitter, but rather for the voyager who values a solid, Robert Perry-designed hull that can shrug off a gale.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Strength: Over-built fiberglass hull capable of true bluewater circumnavigation.
• Aesthetic Heritage: Beautiful hand-crafted teak interiors that modern production boats cannot replicate.
• Sea-Kindliness: Predictable, stable motion in heavy seas that reduces crew fatigue.
• Privacy: The center cockpit layout provides excellent separation between the master and guest cabins.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Extensive exterior and interior teak requires constant varnish or oiling and carries high repair costs.
• Complex Systems: Older tanks and wiring often require significant updates to meet modern safety standards.
• Weight: Not a light-air performer; will require engine assistance or large reaching sails in light conditions.