Mason 63 Information, Review, Specs

The Mason 63 is frequently discussed alongside its nearly identical sibling, the Mason 64. While sharing the same fundamental hull lines and beam, the 64 typically features a slightly extended transom or modified stern geometry, though both represent the same high-standard "Tier 1" construction for which Ta Shing is globally recognized. These boats were semi-custom, meaning that while the hull and mechanical foundations remained consistent, deck layouts and rig tensions were often tailored to the original owner's specific bluewater requirements.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Mason 63 are defined by its high displacement-to-length ratio and its traditional underwater profile, featuring a long keel with a cutaway forefoot and a robust, skeg-hung rudder. This configuration yields a vessel that tracks with exceptional precision, requiring minimal input from the helm or autopilot even in heavy following seas. According to historical technical assessments from the yard, the 63-footer was designed to carry its momentum through chop that would stall lighter, modern fin-keel boats, providing a "freight train" feel of security during offshore passages.

While the Mason 63 is not a light-air performer, its ketch rig offers a versatile "sail plan for all seasons." In heavy weather, the ability to sail under "jib and jigger" (staysail and mizzen) allows the boat to remain balanced and upright while maintaining steerage. The ketch configuration also lowers the center of effort, reducing heel angles and increasing crew comfort during long fetches. Because of its 60,000lb-plus displacement, the boat requires a significant breeze—typically 12 knots or more—to truly find its groove, but once energized, it is capable of consistent 200-nautical-mile days in the trade winds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Mason 63 is a showcase of Ta Shing’s world-class joinery, characterized by hand-rubbed Burmese teak and intricate cabinetry that is rarely matched in contemporary production yachts. The standard layout typically features a sprawling owner's aft stateroom with a private head and bathtub, a large main salon with a dedicated navigation station, and multiple guest cabins forward. Due to its semi-custom nature, some versions were built with a "flush deck" profile, creating an expansive, open feel on deck, while others utilized a low-profile trunk cabin to maximize standing headroom—often exceeding 6'6"—in the living areas.

A notable variation in the 63/64 series involves the galley and engine room accessibility. Many hulls were designed with a walk-through galley to starboard, providing a secure workspace at sea, which also served as a corridor to the engine room. The engine spaces on these vessels are typically cavernous by sailing standards, designed to house large naturally aspirated diesels and heavy-duty generators with 360-degree access for maintenance. The insulation used by Ta Shing during this era was exceptionally dense, ensuring that the living quarters remain quiet even when motoring through calms.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Mason 63 must account for the maintenance realities of a complex, decades-old yacht of this scale. While the hulls are solid fiberglass and remarkably overbuilt, the following areas require specialized scrutiny:

• Fuel and Water Tanks: Like many Taiwan-built yachts of the 1980s, the Mason 63 often utilized "black iron" or stainless steel tanks that were glassed into the hull structure. If the tops of these tanks have been exposed to moisture or if the fuel has sat stagnant, corrosion can occur. Replacement is a major undertaking that often requires cutting the cabin sole.
• Teak Deck Longevity: The Mason 63 was originally delivered with thick, screw-fastened teak decks. After 30 to 40 years, these decks may reach the end of their service life. Buyers should check for thinning wood, failing bung holes, and signs of moisture intrusion into the sub-deck, as a full replacement for a 60-foot vessel is a significant capital expense.
• Standing Rigging and Chainplates: The loads on a 63-foot ketch are immense. Original chainplates, if hidden behind cabinetry, must be inspected for crevice corrosion. Given the vessel’s age, the swage fittings and wire should be replaced if they are more than 10-15 years old, regardless of visual appearance.
• Mizzen Mast Compression: The base of the mizzen mast should be inspected for signs of compression or rot in the supporting structure, particularly in versions where the mast is stepped on the cockpit sole or a reinforced bridge deck.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are supported by a dedicated community that shares technical knowledge across the entire Al Mason and Ta Shing spectrum. The Mason Owners Association is the primary repository for original drawings and technical data. While the association is decentralized, it provides a vital link for owners seeking to source specialized parts or understand the specific wiring and plumbing schematics used by the yard in Tainan City.

The Verdict

The Mason 63 remains one of the most respected "blue-chip" cruisers on the brokerage market. It is a vessel for those who view sailing as a traditional art and require a platform capable of weathering extreme conditions in absolute luxury.

Pros:

• Exquisite Ta Shing craftsmanship and joinery that modern builders struggle to replicate.
• Exceptional heavy-weather tracking and sea-kindliness.
• Redundant sail plan via the ketch rig, ideal for long-distance cruising.
• Sufficient volume for full-time live-aboard use or chartering.

Cons:

• Significant maintenance requirements for teak decks and brightwork.
• Deep draft and heavy displacement limit performance in light air and access to shallow anchorages.
• High operational costs associated with the systems of a 60-plus-foot yacht.