Mermaid CT-42 Information, Review, Specs

While the CT-41 featured a clipper bow and extreme traditional lines, the CT-42 Mermaid often adopted a slightly more modern underwater profile while retaining the signature Ta Chiao woodwork. It was designed as a bluewater cruiser for those who prioritize stability and living volume over racing performance, effectively serving as a middle-ground model between the CT-41 and the larger, more luxurious CT-48 or CT-54.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Mermaid CT-42 is a stately performer that prioritizes "sea-kindliness" over raw speed. With a Displacement-Length (D/L) ratio often exceeding 380, it is categorized as an ultra-heavy cruiser. This mass, combined with a high Motion Comfort Ratio (approaching 40), ensures that the boat remains stable and predictable in heavy weather, where lighter modern yachts might feel skittish. Its sail area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio typically hovers around 15, indicating it is somewhat "underrigged" for light winds but carries its canvas well as the breeze freshens.

The most common ketch configuration allows for a versatile sail plan; in a blow, the "jib and jigger" (headsail and mizzen) combination provides excellent balance, keeping the center of effort low and manageable. While a full keel is standard for most CT-series hulls of this era, some variations of the CT-42 were reportedly produced with a long-fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder to improve maneuverability in tight quarters. However, like most heavy-displacement yachts of its generation, the CT-42 is known for its wide turning radius and a tendency for significant "prop walk" when backing under power.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Mermaid CT-42 is a showcase of the Ta Chiao yard’s legendary carpentry. The cabin is typically swathed in thick, hand-carved teak, creating a warm, library-like atmosphere. The most common layout features a center-cockpit configuration which allows for a spacious master stateroom aft, often including an ensuite head and a private companionway.

In the main salon, owners usually find a large L-shaped settee and a substantial navigation station. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'4" in the main cabin, a feature noted in technical discussions of the CT-series. The galley is generally positioned in the passageway to the aft cabin, providing a secure place to brace while cooking at sea. Sibling variations on this hull include a more traditional aft-cockpit layout and different stateroom configurations; for instance, some hulls were customized with four Pullman berths in the forward guest stateroom to accommodate larger families or charter crews.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach the CT-42 with a critical eye toward the maintenance-heavy materials used in its construction.

• Teak Decks: Most CT-42s were originally built with thick teak decks screwed into a fiberglass-and-plywood core. Over time, the thousands of screw holes can allow water to penetrate the core, leading to delamination and expensive repairs. Many modern owners have opted to "glass over" the decks for better longevity.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original builds often utilized black iron or stainless steel tanks that were glassed into the hull structure. After 40 years, these are prone to internal corrosion and leaks. Replacing them typically requires cutting out sections of the teak interior.
• Chainplates and Rigging: The stainless steel used in many Taiwanese shipyards of that era was occasionally prone to impurities. Inspecting the chainplates for crevice corrosion—especially where they pass through the deck—is a mandatory survey item.
• Wiring and Plumbing: Original wiring often lacked the color-coding and marine-grade tinning seen in modern builds. A total "refit" of the DC panel and wiring is a common requirement for vessels that haven't been updated recently.

Community & Resources

The CT series enjoys a dedicated following among traditionalists and long-distance cruisers. The Ta Chiao / CT Owners Association remains a vital resource for technical data and restoration advice. Owners of the CT-42 frequently share parts lists and repair logs on dedicated social media groups and technical wikis, focusing on the preservation of the boat's intricate woodwork and the replacement of obsolete hardware.

The Verdict

The Mermaid CT-42 is a "character boat" for the sailor who values heritage and heavy-weather capability over modern convenience. It is a vessel that rewards the diligent owner with a sense of security and a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in contemporary production yachts.

Pros:

• Exceptional motion comfort in heavy seas.
• Exquisite, hand-crafted teak interior.
• Highly capable long-distance offshore platform.
• Strong community of owners and technical support.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for teak and exterior brightwork.
• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse under power.
• Potential for major hidden costs (tanks and deck core).