Ta Chiao CT-34 Buyer's Guide
Shopping the brokerage market for a Ta Chiao CT-34 means looking at a small fleet of traditional Taiwanese cruisers built from 1970 into the mid-1970s, with roughly 50 to 100 ever produced. These 33-foot boats carry the China Traders 34 name as well and appeal to buyers who want a solid, heavy-displacement cutter for coastal or offshore use rather than a modern performance hull.
Layouts on the Used Market
Every CT-34 shares the same essential profile: a 33-foot-3-inch LOA, 27-foot-8-inch waterline, and 10-foot-3-inch beam wrapping a 16,100-pound hull with 5,300 pounds of iron ballast. The long keel and attached rudder define the traditional layout, with a keel-stepped mast and cutter rig carrying a 288-square-foot main and 419-square-foot genoa. Below, the boat follows the classic CT-series cruising plan with 50-gallon water and diesel capacity and a single 22-horsepower Yanmar.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
On the used market, teak decks are commonly fitted to the CT-34, a period-typical feature that buyers should inspect for caulking and condition. Beyond that, most examples rely on the original cutter sail inventory—main, genoa, staysail, yankees, storm jib, and asymmetrical—though rig and canvas upgrades vary by owner. The boat's 22-horsepower Yanmar diesel and 50-gallon tanks form the baseline energy and storage picture; buyers should verify the engine model and tank condition rather than assume modern additions.
What to Inspect
The CT-34's robust solid fiberglass construction is its documented strength, but the long keel and attached rudder demand close inspection for grounding damage and rudder post wear. Survey focus should stay on laminate integrity, keel-hull joint, and the teak deck bond line where fitted. The 5-foot draft and 5,300-pound ballast mean any prior collision or poor yard handling shows in the keel sump and trailing edge.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Used Ta Chiao CT-34s are found in the United States market, where the small production count keeps them infrequent but identifiable. For a buyer, the checklist is short: confirm solid fiberglass hull and deck condition, examine the long keel and rudder for damage, verify the Yanmar and tankage, and assess any teak deck for age. A well-kept example rewards the cruiser seeking a traditional Rhodes-derived offshore boat over a contemporary fin-keeler.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Ta Chiao CT-34. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
8 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina 34 | 34.5' | $ 32,500 | 139 | 36 |
| Sabre 34 | 34.18' | $ 24,500 | 39 | 4 |
| Pacific Seacraft Crealock 34 | 34.08' | $ 105,000 | 21 | 6 |
| Tartan 34 C | 34.42' | $ 19,900 | 18 | 6 |
| Sparkman and Stephens S&S 34 | 33.42' | $ 27,391 | 17 | 3 |
| Morgan Yachts 34 | 34' | $ 32,475 | 14 | 4 |
| Sweden Yachts C34 | 34' | $ 51,282 | 12 | 3 |
| Cabo Rico 34 | 37' | $ 89,000 | 8 | 1 |
