Ta Chiao CT-35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The CT 35 is a heavy-displacement cutter designed for comfort in a seaway rather than light-air performance. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio typically hovering in the high 300s, it possesses significant momentum, which allows it to punch through choppy head seas that would stop lighter coastal cruisers. According to design notes from Robert Perry Yacht Design, the hull features a long keel with a cutaway forefoot, a signature Perry move that reduces wetted surface and improves maneuverability compared to the full-keel designs of the previous decade.

On the water, the CT 35 is known for its exceptional directional stability. Once the sails are trimmed, the boat tracks with minimal helm correction, a trait highly prized by single-handed sailors and those using windvane steering. Its cutter rig provides a versatile sail plan; in heavy weather, the boat remains balanced under a stay-sail and reefed main, keeping the center of effort low and centered. However, the trade-off for this stability is a lack of agility in light winds (under 10 knots), where the vessel's substantial wetted surface area can make it feel sluggish. Owners often report that the boat "wakes up" when the breeze hits 15 knots, at which point the hull reaches its stride and provides a dry, predictable ride.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Stepping into the cabin of a CT 35 is often compared to entering a traditional English library. Ta Chiao utilized massive amounts of solid teak and teak veneers, a hallmark of their construction philosophy. The layout typically features a standard offshore configuration: a large V-berth forward (or occasionally an offset double), a U-shaped settee to port with a straight settee opposite, and a sea-friendly galley located near the companionway for ventilation and proximity to the cockpit.

A notable variation in the CT 35 line involves the mast and rig. While most were rigged as cutters with a bowsprit to increase total sail area, some custom variants were delivered with slightly different interior cabinetry, such as additional lockers in place of a pilot berth. The headroom is generous for a 35-foot vessel, often exceeding 6'3" in the main saloon, which contributes to an airy feel despite the dark wood. Because the CT 35 was built on the same hull as the Baba 35, many interior components are interchangeable, though Ta Chiao-built models are often noted for having slightly more ornate carvings in the teak than their Shing Sheng-built counterparts.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach a CT 35 with an eye toward the specific maintenance challenges of 1970s and 80s Taiwanese builds. While the hulls are generally overbuilt solid fiberglass, the following areas require scrutiny:

• Teak Decks: Most CT 35s were delivered with thick teak decks fastened with thousands of screws into a balsa or plywood core. Over decades, these screws can allow water to migrate into the core. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading of the deck is mandatory.
• Black Iron Fuel Tanks: The original fuel tanks were often made of black iron and glassed into the hull structure. These are prone to internal corrosion and "pinholing" over time. Replacing them is a major surgical project that often requires removing parts of the cabin sole or engine.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are often buried behind cabinetry. Because they are prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck, they should be inspected for weeping or rust streaks, and ideally pulled for X-ray or replacement if original.
• Mast Step: The mast is keel-stepped, and the original steel mast steps are known to corrode if bilge water has been allowed to sit. Check for compression or "crushing" of the wood beneath the step.

Community & Resources

The CT 35 benefits from a dedicated following, largely due to its shared heritage with other Robert Perry designs. The Baba/Panda/Tashiba Owner’s Group is the primary technical resource for these vessels, as the structural and design issues are nearly identical across these "Perry-style" double-enders. Owners often share detailed "refit diaries" focusing on the replacement of the iconic Taiwanese teak decks and the modernization of the electrical systems.

The Verdict

The Ta Chiao CT 35 is a specialized vessel built for a specific purpose: safe, comfortable, long-distance voyaging. It is not a boat for the casual weekend racer, but it is a superlative choice for a couple looking to cross oceans on a modest budget.

Pros:

• Exceptional Seakeeping: The heavy displacement and double-ended hull provide a safe, comfortable motion in heavy weather.
• Artisanal Interior: The level of teak joinery and woodwork is rarely found in modern production boats.
• Robert Perry Pedigree: The hull design is better balanced and more responsive than most 35-foot full-keelers of its era.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: The extensive teak (both on deck and below) requires significant labor to maintain.
• Aged Systems: Original iron tanks and wiring often require expensive, labor-intensive replacement.
• Light Air Performance: Struggles in light winds and requires a large genoa or cruising spinnaker to stay moving.