Ta Chiao CT-43 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The CT 43 is designed for the steady trade winds of offshore passages rather than the light-air performance required for club racing. With a heavy displacement hull and a full keel, the boat possesses significant rotational inertia, meaning it is slow to accelerate but exceptional at maintaining momentum once moving. The ketch rig is the CT 43’s greatest asset in heavy weather; the "jigger" (mizzen) and staysail configuration allows for a balanced sail plan that keeps the center of effort low, reducing heel and providing a stable platform in high-seas.

Owner anecdotes often highlight the vessel’s "sea-kindliness," a term referring to its predictable motion in a seaway. Unlike modern flat-bottomed yachts that may "slam" into head seas, the CT 43’s wineglass hull sections allow it to slice through waves. However, the trade-off is felt in light air and upwind performance. The large wetted surface area of the full keel creates significant drag, and the boat generally requires at least 12 to 15 knots of wind to "wake up." Tracking is superb, allowing the vessel to hold a course with minimal input from an autopilot or wind vane, though the long keel makes maneuvering in tight marinas under power a challenge that requires significant use of "prop walk."

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the CT 43 is characterized by what is affectionately known in the cruising community as the "Taiwan Turkey" style—a dense, high-quality application of solid teak and tropical hardwoods. Most CT 43s were configured with a center-cockpit layout, which allows for a magnificent master stateroom aft, often featuring a large "island" berth or two wide settees. The use of heavy wood carving on bulkheads and lockers gives the cabin a warm, traditional feel that is rarely found in modern production yachts.

Headroom is generous throughout the main salon, typically exceeding 6'4", which was a significant selling point over the smaller CT 41. The galley is usually U-shaped and positioned in the walkthrough to the aft cabin, providing a secure place for the cook to brace while underway. Variations exist depending on the specific "batch" or the requirements of the original owner; some models feature a pullman berth forward, while others utilize a traditional V-berth. Sibling models, such as the Formosa 43 and the Spindrift 43, were often built from the same or modified molds in competing Taiwanese shipyards, leading to minor variations in deck hardware and interior layout, though the Ta Chiao builds are generally regarded for having superior resin-to-glass ratios.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach a CT 43 with a rigorous inspection protocol, as these vessels are now entering their fifth decade of service.

• Teak Deck Integrity: The most notorious issue with Ta Chiao yachts is the original "leaky teaky" deck. Thousands of screws were used to fasten teak planks to a fiberglass-and-plywood sandwich. Over time, these screws allow water to penetrate the core, leading to widespread rot. A moisture meter and "percussion testing" (tapping with a hammer) are essential to identify delamination.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The CT 43 was originally fitted with black iron fuel tanks and stainless steel water tanks. In many cases, these tanks were "built-in" before the deck was joined to the hull. If they have rusted from the inside out—a common occurrence—replacing them often requires cutting out parts of the cabin sole or bulkheads.
• Chainplates and Rigging: The original stainless steel chainplates are often buried behind cabinetry and are prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. Given the age of these boats, a full "rig-out" inspection is mandatory, especially looking for "bleeding" rust at the base of the chainplates.
• Spars: Many CT 43s were delivered with sitka spruce masts. While beautiful, they require meticulous varnishing. If the masts have been neglected, look for "checking" or rot at the spreaders and the mast base. Many owners have since converted to aluminum spars for reduced maintenance.

Community & Resources

The CT 43 enjoys a dedicated following among traditionalists and bluewater cruisers. While the manufacturer no longer provides direct support for these legacy models, technical data is preserved by the CT Owners Association, a community that shares hull-specific solutions for common Taiwanese-build problems. Information regarding original design drawings can occasionally be sourced through archives of William Garden’s work, which is preserved in part by various maritime museum collections.

The Verdict

The Ta Chiao CT 43 is a "destination" boat—it is built to take its crew to remote corners of the globe in safety and traditional style. It is not a boat for those who value speed or modern minimalist design, but for those who find beauty in heavy teak and a clipper bow, it remains an enduring icon.

Pros

• Exceptional heavy-weather stability and tracking.
• Exquisite interior woodwork and craftsmanship.
• Spacious center-cockpit layout ideal for live-aboards.
• Rugged fiberglass hull construction capable of global voyaging.

Cons

• High maintenance requirements for exterior teak and brightwork.
• Poor maneuverability in reverse and tight quarters.
• Potential for significant "hidden" costs related to deck core and tankage.
• Sluggish performance in light winds.