Ta Chiao CT-48 Sailboats for Sale

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull Type

Monohull · fin

Rig

Ketch

LOA

48' · 14.63 m

Disp.

40,000 lbs · 18,144 kg

First year

1988

The Ta Chiao CT48 represents one of the most intriguing and rare entries in the lineage of classic Taiwanese cruising yachts. Designed by the legendary naval architect Robert Perry and built by Ta Chiao Enterprises in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the CT48 was introduced in 1988 as a sophisticated, modern continuation of the yard's offshore cruising line. In the late 1980s, Ta Chiao wanted to build upon the commercial success of the ornate, traditional CT54—often referred to as a "pirate ship" for its dramatic sheer, towering stern castle, and classic trailboards. The creation of the CT48, however, was born from a bitter design compromise. While U.S. importer Don Stephens envisioned another heavily traditional vessel, the yard sided with European distributor Michel, who pushed for a sleeker, more contemporary design with an unbroken sheerline and flat decks. Perry revised his drawings accordingly, leading to a permanent rift with Stephens, who refused to import the model. This commercial disagreement, coupled with changing market dynamics, restricted the CT48's production run to a highly exclusive handful of vessels, estimated between five and ten hulls. Today, it stands as a coveted bluewater cruiser, combining heavydisplacement ruggedness with a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic than its predecessors.