Ta Shing Baba 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Baba 35 is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser, designed for momentum and sea-kindliness rather than light-air agility. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) typically hovering in the high 300s, the hull is un-phased by choppy conditions that would stall lighter coastal cruisers. While it is not a "pointing" machine and will rarely win a race to windward, its full keel and significant mass allow it to track as if on rails, reducing helmsman fatigue during long passages.

In his own design reflections, Robert H. Perry has noted that the Baba 35's hull was an evolution of the traditional "Canoe Stern" concept, aimed at providing a balanced helm even when the boat is pressed hard under a press of canvas. The cutter rig is the standard configuration, providing a versatile sail plan that allows owners to reef down to a staysail and deeply reefed main when the barometer drops. Owners often report that the boat "finds its groove" at about 15 to 20 knots of breeze, where the weight provides a motion of comfort that is significantly less jarring than modern fin-keel designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Baba 35 is a masterclass in traditional craftsmanship, showcasing the high-level teak joinery that made the Ta Shing shipyard famous. The layout is typically centered around a U-shaped galley to port and a navigation station to starboard, followed by a cozy salon with a pilot berth or storage lockers above the settees. The use of solid teak and high-quality veneers creates a "darker" but incredibly warm atmosphere that many long-term cruisers prefer for its durability and aesthetic appeal.

While the Baba 35 remained largely consistent during its production run, it eventually evolved into the Tashiba 36. These siblings share a very similar DNA, but the Tashiba 36 featured a slightly revised underbody with a "shaved" keel and a more vertical rudder post, aimed at improving light-air performance. Another closely related relative is the Flying Dutchman 35, which served as a precursor to the Baba line. The Baba 35 itself was offered primarily in a single interior configuration, though minor variations in the V-berth versus Pullman berth arrangements can be found in custom orders from the late production years.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Baba 35 maintains a cult-like status in the cruising community and is frequently featured in literature regarding "best used boats for world cruising." It is a staple of Robert Perry’s book, Yacht Design According to Perry, where he discusses the nuances of the double-ended hull form. The boat has also gained modern visibility through various high-seas vloggers and authors who prize the model for its ability to handle "The Big U-Turn" (circumnavigation) with minimal structural modification.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Baba 35 with a focus on three primary areas: the teak decks, the fuel tanks, and the chainplates. Like many boats of this era, the teak decks were often screwed into a cored fiberglass sub-deck; over decades, the bungs can wear down, leading to water intrusion into the core. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading of the decks is essential.

The original fuel tanks were typically constructed of black iron. Over forty years, condensation and trapped moisture on the tank's exterior can cause "pinhole" leaks, often requiring the engine to be pulled or the cabin sole to be cut for replacement. Furthermore, the stainless steel chainplates on the Baba 35 are often glassed into the hull or hidden behind cabinetry, making them difficult to inspect for crevice corrosion. Experienced surveyors recommend a systematic replacement of these components if they are original, regardless of their outward appearance. Finally, the "bobstay" fitting on the bow, which takes the massive load of the headstay, should be inspected for hairline fractures or signs of movement.

Community & Resources

The Baba 35 benefits from a dedicated and technically proficient community of owners. The Baba Panda Tashiba (BPT) Owners Association is the primary hub for technical data, offering archived brochures, original wiring diagrams, and a collective knowledge base for maintaining these Taiwanese-built classics.

The Verdict

The Baba 35 is a "lifetime boat" for the sailor who values safety and traditional aesthetics over raw speed. It is a vessel built for the trade winds, offering a level of security in heavy weather that few modern boats of its size can replicate.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Built by Ta Shing, one of the world's most respected shipyards.
• Sea-Kindliness: Heavy displacement and full keel provide a very comfortable motion at sea.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A classic "salty" look that draws a crowd in any harbor.
• Safety: The protected propeller and robust rigging make it a true blue-water contender.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Extensive exterior teak requires significant labor to maintain.
• Slow in Light Air: The heavy hull and large wetted surface area struggle in breezes under 8 knots.
• Complex Systems Access: Critical components like fuel tanks and chainplates can be difficult to reach for repair.