Ta Shing Tashiba 36 Information, Review, Specs

The Tashiba 36 was part of a prestigious lineage that included the smaller Tashiba 31 and the larger Tashiba 40. These models are often discussed in tandem with their "Baba" predecessors, as they were built in the same yard to similar specifications. The primary difference between the Tashiba 36 and the Baba 35 lies in the hull's volume; the Tashiba features a slightly more "filled out" bow and stern, which provides increased buoyancy and internal storage, making it a more capable long-range cruiser.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Tashiba 36 are defined by its moderate-to-heavy displacement and a high Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio, typically hovering around 330. This mass provides a remarkably "kind" motion in a seaway, allowing the boat to punch through chop rather than bouncing over it. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.5, the boat is not a light-air flyer; however, it excels once the breeze freshens above 12 knots.

According to design retrospectives by Perry Yacht Design, the hull was engineered to minimize the "hobby-horsing" common in shorter full-keel boats. The skeg-hung rudder provides a balanced feel at the helm, and the cutter rig offers a versatile sail plan that is easily reefed or shortened as conditions dictate. Owners frequently report that the Tashiba 36 tracks exceptionally well, often allowing a mechanical windvane to steer the boat for days on end with minimal adjustment. While it may struggle to point as high as a modern performance cruiser, its ability to carry momentum through a swell makes it an efficient mile-maker on offshore passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the Ta Shing heritage, the interior of the Tashiba 36 is a masterclass in teak joinery. The layout typically features a large V-berth forward, followed by a head to port and hanging lockers to starboard. The main salon is characterized by a U-shaped settee and a straight settee opposite, often featuring the signature "Ta Shing" carved details and solid teak staving.

The galley is a highlight for cruising couples, usually positioned in a secure U-shape at the base of the companionway. This placement ensures the cook remains braced while underway and allows for excellent ventilation. The Tashiba 36 also features a dedicated navigation station, which was often lacking in smaller 30-footers of the era. One notable variation among hulls is the arrangement of the aft quarter berth; some models feature a fully enclosed cabin, while others utilize an open quarter berth that serves as additional storage or a sea berth. The use of white overhead panels and abundant bronze portlights prevents the heavy teak interior from feeling dark, a common design critique of other Taiwanese boats from the same period.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Tashiba 36 with a technical eye toward its original construction materials, which, while high-quality, are now decades old.

• Teak Deck Integrity: Like most Ta Shing builds of the 1980s, the Tashiba 36 often came with 0.5-inch teak decks screwed into a cored fiberglass laminate. Over time, these screws can allow water to penetrate the core. Evidence of "bung" loss or deck flexing should be a primary concern.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often made of black iron (fuel) and stainless steel (water). Iron tanks are prone to internal corrosion if water sits in the bottom of the diesel, leading to leaks that may require cutting out sections of the sole to repair.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates pass through the deck and are bolted to heavy fiberglass knees. These should be inspected for crevice corrosion, particularly where they are hidden by cabinetry or pass through the deck flange.
• Mast Step: Check the base of the deck-stepped mast or the compression post for signs of sinking or corrosion. While the Tashiba 36 is robustly built, the wooden blocks used for compression can rot if water migrates down the wiring channels.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Tashiba 36 benefit from a dedicated and highly active community. The Baba-Panda-Tashiba (BPT) Owners Association is the primary hub for technical data, offering a repository of original brochures, wiring diagrams, and Robert Perry’s own commentary on the design. This community is instrumental for new owners seeking advice on specific Ta Shing quirks or sourcing replacement bronze hardware.

The Verdict

The Tashiba 36 is an "investment-grade" cruising yacht that appeals to traditionalists who value craftsmanship and heavy-weather safety over modern planing speeds and voluminous "condo" interiors. It remains one of the most respected 36-footers ever built for the purpose of crossing oceans.

Pros

• Legendary Build Quality: Hand-crafted teak interiors and robust hull layups that are rarely matched by modern production builders.
• Exceptional Motion: A heavy, stable hull that provides comfort and safety in blue water.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A timeless "salty" profile that commands respect in any harbor.
• High Resale Value: Due to the Ta Shing name and Perry design, these boats hold their value better than almost any other cruiser of their age.

Cons

• High Maintenance: The extensive exterior teak and complex systems require significant upkeep or a high budget for professional maintenance.
• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement hull can be sluggish in winds under 10 knots, often requiring the engine to maintain schedule.
• Aging Systems: Buyers must be prepared to replace original iron tanks and potentially re-core decks if they haven't been meticulously maintained.