Design and Construction
Perry's Tashiba 36 draws directly on the Baba 40's breakthroughs, but it is not a mere shrink. For added stability the turn to the bilges became even harder than on earlier Perry full-keel boats, and the bows were more refined anchor. The hull is hand-laminated fiberglass, with the outer layers laid in water- and osmosis-resistant vinylester resin to ward off blistering. Ta Shing, widely regarded as the top Taiwanese yard and one of the finest builders in the world, finished the deck in GRP with an end-grain balsa core, and used marine-plywood coring with stainless steel backing plates wherever through-deck fittings are fastened. Ballast is a single iron casting sealed inside the fiberglass, and the interior can be coated with polyurethane insulation if an owner wishes.
Rig, Dimensions, and Handling
At 30 feet 5 inches on the waterline and 11 feet 9 inches of beam, with a standard draft of 5 feet 6 inches (a 4-foot 6-inch shoal version was also offered), the Tashiba 36 displaces 20,350 pounds and carries 8,740 pounds of ballast. The standard sail plan spans 703 square feet, and the pilothouse variant 705. Writing in oceanwavesail.com, the reviewer noted Perry's aim was a bluewater hull that sailed incredibly well — quick, close-winded, rigid, and balanced, and fast and close enough to challenge many fin-keel designs anchor. Those are not idle marketing words; the harder bilges and refined entry give the boat a poise that surprised period observers expecting a traditional full-keel slug.
Accommodations
Two layouts were offered: a rear-cockpit version and a pilothouse. The rear-cockpit Tashiba 36 provides a roomy cabin up forward and an aft quarter berth, while the pilothouse model trades that aft single for two large cabins, one forward and one amidships, plus an inside steering station alongside the cockpit pedestal. Both layouts share a pressurized hot water system and a shower in the head. The interior woodwork has been called "excellent furniture" by some who surveyed the boats, a telling note on the standard of joinery Ta Shing delivered.
Known Issues
The one documented systemic weakness is the black iron fuel tank. Like many of Ta Shing's Baba, Panda, and Tashiba sisters, the Tashiba 36 left the factory with black iron tanks that have proven subject to corrosion anchor. Many boats have since had them replaced, but any survey should confirm the status of the tank rather than assume.
The Verdict
The Tashiba 36 is a thoughtfully evolved Perry double-ender that blends genuine offshore capability with surprising turn of speed and a builder's finish that has aged well. It is a boat for the cruiser who wants classic hull form without classic sluggishness, and who values a yard's reputation translated into tangible joinery and resin work.
Pros
- Last and arguably finest of Perry's full-keel double-enders, per the designer
- Harder bilge turn and refined bow improved stability and windward performance
- Hand-laminated hull with osmosis-resistant outer vinylester layers
- Balsa-cored deck with proper backing at through-decks
- Two distinct layouts, including a pilothouse with inside steering
- Interior finish rated as excellent furniture by observers
Cons
- Black iron fuel tanks prone to corrosion; verify replacement status
