Ta Shing Tashiba 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Tashiba 40 is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser, displacing approximately 29,000 pounds. Its sailing characteristics are defined by a high comfort ratio and a hull that tracks exceptionally well, thanks to its long fin keel and protected skeg-hung rudder. While a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of over 320 confirms its status as a heavyweight, Perry gave the boat a relatively modern underbody compared to traditional full-keelers, allowing it to point higher and maneuver more predictably in tight quarters.

The sail area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 15.6 suggests that the boat requires a freshening breeze to truly come alive; however, once it gains momentum, it is known for its "freight train" stability. According to technical reviews in Sailing Magazine, the hull’s balance is such that it can often be steered with minimal effort even in heavy weather. The cutter rig provides a versatile sail plan, allowing owners to reef down to a staysail and deeply reefed main when conditions deteriorate, keeping the center of effort low and the boat manageable. Owners often report that the Tashiba 40 excels in heavy-weather reaching, where the double-ended stern provides a clean release for following seas, reducing the risk of being pooped by a breaking wave.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tashiba 40 is a showcase of Ta Shing’s legendary woodworking capability. Virtually every surface is finished in hand-rubbed teak, with intricate louvers on locker doors and solid teak cabin soles. The boat was primarily offered in two layouts, often referred to as Plan A and Plan B. The most popular configuration features a large Pullman berth forward to port, which allows for a spacious head in the bow—a layout that remains highly sought after for liveaboard couples.

The sibling models built on or near the same hull—most notably the Baba 40—share this interior DNA, though the Tashiba variants often included slightly more modern amenities and updated electrical systems. Headroom is generous throughout, typically exceeding 6'4" in the main saloon. The galley is deep and U-shaped, designed for use at sea, featuring high fiddles and a location near the companionway for optimal ventilation. Because Ta Shing operated as a semi-custom yard, minor variations in cabinetry and storage configurations exist across the fleet, making each hull slightly unique.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Tashiba 40 and its designer, Robert Perry, have been featured extensively in nautical literature documenting the evolution of cruising design. In his own writings and design reviews, Perry has frequently cited the 40-foot double-ender series (encompassing the Baba, Tashiba, and Panda lines) as some of his most successful work in terms of aesthetic harmony and sea-kindliness. The model frequently appears in "best of" lists for bluewater cruisers and has been profiled by Cruising World as a premier choice for used offshore yachts.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach the Tashiba 40 with a technical eye toward the materials used during the 1980s. While the hull is robustly built, several "legacy" issues are common across the Ta Shing fleet of this era:

• Teak Decks: Most Tashiba 40s were delivered with thick teak side decks screwed into a balsa or foam-cored fiberglass laminate. Over time, the thousands of screw penetrations can lead to core saturation. A moisture meter survey is essential.
• Fuel Tanks: The original fuel tanks were often constructed of black iron. These are prone to external corrosion if water sits on top of them or leaks from the deck reaches them. Replacing these tanks often requires significant joinery removal.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates on many Tashiba 40s are glassed into the hull structure or hidden behind cabinetry. This makes them difficult to inspect for crevice corrosion, a known failure point for aging offshore boats.
• Rudder Post: Some owners have reported "rudder slap" or wear in the rudder gudgeons and bushings, which can lead to vibration or play in the steering system over thousands of sea miles.

Community & Resources

The Tashiba 40 benefits from a highly active and technically proficient owner community. The Baba, Tashiba, Panda Owners Group is the primary hub for technical exchange, offering a vast archive of drawings, modification guides, and solutions for common maintenance tasks. Because these boats share so much DNA with the Perry-designed Baba and Panda models, the collective knowledge base is exceptionally deep, covering everything from repowering with modern Yanmar engines to deck refinishing techniques.

The Verdict

The Tashiba 40 is a "sailor's sailboat" that sacrifices modern interior volume and light-air speed for bulletproof construction and a graceful motion at sea. It remains one of the most respected bluewater cruisers on the secondhand market.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Ta Shing’s teak joinery and fiberglass work are among the best in the industry.
• Seaworthiness: A balanced hull and cutter rig make it a safe, predictable platform for ocean crossings.
• Aesthetics: Timeless Robert Perry lines and a classic canoe stern ensure the boat remains a head-turner in any harbor.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: The extensive exterior teak and aging systems require a dedicated owner or a significant maintenance budget.
• Slow in Light Air: The heavy displacement and high wetted surface area mean the engine is often required when winds dip below 10 knots.
• Complex Systems Access: Some critical components, like fuel tanks and chainplates, can be difficult to access for inspection and repair.