Ta Shing Taswell 43 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Taswell 43 is frequently characterized by its "sea-kindly" motion, a direct result of Bill Dixon’s expertise in balancing displacement with a moderate-aspect-ratio keel. Unlike many of its contemporaries that favored full keels, the Taswell 43 utilizes a modern fin keel and a large skeg-hung rudder, which provides superior tracking and responsiveness in a variety of sea states. According to editorial analysis from Sail Magazine, the boat is notably stiff, carrying its sail area well into the upper teens before requiring a reef.

With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the heavier side of medium-displacement, the 43 maintains momentum through chop that would stall lighter coastal cruisers. While it is not a "light-air flyer," the hull’s relatively long waterline for its era allows it to reach respectable hull speeds of over 8 knots. Owner reports often highlight the boat's balance; when properly trimmed, the Taswell 43 exhibits minimal weather helm, a trait that reduces strain on both the helmsman and electronic wandering-gear during long passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Taswell 43 is a testament to Ta Shing’s reputation for woodworking. Standard layouts featured hand-rubbed teak or optional cherry finishes, with substantial solid-wood moldings and radiused corners. Most Taswell 43s were built in a Center Cockpit (CC) configuration, which allows for a sprawling, full-width master stateroom aft, complete with a private head and separate stall shower. The forward section typically houses a guest V-berth or an offset Pullman berth, though some semi-custom variations exist depending on the original owner’s specifications.

One of the most significant variations of the hull is the Taswell 43 AS (All-Season). This version serves as a deck-saloon or pilothouse hybrid, raising the coachroof to provide panoramic views from the galley and dinette area while allowing for an internal steering station. While the hull remained largely the same, the AS variant increased the vertical clearance and interior volume, appealing to sailors in higher latitudes or those seeking more natural light. The Taswell 43 also saw a slight evolution into the Taswell 44, which featured a sugar-scoop transom that added ease of boarding and a slightly longer effective waterline without altering the fundamental Dixon hull design.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Taswell 43 has maintained a high profile in the cruising community as a "standard bearer" for quality. It was a frequent subject of review in major publications during its production run, with Cruising World often citing the model in retrospective guides on the best used bluewater boats under 45 feet. Because Ta Shing limited production to maintain quality control, the 43 is often discussed in cruising literature as a more attainable alternative to a Hinckley or a Hallberg-Rassy, offering similar build standards with a more modern Dixon-designed underbody.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Taswell 43 is structurally overbuilt, prospective buyers should focus on age-related maintenance common to high-end Taiwanese yachts:

• Stainless Steel Tanks: Like many yachts of this era, the Taswell used stainless steel for fuel and water tanks. Over three decades, these can develop pinhole leaks or crevice corrosion, particularly if water has sat in the fuel tanks. Replacing them often requires significant cabinetry work.
• Teak Deck Longevity: Many 43s were delivered with thick teak side decks. If these have been poorly maintained or overly sanded, the bungs may be thin, leading to water intrusion into the core. A moisture meter test on the decks is mandatory.
• Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates are robust, but their glassed-in nature in certain areas makes them difficult to inspect. Buyers should look for staining or "weeping" on the interior cabinetry near the shroud points.
• Original Wiring: While Ta Shing’s electrical work was top-tier for the 90s, original panels and wiring may not be suited for modern high-draw lithium systems or extensive solar arrays without an overhaul.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and community interaction is the Taswell Owners Group, which functions as a technical exchange for maintenance tips and original builder drawings. While the yard no longer produces the Taswell line, Ta Shing Yacht Building remains an active and prestigious shipyard in Taiwan, occasionally providing historical documentation for hull numbers still in service.

The Verdict

The Taswell 43 remains one of the most respected mid-sized cruisers on the brokerage market, prized for its ability to cross oceans in comfort while retaining a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in modern production boats.

Pros:

• Exquisite interior joinery and cabinet work that surpasses modern production standards.
• Excellent heavy-weather performance and a predictable, sea-kindly motion.
• Large aft cabin (in CC versions) provides exceptional living space for a 43-foot vessel.
• Built by Ta Shing, one of the world's most reputable fiberglass shipyards.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for exterior teak trim and decks.
• Potential for high-cost tank replacements due to original stainless steel construction.
• The heavy displacement makes it less competitive in light-wind coastal conditions.