Tashiba 31 — Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tashiba 31 is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser, designed more for "sea-kindliness" and momentum than for quick acceleration in light airs. With a displacement of approximately 14,500 pounds and a relatively short waterline of 25' 10", the boat possesses a high Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio, which translates to a stable, predictable motion in heavy seas. Owners frequently note that the boat "punches through" chop that would hobby-horse lighter coastal cruisers.

The hull features a deep, cutaway full keel and a protected rudder hung on a substantial skeg. This configuration provides exceptional tracking, making the Tashiba 31 an ideal platform for long-distance cruising under windvane or autopilot. According to insights from Robert H. Perry Yacht Designers, the design focuses on balance; the cutter rig—standard on most hulls—allows for a versatile sail plan that can be easily depowered as conditions freshen. While the boat is not a "pointing machine" due to its wetted surface area and traditional keel shape, it excels on a reach and holds its own in a blow, where its stiffness and high ballast-to-displacement ratio provide a sense of security.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tashiba 31 is widely considered a masterpiece of small-yacht cabinetry, reflecting the high standards of the Ta Shing yard. Upon descending the companionway, one is greeted by an abundance of hand-rubbed teak, including solid trim and louvered locker doors. The layout is surprisingly spacious for a 31-footer, achieved by pushing the beam to 10' 6" and utilizing a high-volume hull section.

The standard configuration features a large V-berth forward, followed by a head to port and a hanging locker to starboard. The salon consists of a wrap-around settee or opposing straight settees, with a robust drop-leaf table centered on the mast compression post. A key variation often found is the "B" layout, which might emphasize a more expansive galley or a dedicated navigation station. The galley is typically located to starboard of the companionway, featuring a deep sink and a gimbaled stove, designed for use while underway. Because these were semi-custom builds, minor variations in cabinetry and storage solutions are common among the fleet. The use of white overheads and multiple opening bronze ports helps mitigate the "dark" feeling often associated with high-teak interiors, creating a cabin that feels both secure and ventilated.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Tashiba 31 is a niche vessel compared to mass-produced cruisers, it occupies a prestigious space in nautical literature regarding world-class small cruisers. It is frequently cited in lists of "Best Blue Water Boats Under 35 Feet" by publications such as Good Old Boat and Cruising World. The model's heritage is inextricably linked to the "Taiwanese Ferry" era, where Ta Shing established itself as the premier yard, a reputation bolstered by the success of the Tashiba’s larger siblings, the Tashiba 36 and 40.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Tashiba 31 with an eye toward the maintenance requirements inherent in a high-quality, aging yacht built with traditional materials.

• Teak Deck Integrity: Like many Ta Shing builds of this era, the Tashiba 31 often came with teak-overlay decks. These are typically screwed and bedded into a cored fiberglass deck. Over decades, the bungs can wear down and the bedding compound can fail, leading to water intrusion into the core. A thorough moisture meter test and "percussion" sounding of the decks are mandatory.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are robust but are recessed into the hull-deck joint. They should be pulled and inspected for crevice corrosion, especially if there is evidence of long-term weeping or rust streaks on the interior cabinetry.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often made of iron or stainless steel and were sometimes "built-in" before the deck was joined. Check for corrosion at the bottom of the fuel tank, as replacement can be a major surgical undertaking.
• Gate Valves: Some early models may still have original gate valves rather than modern seacocks. These should be replaced immediately as they are prone to internal failure.
• Bowsprit Condition: The wooden bowsprit is a critical structural element for the cutter rig. Inspect the wood for rot, particularly where the staysail stay and crane attach, as moisture can become trapped under the hardware.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Tashiba 31 benefit from a dedicated and highly technical community. The Baba-Tashiba-Panda Association serves as the primary repository for owner manuals, original Ta Shing blueprints, and modification logs. Because the design shares so much DNA with the Baba 30, resources for the "Baba" community are often directly applicable to the Tashiba 31.

The Verdict

The Tashiba 31 is an uncompromising offshore cruiser that trades modern "dock appeal" and light-air speed for safety, durability, and timeless aesthetics. It remains one of the most respected designs for a solo sailor or a couple seeking to cross oceans in a vessel they can truly maintain and manage.

Pros:

• Exquisite Ta Shing build quality and interior joinery.
• Exceptional heavy-weather performance and tracking.
• Overbuilt hardware and systems designed for blue-water use.
• High resale value and "cult" status among serious cruisers.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for exterior teak and brightwork.
• Relatively slow performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Tight engine access compared to modern, wide-stern designs.
• Potential for expensive deck core repairs if teak was neglected.