Tashiba 36 Information, Review, Specs

The Tashiba 36 was part of a broader lineage that included the smaller Tashiba 31 and the larger Tashiba 40. Within the 36-foot production run, Ta Shing offered two primary deck configurations: the standard aft-cockpit cutter and a rarer "Pilot House" version. The latter was designed to appeal to high-latitude cruisers, featuring an elevated cabin trunk that provided an internal steering station and 360-degree visibility, a significant departure from the low-profile lines of the standard model.

Sailing Performance & Handling

With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio typically hovering in the heavy cruiser category (near 340), the Tashiba 36 is a vessel that prioritizes momentum and sea-kindliness over light-air acceleration. According to design analysis by Robert Perry, the hull's fine entry and substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio allow it to punch through a heavy chop with minimal "hobby-horsing" compared to flatter-bottomed modern cruisers. The cutter rig provides a versatile sail plan; in freshening winds, the staysail effectively moves the center of effort forward and down, keeping the boat balanced and reducing weather helm.

Handling is characterized by exceptional tracking—a byproduct of the long, modified keel—making it a favorite for solo sailors or couples using windvane steering. While it is not a "pointing machine" in the racing sense, it maintains a respectable angle to the wind and carries its way through tacks. However, owners frequently note that the large keel and heavy displacement make the Tashiba 36 less than surgical when backing down under power. Close-quarters maneuvering in tight marinas requires a proactive approach and a clear understanding of prop walk.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tashiba 36 is a showcase of Ta Shing’s legendary woodworking capability. Unlike many modern production boats that utilize fiberglass modular liners, the Tashiba’s interior is largely hand-fitted teak. The layout generally follows a traditional offshore arrangement: a U-shaped galley to port of the companionway, a dedicated navigation station to starboard, and a cozy salon featuring a drop-leaf table.

The "Standard" version provides a forward V-berth and an aft quarter berth, though the boat’s beam of 11' 8" allows for a surprisingly airy feel below deck. The "Pilot House" variant is a significant departure, offering a raised dinette to port that allows those seated to look out of the large cabin windows. This variation sacrifices some cockpit space for a cavernous interior volume, making it feel like a much larger vessel. Regardless of the variant, the boat is known for its high-quality joinery, solid teak doors, and thoughtful storage lockers designed specifically for long-term habitation.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Tashiba 36 is a frequent subject of technical review by its designer. Robert Perry has often used the Tashiba line in his "Design Reviews" for Sailing Magazine to illustrate the transition from traditional heavy-displacement boats to more "performance-oriented" cruising hulls. In the cruising community, the model is often cited as a benchmark for "high-end" Taiwanese production, frequently appearing in listicles of the best 35-to-40-foot bluewater boats ever built.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Tashiba 36 with a technical eye toward its age and construction methods. While the build quality is high, the following areas are common "gotchas":

• Teak Deck Integrity: Most Tashiba 36s left the yard with thick teak decks screwed into a balsa-cored fiberglass sub-deck. Over forty years, the thousands of screw holes can become paths for water intrusion. A moisture meter survey is essential to ensure the core remains dry.
• Fuel Tank Corrosion: Many units were built with black iron fuel tanks. These are prone to "bottom-up" or "outside-in" corrosion if water has sat in the bilge or leaked onto the tank tops. Replacing these tanks is a major project that often requires cutting into the salon floor.
• Chainplate Inspection: The stainless steel chainplates are robust but are buried behind teak cabinetry. Buyers should inspect the areas where they pass through the deck for signs of crevice corrosion or "bleeding" rust.
• Chain Locker Drainage: Some owners have reported that the chain locker drainage is insufficient, leading to standing water in the bow area which can eventually migrate into the forward bulkhead if not properly managed.

Community & Resources

The most prominent resource for this model is the Baba-Panda-Tashiba (BPT) Owners Association. This group maintains a deep technical wiki and forum history dedicated to the specific nuances of Ta Shing-built Perry designs. Additionally, the Robert Perry Fan Club (a dedicated social media and forum-based community) frequently features discussions and historical context provided by the designer himself.

The Verdict

The Tashiba 36 is an "aristocrat" of the cruising world—a boat for those who value craftsmanship and sea-keeping over modern "condo-maran" interior volume. It remains a top choice for sailors planning to cross oceans or those who simply want a beautiful, traditional aesthetic at the dock.

Pros

• Exceptional build quality and world-class teak joinery.
• Stable, predictable motion in heavy seas (high sea-kindliness).
• Modified full keel offers a good compromise between tracking and agility.
• Strong resale value due to the Ta Shing and Robert Perry pedigrees.

Cons

• Maintenance-intensive exterior teak (decks and cap rails).
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse under power.
• Potential for expensive repairs if iron fuel tanks or cored decks fail.
• Heavier and slower in light air compared to modern fin-keel cruisers.