Sailing Performance & Handling
The Tashiba 36 PH is an unapologetic heavy-displacement cruiser, designed for momentum and comfort rather than light-air agility. With a displacement-to-length ratio that typically hovers in the "heavy" category, the vessel exhibits the characteristic "big boat feel" that Robert Perry fans expect. Its hull features a long fin keel with a protected skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that offers a superior balance between tracking stability and maneuverability compared to a traditional full keel.
In offshore conditions, the 36 PH excels at maintaining a steady gait through a chop. The double-ended hull helps part following seas, reducing the tendency to yaw when running downwind. According to design critiques found in Sailing Magazine, Perry’s double-enders from this era were specifically engineered to avoid the "hobby-horsing" common in earlier traditional designs by carrying more volume into the ends of the boat. While the Pilot House adds windage and a higher center of gravity compared to the standard model, the generous ballast-to-displacement ratio ensures she remains a stiff, stable platform. Under sail, the boat is most at home in 15–25 knots of breeze, where its hull speed is easily reached and maintained with minimal helm fatigue.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Tashiba 36 PH is where the Ta Shing shipyard’s reputation for "furniture-grade" cabinetry is most evident. The pilot house configuration fundamentally alters the living experience compared to the standard aft-cockpit sibling. By raising the salon, designers achieved 360-degree visibility through tempered glass windows, allowing the watch-keeper to monitor the horizon from the warmth of the interior helm station during inclement weather.
The layout typically features a forward V-berth with ample storage, followed by a head and a separate shower stall—a luxury on a 36-foot vessel. The mid-ships area is dominated by the raised salon, which includes a U-shaped settee and a navigation/steering station to starboard. The use of hand-rubbed Burmese teak is exhaustive, covering almost every visible surface from the bulkheads to the cabin sole. The sibling model, the standard Tashiba 36, offers a more traditional low-profile trunk cabin and a larger cockpit, but lacks the internal steering and protected "living room" feel of the PH variant.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Tashiba 36 PH with a focus on "Taiwanese boat" maintenance requirements common to the 1980s and 90s.
- Teak Deck Longevity: Most Tashiba 36s were delivered with thick teak side decks screwed and glued to a cored fiberglass sub-deck. Over decades, the bungs can wear down and screws can allow moisture into the core. A percussion test and moisture meter reading are essential during survey.
- Fuel and Water Tanks: Ta Shing generally used high-quality materials, but the iron fuel tanks of this era are prone to internal corrosion if water has sat in the fuel. Inspect the tank tops for "rust blooming" and check if access ports have been added for cleaning.
- Chainplates: These are heavy stainless steel units, but like all boats of this age, they are susceptible to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. Re-bedding or replacement is a standard 20-year maintenance item.
- Window Seals: The large windows of the Pilot House version are a high-signal area for leaks. Check the interior wood around the frames for staining or soft spots, which indicate that the sealant has failed.
- Engine Access: While the PH layout offers some benefits, engine access can sometimes be more cramped than the standard version due to the floor structure of the raised salon.
Community & Resources
The Tashiba 36 PH enjoys a dedicated following among bluewater enthusiasts. While there is no single-model exclusive association, owners are heavily integrated into the Baba, Panda, Tashiba (BPT) Owners Group, a robust community that shares technical manuals, original Robert Perry drawings, and refit advice. This group is the primary repository for technical knowledge regarding the specific nuances of Ta Shing's construction methods.
The Verdict
The Tashiba 36 PH is a "tank" dressed in tuxedo-grade woodwork, offering a rare combination of heavy-weather security and interior luxury. It is a niche vessel for the sailor who values comfort and protection over racing trophies.
Pros:
- Exceptional Build Quality: Built by Ta Shing, arguably the finest yard in Taiwan during the golden era of yacht construction.
- All-Weather Capability: The interior helm station significantly extends the cruising season in northern or southern latitudes.
- Timeless Aesthetics: The Robert Perry lines and canoe stern ensure the boat remains a head-turner in any harbor.
- Resale Value: Due to their rarity and reputation, Tashiba 36 PH models tend to hold their value significantly better than mass-produced cruisers.
Cons:
- Maintenance Intensive: Extensive exterior and interior teak requires a significant commitment of time or money to maintain.
- Weight: Her heavy displacement makes her sluggish in light winds (under 8 knots), often requiring the iron sail.
- Windage: The raised pilot house makes docking in a crosswind slightly more challenging than a low-profile boat.
