Tashiba 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tashiba 40 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes comfort and directional stability over raw light-air speed. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) often exceeding 300 and a moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) around 15.5, the boat is at its best when the wind freshens above 12 knots. In his design reflections, Robert Perry noted that the hull was intended to be "kindly," a term sailors use to describe a predictable motion in a seaway. The cutaway forefoot reduces the wetted surface compared to a traditional full keel, which allows the Tashiba 40 to track well on a reach while remaining surprisingly maneuverable in tight quarters.

Under sail, the cutter rig provides a versatile sail plan that is easily managed by a couple. The staysail is a critical component for heavy weather, allowing the center of effort to be moved low and toward the middle of the boat when reefed. Owners often report that the boat feels "on rails" once the sails are balanced, requiring minimal input from the helm or autopilot. According to technical insights from the Robert H. Perry Yacht Designers studio, the hull's canoe stern is not merely aesthetic; it is engineered to prevent the boat from being pushed around by large following seas, making it a preferred choice for trade-wind circumnavigations.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tashiba 40 is a masterclass in Taiwanese teak joinery, a hallmark of the Ta Shing yard. The layout was typically offered in two primary configurations: a traditional side-entry and a more sought-after "Pullman" berth arrangement. In the Pullman version, the master stateroom is located forward to port, allowing for a large, private head in the bow and a more open feeling in the main salon. The use of solid teak and high-gloss finishes creates a warm, "old-world" nautical atmosphere that is increasingly rare in modern production yachts.

The galley is designed for use at sea, featuring a deep U-shape that provides the cook with secure bracing points regardless of the tack. Storage is extensive, with lockers and drawers integrated into every available cubic inch of the hull. Ta Shing also produced several "siblings" based on the same fundamental hull and design philosophy. Most notably, the Baba 40 shares much of the same DNA but carries more exterior teak, including high bulwarks and a heavy teak deck, whereas the Tashiba 40 generally features a more streamlined fiberglass deck mold with teak overlays.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the build quality of Ta Shing is legendary, the Tashiba 40 is now a classic vessel, and several age-related areas require scrutiny during a survey.

• Teak Deck Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Tashiba 40 was often built with screw-fastened teak decks. Over time, the bungs can wear down and the bedding compound can fail, leading to water intrusion into the deck’s core. Buyers should check for soft spots or signs of moisture near the chainplates and deck hardware.
• Chainplate Inspection: The stainless steel chainplates are buried behind the cabinetry. Due to the boat's age, crevice corrosion is a concern if there has been any leakage at the deck level. Accessing and replacing these is a significant undertaking.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were typically made of iron or stainless steel and were often glassed into the hull or placed under the cabin sole. Inspect for corrosion at the tank tops and bottom edges, as replacement often requires cutting the cabin sole.
• Propeller Shaft Alignment: Because of the heavy displacement and the way the engine is mounted deep in the bilge, some owners have reported difficulty with shaft alignment if the engine mounts have settled or degraded over decades of use.

Community & Resources

Owners of Tashiba yachts are supported by a dedicated community of offshore enthusiasts. The most prominent resource is the Baba, Panda, Tashiba (BPT) Owners Association, a group that maintains technical wikis and historical documentation regarding the various Robert Perry designs built at Ta Shing. This group is instrumental for new owners seeking to source original parts or seeking advice on structural refits specific to the Ta Shing build methods.

The Verdict

The Tashiba 40 remains one of the most respected bluewater cruisers ever built. It is an "honest" boat that does not pretend to be a racing yacht, instead offering a safe, comfortable, and aesthetically beautiful platform for crossing oceans.

Pros:

• Exemplary Ta Shing craftsmanship and joinery.
• Exceptional seaworthiness and stability in heavy weather.
• Classic Robert Perry lines that hold their value well on the resale market.
• Thoughtful, sea-kindly interior layout for long-term living.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement leads to sluggish performance in very light winds.
• Significant maintenance requirements for exterior teak and aging systems.
• Canoe stern reduces the size of the aft cockpit and storage lazarettes compared to modern sugar-scoop designs.