Taswell 43 RS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Bill Dixon’s hull design for the Taswell 43 features a moderate fin keel and a large, skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that balances tracking stability with the maneuverability required for tight harbor handling. Despite its substantial displacement—typically hovering around 28,000 lbs depending on the load—the 43 RS avoids the sluggish reputation of many 1980s-era cruisers. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio in the 17-18 range, the yacht carries enough canvas to remain efficient in light air while maintaining a "stiff" and predictable feel as the wind increases.

In editorial evaluations by Cruising World, the yacht's ability to maintain momentum through a head-sea chop was cited as a primary strength, attributing this to the hull's fine entry and well-distributed buoyancy. The center-cockpit-style steering position provides an excellent vantage point and protection from the elements, though the height of the raised deckhouse can occasionally create a leeward blind spot for the helmsman. Anecdotal evidence from long-distance cruisers suggests the boat tracks exceptionally well under autopilot, a testament to the balance achieved by Dixon between the sail plan and the underwater profile.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "RS" designation signifies the Raised Saloon, a design element that revolutionized the interior experience of 40-foot cruisers. Unlike the "cave-like" interiors of many traditional offshore designs, the Taswell 43 RS features a raised dinette to port that allows guests to view the horizon through large wrap-around windows while seated. Ta Shing’s legendary teak joinery is the centerpiece of the cabin; hand-rubbed finishes, curved moldings, and book-matched grains are hallmarks of the shipyard’s craftsmanship.

The standard layout typically features two large staterooms and two heads. The master cabin is located aft, taking advantage of the hull's full beam to provide a centerline queen berth and ample hanging locker space. A linear galley usually occupies the starboard passageway leading aft, providing a secure and narrow workspace that is highly functional while the boat is heeled. Because Ta Shing operated as a semi-custom builder, variations exist; some owners opted for a "lower" navigation station, while others utilized the raised saloon area for an internal steering position. Comparing the RS to its sibling, the 43 CC, the RS offers significantly more natural light and a feeling of spaciousness, making it a preferred choice for cruisers spending extended time in northern latitudes or tropical climates where the ability to see outside while escaping the weather is a priority.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Taswell 43 RS with a checklist focused on the complexities of a semi-custom Taiwanese build from this era:

• Teak Deck Fasteners: Most Taswell 43s were delivered with thick teak side decks bedded in Thiokol and fastened with screws. Over three decades, these fasteners can become paths for moisture to enter the sub-deck core. Any "bouncing" or brown staining near screw bungs warrants a professional moisture inspection.
• Chainplate Inspection: The stainless steel chainplates are robust, but as with all vessels of this age, they are prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. Because they are often hidden behind high-quality cabinetry, inspection requires effort but is essential.
• Stainless Steel Tankage: Ta Shing used high-quality stainless steel for fuel and water tanks. However, if the tanks were not properly baffled or if water sat in the fuel for long periods, pitting can occur. Replacing these tanks often requires significant furniture removal, making a pressure test a wise step during survey.
• Saloon Window Seals: The large, iconic windows of the raised saloon are prone to crazing or seal failure over time. Replacing these custom-shaped lights is a specialized job and can be costly if the frames have been compromised by saltwater.
• Rudder Gudgeon Wear: The skeg-hung rudder is a safety asset, but the lower gudgeon pin can develop play. A "clunking" sensation in the wheel when at anchor or under sail usually indicates that the bushings or the lower pintle require service.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Taswell 43 RS often participate in the Ta Shing Yacht Owners group, a technical community that shares resources across the various brands built by the yard, including Mason and Baba. This community is a vital source for original Bill Dixon wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics that are often missing from older vessels.

The Verdict

The Taswell 43 RS remains a benchmark for the "modern classic" cruiser, offering a level of interior luxury and structural integrity that is difficult to find in contemporary mass-production yachts. While it demands a higher maintenance budget for its extensive teak and complex systems, it rewards the owner with a sea-kindly hull capable of global voyaging.

Pros

• Exceptional Ta Shing build quality and world-class teak joinery.
• Innovative Raised Saloon provides superior light and visibility.
• Well-balanced Bill Dixon hull design suitable for serious offshore work.

Cons

• High maintenance requirements for exterior teak and aging deck fasteners.
• Raised deckhouse adds windage, which can complicate docking in high-crosswind scenarios.
• Complex plumbing and electrical runs can make aftermarket upgrades difficult.