Sailing Performance & Handling
Dixon’s design for the 50 emphasizes a balanced hull form with a moderate fin keel and a substantial skeg-hung rudder, a configuration chosen for its directional stability in heavy following seas. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio typically in the 250–270 range, the boat is not a light-air flyer, yet it possesses significant momentum that allows it to power through chop where lighter vessels might stall. According to historical editorial analysis by Cruising World, the Taswell series is noted for a "stiff" sailing profile, meaning the hull resists excessive heeling even when fully pressed.
The standard cutter rig provides versatile sail-handling options, allowing the crew to depower effectively by furling the genoa and transitioning to the staysail as the wind builds. While the boat is a formidable ocean-crosser, its 15-foot beam can make it somewhat "sticky" in light air, requiring a cruising spinnaker or a large reacher to maintain speed below 8 knots of true wind. However, once the breeze exceeds 12 knots, the Taswell 50 finds its groove, offering a predictable, sea-kindly motion that reduces crew fatigue during long passages.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Taswell 50 is where Ta Shing’s woodworking mastery is most evident. The "All Season" variant is particularly celebrated for its panoramic windows and raised dinette, which provides 360-degree visibility from the salon—a design feature that pioneered the modern deck-saloon movement. This variant effectively eliminates the "basement" feel of traditional monohulls, allowing the watch-stander to monitor the horizon from the comfort of the nav station. In contrast, the Center Cockpit model offers a lower center of gravity and a more traditional, secure cabin arrangement preferred by some traditionalists.
Both versions typically feature a three-cabin layout. The master aft stateroom is a highlight, featuring a centerline queen berth, extensive hanging lockers, and a private ensuite head with a separate stall shower. The use of Burmese teak is exhaustive, with hand-fitted joinery and radiused corners that exemplify the "semi-custom" nature of the build. Because Ta Shing allowed for high levels of personalization, sibling models vary; some 50s were delivered with a dedicated workbench in the walkthrough, while others maximized guest accommodations with a side-loading Pullman cabin forward of the salon.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Taswell 50 is frequently cited in blue-water literature as a premier example of the "Taiwanese Deck Saloon" evolution. The model has earned accolades in the World Cruising Club’s ARC reports, where it is often noted for its reliability in transoceanic rallies. While it maintains a lower public profile than mass-produced yachts, it is a staple recommendation in publications like Blue Water Sailing for owners seeking a vessel capable of high-latitude exploration or long-term liveaboard comfort.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Taswell 50 with a checklist focused on its complex systems and aging structural components.
- Teak Deck Integration: Most hulls were built with teak decks screwed into a cored fiberglass sub-deck. After three decades, the potential for moisture ingress through thousands of fastener holes is high. A thermal imaging survey or moisture meter test is essential to check for core delamination.
- Stainless Steel Fuel Tanks: The original fuel tanks were often made of 316 stainless steel and placed low in the bilge. If salt water has sat against the tank walls, crevice corrosion can occur. Owners often report that replacing these tanks is a major "engine-out" or "sole-up" project.
- Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates are robust but are occasionally glassed over in areas that make inspection difficult. Given the age of the fleet, pulling a representative chainplate to check for "pitting" or "crevice corrosion" at the deck level is recommended.
- Rudder Gudgeon Wear: The bronze bushings in the skeg-hung rudder can develop play over time. This leads to a distinct "thump" or vibration when under power or in a seaway, necessitating a haul-out to press in new bushings.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Taswell 50 benefit from a tight-knit community of Ta Shing enthusiasts. The Ta Shing Owners Association is the primary technical resource, offering a repository of original plumbing schematics and wiring diagrams that are invaluable for refitting these semi-custom yachts. Furthermore, the Taswell Yacht Owners Group serves as an active forum for sharing Dixon-specific design modifications and sourcing replacement parts for proprietary hardware.
The Verdict
The Taswell 50 remains one of the most respected blue-water yachts of its era, offering a level of build quality that is increasingly rare in modern production boatbuilding. It is a vessel designed for the cruiser who prioritizes safety and luxury over light-air racing performance.
Pros:
- Masterful Construction: Ta Shing’s legendary teak joinery and solid fiberglass hull layup.
- Liveability: The "All Season" deck salon offers exceptional light and views while at anchor or underway.
- Redundancy: Heavy-duty systems and a skeg-hung rudder provide peace of mind for offshore work.
Cons:
- Maintenance Load: Extensive exterior brightwork and teak decks require significant annual labor or expense.
- System Access: The dense interior cabinetry can make accessing certain pumps, hoses, and wiring a challenge during repairs.
- Displacement: The boat’s mass makes it less agile in tight marinas and slower in light coastal breezes.
