The 50 RS was built on a hull shared with its sibling, the Taswell 49, though the 50 typically features an extended transom or integrated swim platform. Throughout its production, the model saw several variations, including the "All Season" (AS) version, which often included an internal helm station, and the standard Center Cockpit (CC) version, which lacked the raised salon profile. The lineage also extends to the larger Taswell 56 and 60 models, all of which were designed by Dixon Yacht Design and maintained the same philosophy of robust, hand-laid fiberglass construction and opulent interiors.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Taswell 50 RS is a quintessential moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser, designed more for momentum and sea-kindliness than raw acceleration. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically hovering in the mid-220s to 240s depending on load, the hull is remarkably stable in a seaway. Bill Dixon utilized a modified fin keel with a schematic skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides a balance between maneuverability in tight marinas and the directional stability required for long ocean passages.
Owners and technical reviews often note that the boat finds its "groove" in 15 to 20 knots of breeze. The standard cutter rig allows for versatile sail plans; the ability to fly a staysail makes the boat easily manageable for short-handed couples when the wind rises. While the raised saloon adds windage compared to the low-profile Taswell 49, the ballast is positioned low enough to maintain a high righting moment. Handling is described as predictable, with a heavy-ship feel that minimizes the jarring motion common in lighter production yachts. According to archival records from the designer, the hull was optimized to maintain high average speeds over 24-hour periods rather than chasing peak speeds on a racecourse.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The hallmark of the Taswell 50 RS is its interior volume and the quality of its execution. Ta Shing’s shipwrights were masters of Burmese teak, and the 50 RS showcases this through hand-fitted cabinetry, solid trim, and flawlessly varnished surfaces. The "Raised Saloon" configuration moves the primary seating area upward, allowing guests to see the horizon while seated—a rarity in boats of this era. This layout also creates massive storage areas beneath the cabin sole, ideal for the heavy tanks and battery banks required for self-sufficient cruising.
Most hulls were delivered with a three-cabin, two-head layout. The master suite is traditionally located aft, featuring a centerline queen berth, extensive hanging lockers, and a private ensuite head. The VIP cabin forward offers a comfortable V-berth or Pullman, while a third cabin often features bunk beds or is converted into a dedicated workshop or office. A common variation involves the galley placement; some owners opted for a "galley-down" longitudinal arrangement in the passageway to the aft cabin, while others preferred a "galley-up" U-shaped configuration closer to the social center of the saloon.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Taswell 50 RS must account for the complexities of a vessel built to these high standards during the late 80s and 90s. While the hulls are overbuilt by modern standards, specific age-related areas require scrutiny:
- Stainless Steel Chainplates: Like many Taiwanese builds from this period, the chainplates are robust but are buried behind beautiful cabinetry. Water ingress through the deck glands can lead to crevice corrosion. If they have not been inspected or replaced in the last 15–20 years, this is a priority item.
- Teak Deck Integrity: The 50 RS often came with thick, screw-fastened teak decks. Over decades, the bungs can wear thin and the bedding compound can fail, potentially allowing moisture into the sub-deck. Buyers should use a moisture meter on the fiberglass core around deck penetrations.
- Mild Steel Fuel Tanks: Some earlier hulls utilized mild steel for fuel storage. These are prone to bottom-up corrosion if water sits in the fuel. Many owners have since replaced these with stainless steel or aluminum, a labor-intensive job that often requires cutting the cabin sole or removing the engine.
- Plumbing and Wiring: Because of the "Raised Saloon" floor and complex systems (often including generators, watermakers, and multiple AC units), the wiring and plumbing runs can be difficult to access. A thorough survey should check for "Taiwanese wire," which was sometimes non-tinned and is prone to oxidation in salt air.
Community & Resources
The Taswell 50 RS enjoys a dedicated following among bluewater enthusiasts. While there is no longer a formal factory-sponsored "Taswell Owners Club," the community is active through the Ta Shing Owners Group, which serves as a technical repository for owners of Masons, Babas, and Taswells alike. These owners frequently share custom CAD drawings for replacement parts and advice on structural refits. The enduring value of these boats is supported by the fact that they are often listed as "top-tier" choices in bluewater guidebooks and are frequently featured in "Best Used Boats" editorials by publications such as Cruising World.
The Verdict
The Taswell 50 RS is a blue-chip investment for the serious cruiser who values craftsmanship and comfort over modern minimalist aesthetics. It is a "forever boat" that rewards its owner with an exceptionally safe and luxurious platform for world travel.
Pros
- Exceptional Build Quality: Hand-crafted joinery and robust FRP layup from one of the world's most respected yards.
- Visibility: The raised saloon eliminates the "basement" feel of traditional hulls, improving life on board.
- Sea-Kindliness: A heavy, stable hull that tracks well and protects the crew in heavy weather.
- Storage: Massive tankage and locker space suitable for multi-year expeditions.
Cons
- Maintenance Intensity: High amounts of exterior teak and complex onboard systems require a rigorous upkeep schedule.
- Light Air Performance: The displacement and windage of the RS profile make the boat sluggish in winds under 8-10 knots without a specialized light-air sail.
- Refit Costs: Replacing components like teak decks or fuel tanks on a 50-foot Ta Shing build can be significantly more expensive than on simpler production boats.
