Tayana 47 CC Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tayana 47 CC is characterized by its powerful, modified-fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, a combination Robert Perry perfected to balance directional stability with maneuverability. With a displacement-to-length ratio that sits firmly in the "heavy cruiser" category, the boat is designed to carry the significant momentum required to punch through head seas without losing speed. Performance is notably enhanced by the boat’s waterline length; as Perry himself has noted in various design reviews, the hull was shaped to minimize drag at hull speed, making it surprisingly nimble for a vessel of nearly 18 tons.

Under sail, the 47 CC typically utilizes a cutter rig, which provides a versatile sail plan for varying wind strengths. In heavy air, the ability to tuck away the genoa and sail under a stayed staysail and reefed main keeps the center of effort low and the boat well-balanced. Owners frequently report that the boat "tracks like it’s on rails," a testament to the hull’s deep V-sections forward and the bite of the 6-foot+ draft. According to editorial analysis from Cruising World, which reviewed the nearly identical 48-foot successor, the design excels in trade-wind conditions where its stability and predictable motion reduce crew fatigue during long passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Center Cockpit" (CC) designation is central to the boat's identity, as it allows for a cavernous full-beam master stateroom aft. This cabin typically features a centerline queen berth, extensive hanging lockers, and a private en-suite head with a dedicated shower stall. Because Ta Yang operated as a semi-custom yard, the interior arrangements of the 47 CC can vary significantly. While a three-cabin layout is standard—featuring a V-berth forward, a guest cabin to port, and the master aft—many hulls were modified to suit the original owner's specific cruising requirements.

The salon is characterized by the "Teak Forest" aesthetic synonymous with high-end Taiwanese builds of this era. Solid teak joinery, hand-rubbed finishes, and a heavy-duty navigation station are standard. The galley is typically located in the starboard passageway leading aft, providing a secure, "locked-in" position for the cook while underway. The 47 CC’s sibling, the Tayana 48, shares this exact interior volume, with the only real difference being the access to the cockpit from the stern. The headroom is generous throughout, often exceeding 6'6" in the main salon, making it a preferred choice for taller sailors.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Tayana 47 and 48 series have gained significant modern visibility through the rise of adventure sailing media. Most notably, the vessel Delos, featured in the long-running YouTube series Sailing Vessel Delos, is a Tayana 48. While Delos features the extended transom of the 48, its systems, hull performance, and interior layout provide a direct and exhaustive look at the capabilities of the 47 CC platform. The series has documented the vessel traversing the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans, reinforcing the model's reputation as a world-class circumnavigator capable of self-sufficiency in remote regions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Tayana 47 CC should prioritize an inspection of the "big three" common issues associated with Taiwanese yachts of this vintage:

1. Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates on many Tayanas were glassed into the hull structure or hidden behind heavy cabinetry. Over time, crevice corrosion can occur where the metal meets the fiberglass. Replacing these is a labor-intensive "rite of passage" for many owners.
2. Teak Decks: Many 47 CCs were built with teak decks screwed into a balsa or foam-cored sub-deck. If the caulking has failed, water can migrate into the core. A thermal imaging scan or moisture meter test of the deck is essential.
3. Fuel Tanks: The original mild steel fuel tanks are known to corrode from the outside in if water sits in the bilge or if condensation builds up. Because the tanks are often installed before the deck is joined to the hull, replacement can involve significant interior surgery.
4. Rudder Bearing Wear: Due to the heavy loads placed on the skeg-hung rudder, the bushings can wear over time, leading to a "thumping" sensation in the steering.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and owner camaraderie is the Tayana Owners Group (TOG). This association maintains a deep archive of technical manuals, Robert Perry’s original design notes, and a directory of vendors who specialize in the unique hardware found on Ta Yang builds. The community is exceptionally active, often organizing "Tayana Rendezvous" events in the Pacific Northwest and the Chesapeake Bay.

The Verdict

The Tayana 47 CC is a quintessential blue-water cruiser that offers a level of "over-built" security rarely found in modern production boats. While it requires a commitment to the maintenance of its extensive woodwork and older systems, its performance at sea is legendary.

Pros:

• Exceptional Sea-Keeping: The Robert Perry hull provides a smooth, dry ride in heavy weather.
• Semi-Custom Quality: Interior joinery and materials are of a standard far above mass-market yachts.
• Live-Aboard Volume: The aft cabin and galley layout are optimized for full-time living on the hook.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Extensive exterior teak and aging stainless steel components require consistent upkeep.
• Tankage Access: Replacing fuel or water tanks can be a complex and expensive structural project.
• Slow in Light Air: The heavy displacement hull requires a significant breeze (10+ knots) to truly come alive.