Sailing Performance & Handling
The Tayana 55 is a heavy-displacement cruiser, weighing in at approximately 48,000 pounds. This mass, combined with a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically exceeding 250, results in a remarkably stable and sea-kindly motion. Owners and reviewers often describe the 55 as a "momentum boat"; while it may require a force 4 breeze to truly wake up, once the hull reaches hull speed, its tracking is exceptional. The boat’s underbody features a modified fin keel and a large skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides a balance between directional stability and maneuverability in tight quarters.
Most Tayana 55s were delivered with a cutter rig, which offers a versatile sail plan for varying wind conditions. The ability to depower the yacht by furling the staysail and reefing the main while maintaining a balanced helm is a hallmark of the Beeldsnijder design. Performance-oriented owners often note that while the boat is not a light-air flyer, its moderate Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.5 ensures it can maintain 7 to 8 knots in a steady trade-wind breeze. The hull's relatively flat sections aft help to reduce rolling in following seas, a common critique of older, double-ended Tayana models.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Tayana 55 is a showcase of Ta Yang's legendary teak joinery. Because these yachts were built as semi-custom vessels, few interiors are identical. However, the most common configuration is a center-cockpit layout that allows for a cavernous, full-beam owner’s stateroom aft, often featuring a centerline queen berth and a private en-suite head with a separate stall shower.
The "main saloon" is characterized by its massive volume and high-quality hardwoods, with headroom often exceeding 6'6". Typical layouts include a large U-shaped galley that is secure for cooking at sea and a dedicated navigation station that can serve as a legitimate ship's office. A significant sibling to the Tayana 55 is the Tayana 58, which was built using the same hull mold. The 58 features an extended "sugar scoop" transom and an integral swim platform, which provides more storage in the lazarette and easier water access without altering the core sailing characteristics of the 55 hull. Some variants were also produced as Deck Saloon (DS) models, which raised the cabin house to provide panoramic views from the interior seating area.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Tayana 55 with a focus on the structural and mechanical systems common to high-displacement yachts of this era.
- Teak Deck Integration: Like many yachts from the 1980s and 90s, the Tayana 55 often featured teak decks fastened with screws into a balsa-cored fiberglass deck. Over decades, these screw holes can allow moisture to penetrate the core. A thorough moisture meter test of the deck is essential.
- Fuel and Water Tanks: The original builds often utilized mild steel (black iron) for fuel tanks. These are prone to internal corrosion if water sits in the fuel, and replacement often requires significant cabinetry removal or cutting the cabin sole.
- Chainplate Inspection: The heavy rigging loads of a 55-foot cutter put immense stress on the stainless steel chainplates. Given the age of many hulls, professional inspection for crevice corrosion—especially where the plates pass through the deck—is a high priority.
- Engine Access and Maintenance: Most 55s are powered by 100hp+ Yanmar or Perkins diesel engines. While the engine rooms are generally large, buyers should check the accessibility of the generator and secondary systems, which can become crowded in more complex, four-cabin layouts.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical knowledge and owner support is the Tayana Owners Group (TOG). This organization maintains an extensive archive of technical manuals, original Tayana Yachts blueprints, and owner-led modification guides. The community is particularly active in documenting "refit" projects, which is invaluable for new owners looking to modernize the electrical systems or rig configurations of these classic hulls.
The Verdict
The Tayana 55 remains one of the most respected large-scale cruising yachts on the brokerage market, offering a level of "heft" and security that modern, light-displacement production boats often lack.
Pros:
- Exceptional Sea-keeping: A heavy hull and skeg-hung rudder provide a safe, predictable motion in heavy weather.
- Interior Craftsmanship: The level of teak joinery and semi-custom flexibility is rarely matched in contemporary builds.
- True Blue-Water Pedigree: Built by a yard with a proven history of 1,400+ ocean-going vessels.
Cons:
- High Maintenance Costs: Between the teak decks, extensive brightwork, and complex systems, ownership requires a significant annual budget.
- Light-Air Performance: Requires a dedicated light-air sail (like an asymmetric spinnaker) to move effectively in under 10 knots of wind.
- Size Constraints: At 55 feet and 24 tons, the boat is a handful for a solo sailor and usually requires a skilled couple for docking and maneuvering.
