Tayana 64 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tayana 64 is engineered as a high-performance cruiser, moving away from the "tank-like" but slower motion of earlier Taiwanese builds. With a displacement of approximately 70,634 pounds and a generous sail area of 1,667 square feet, the boat maintains a respectable sail area-to-displacement ratio that allows it to excel in light-to-moderate conditions where older, heavier cruisers might struggle. The hull features a raked stem and a reverse transom, which, according to editorial coverage in Cruising World, provides a balanced combination of power and ease of handling.

Handling is further refined through the use of a solent rig, often managed by hydraulic furlers and massive electric winches, making the vessel manageable even for short-handed crews. The twin-helm configuration provides the skipper with excellent visibility and ergonomic access to primary controls. Under power, the yacht is typically equipped with a 170-hp to 200-hp diesel engine (often Westerbeke or Yanmar), which, combined with a large fuel capacity of 540 gallons, grants it a significant motoring range for calms or coastal transits.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tayana 64 is characterized by massive volume and high-level joinery. While the exterior is "low and rakish," the raised deck-saloon windows create an exceptionally bright and airy salon. Owners were given significant latitude for customization; for instance, some models replaced the standard settee with a dedicated library or office space. The wood finishes typically diverge from the standard bright teak found on smaller Tayanas, often utilizing multi-step staining processes to achieve a darker, "walnut-like" appearance reminiscent of custom superyachts.

Common configurations include a massive aft owner’s stateroom with a center-line island berth and private en-suite head, and two forward guest staterooms. The galley is typically linear and located in the passageway, providing security when cooking at sea. Sibling models like the Tayana 58 and the older Robert Perry-designed Tayana 55 share the brand's commitment to heavy-duty interior fit-outs, but the 64 offers significantly more vertical clearance and stowage than its predecessors.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Tayana 64 gained notable visibility through the yacht Celebration, which was extensively reviewed by Cruising World in 2010. The boat was highlighted as a successful collaboration between Robb Ladd, Noyce Yachts, and the Ta Yang shipyard to create a contemporary offshore beauty. The model is frequently cited in "Best of" lists for large-scale blue-water cruising yachts, often praised for its ability to handle 60-knot winds and high seas while maintaining a "civilized" interior environment.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Tayana 64 should focus on the following high-signal technical areas:

• Balsa Core Integrity: Like many Tayanas of this era, the decks are balsa-cored. While the hulls are vinylester-infused, deck hardware that has not been periodically re-bedded can lead to moisture ingress in the core, particularly around the large deck-saloon windows.
• Hydraulic System Complexity: Given the reliance on push-button controls (furlers, winches, thrusters), a thorough inspection of the hydraulic lines and the main power pack is essential. Autopilot "gremlins" have been noted in early commissioning reports and should be verified for modern upgrades.
• Stainless Steel Quality: While Ta Yang improved their stainless steel quality significantly over the "Taiwanese Mystery Metal" era of the 1970s, many 64s still feature a high amount of exterior stainless (fairleads, stanchions, ports) that requires regular polishing and inspection for crevice corrosion in tropical environments.
• Engine Room Accessibility: While the engine room is generally large, the sheer density of systems (generator, watermaker, HVAC) can make servicing the rear of the engine difficult. Buyers should check for signs of deferred maintenance in hard-to-reach areas of the bilge.

Community & Resources

The Tayana Owners Group (TOG) remains the primary technical and social hub for this model. Though much of the group’s historical data focuses on the ubiquitous Tayana 37, the community provides a vital network for sourcing specialized parts from the Taiwan shipyard and sharing maintenance protocols for the more complex systems found on the 64.

The Verdict

The Tayana 64 is a purpose-built passage maker that trades the traditional aesthetics of the past for modern speed and volume. It is best suited for couples or families who intend to spend years living aboard in remote locations.

Pros:

• Exceptional long-range tankage for fuel and water.
• Modern hull design offers better performance than traditional "blue water" peers.
• Highly customizable interior with superyacht-level fit and finish.
• Safe, ergonomic deck layout designed for short-handed operation.

Cons:

• High maintenance overhead due to complex hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Deep draft (standard 6' 10") may limit access to some shallower cruising grounds like the Bahamas.
• Requires significant power management for its high-load sailing systems.