Ta Chiao CT 47 — Model Review (1981-1988)

Model Specifications & Technical Data

General Information

• Manufacturer: Ta Chiao Bros Yacht Building Co. (Taiwan)
• Model: CT 47 / CT-47 Center Cockpit
• Production Years: ~1981 – 1988
• Production Volume: Approximately 80 units
• Production Facility: Ta Chiao Shipyard, Taiwan
• Design Team: Kaufmann & Ladd (incorporating Robert Perry’s late-20th-century “performance cruiser” design philosophy)

Technical Specifications & Configurations

• Optional Layout Configurations:

• Standard 2-Stateroom / 2-Head Center Cockpit layout.
• Forward: V-berth guest cabin (twin singles or insert double) with dedicated guest head and shower.
• Salon: Main salon featuring a U-shaped galley to port, navigation station to starboard, settee/dinette options, and optional pilot berth.
• Aft: Master suite with centerline or offset queen berth and ensuite head with separate shower stall.
• Custom Woodwork: Extensive hand-carved teak bulkheads and louvered joinery.
• Keel & Draft Options:

• Keel Type: Encapsulated lead modified fin keel with skeg-hung rudder.
• Draft: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m).
• Displacement: ~29,395 lbs to 36,000 lbs (depending on gear/outfitting).
• Ballast: 12,000 lbs (encapsulated lead).
• Rigging & Mast Options:

• Rigging Type: Cutter Rig.
• Mast Type: Deck-stepped or keel-stepped aluminum spars.
• Sail Area: ~908 – 929 sq ft.
• Foretriage / Air Draft: I = 53 ft, P = 47 ft, J = 18.75 ft, E = 17.50 ft.
• Engine & Propulsion Systems:

• Standard Original Engines: Perkins 4.236 (81 HP Diesel) or Ford Lehman / Westerbeke equivalents.
• Common Repower Options: Yanmar 4JH series (e.g., Yanmar 75 HP 4JH3-HTE or 4JH4-TE).
• Drive Type: Direct Inboard Shaft Drive with 3-blade bronze propeller.
• Major Factory & Custom Upgrades Offered:

• Westerbeke / Northern Lights auxiliary generator
• Teak overlay decks vs. molded fiberglass non-skid decks
• Bow thrusters, hydraulic steering conversions
• Solar panels, wind generators, watermakers
• Model Evolution / Variants:

• CT 48: A sibling model utilizing a similar hull form with minor transom and deck mold variations.
• CT 44 Pilothouse: Sibling pilothouse version built around similar blue-water design parameters.

Factors Influencing Market Value

Common Buyer Checklist & Known Vulnerabilities

1. Teak Deck & Sandwich Core Water Ingress: Original vessels were constructed with thick teak side decks mechanically fastened into balsa or plywood deck cores. Screws can breach underwater barriers over time, leading to core rot (“wet deck”).
2. Tankage Deterioration: Original black iron fuel tanks and stainless steel water tanks are buried beneath the cabin sole. Replacing them often requires extensive interior timber disassembly.
3. Chainplates & Standing Rigging Age: Original stainless steel chainplates hidden behind teak joinery are susceptible to crevice corrosion.
4. Interior Leak Damage: Portlight or deck hatch leaks can damage hand-carved teak cabinetry.
5. Electrical & Engine Modernization: Upgraded Yanmar engines, modern 12V/110V electrical systems, and upgraded hydraulic steering command substantial value premiums on the market.

Location & Logistics Impact

• As heavy-displacement bluewater vessels (~30,000+ lbs), overland transport is cost-prohibitive. Geographic location (East Coast US vs. West Coast vs. Overseas) significantly influences buyer pools and transport logistics.

Competitive Models Comparison

Model	Designer	Builder	LOA	Beam	Draft	Displacement	Standard Rig
Ta Chiao CT 47	Kaufmann & Ladd	Ta Chiao (Taiwan)	46.92 ft	13.16 ft	6.00 ft	29,395 lbs	Cutter
Passport 47	Robert Perry	Passport Yachts / Hans Christian	46.58 ft	13.50 ft	6.50 ft	30,000 lbs	Cutter
Stevens 47	Sparkman & Stephens	Queen Long Marine	46.83 ft	14.25 ft	6.00 ft	28,000 lbs	Cutter
Tayana 47 CC	Robert Perry	Ta Shing	47.00 ft	14.50 ft	6.00 ft	29,000 lbs	Cutter / Sloop
Formosa 47	William Garden	Formosa Boat Building	46.42 ft	14.00 ft	7.42 ft	31,000 lbs	Ketch / Cutter