Tayana Sailboats, Taiwan's Most Successful Bluewater Double-Enders

The Ta Yang yard's cruising sailboats, led by the Robert Perry designed Tayana 37, one of the most-built bluewater cruisers of its era.

Founded
1973
Headquarters
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Parent company
Ta Yang Yacht Building Co.
Models reviewed
1

Tayana models

Tayana sailboats came from the Ta Yang yard in Taiwan. The Perry designed Tayana 37 is a classic bluewater cruiser with an active used market in the US.

Known for
  • Robert Perry designed Tayana 37
  • Heavy-displacement double-enders
  • Taiwanese teak interiors
  • Vancouver 42 and larger center-cockpit cruisers

Ta Yang and the name that means big ocean

Tayana was the brand name of Ta Yang Yacht Building Co. of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, which began building yachts in 1973. The name is often translated as belonging to the big ocean, and that ambition shaped the boats: heavy, seaworthy cruisers with traditional styling, sold mostly to North American and European sailors who wanted to cross oceans.

Over more than four decades Ta Yang built well over 1,400 bluewater cruisers and worked with designers including Robert Perry, Robert Harris, Robb Ladd and Pieter Beeldsnijder. Production slowed to boats built to order on a spot basis, with the builder still listing the Tayana 37 around 2012, and Wikipedia reports that the yard ceased operations in 2020. Either way, almost every Tayana changes hands on the used market.

The Tayana 37 phenomenon

The Tayana 37, which we cover in depth, is the reason most American sailors know the name. Robert Perry designed it as a heavy double-ended cutter with a modified long keel, a cutaway forefoot and a keel-hung rudder, traditional in spirit but noticeably livelier than the full-keel cruisers it competed with. It was built from 1976, first as the CT 37 and from 1979 under the Tayana name, and roughly 600 were completed, making it one of the most successful Taiwan-built cruisers ever.

Larger Tayanas include the Vancouver 42, designed by Robert Harris, and center-cockpit cruisers such as the Tayana 48 and 55, which appeal to couples who want more space for long-term liveaboard cruising.

Because Ta Yang offered extensive customization, especially on interiors, two Tayana 37s can differ substantially, with different layouts, rigs and finishes.

Buying a used Tayana

Tayanas are affordable, sturdy cruisers with an active owner community. Prices vary widely, from project boats to fully refitted ocean-ready yachts. Many have crossed oceans, which is a recommendation as long as the refit history is documented. Service relies almost entirely on independent yards and the owner network.

  • Inspect teak decks for leaks and the condition of the deck core beneath.
  • Check original black iron fuel tanks and water tanks for corrosion.
  • Survey chainplates, bowsprit and bobstay fittings.
  • Look for leaks around portholes, hatches and the mast step.
  • Confirm the condition of wooden spars if the boat has them.

Tayana history

  1. 1973Ta Yang Yacht Building Co. begins building yachts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  2. 1976Robert Perry's CT 37 enters production at Ta Yang
  3. 1979The design is renamed the Tayana 37
  4. 2016Ta Yang passes 1,400 bluewater cruisers built
  5. 2020Ta Yang is reported to have ceased operations

Frequently asked questions

Who built Tayana sailboats?

Tayana sailboats were built by Ta Yang Yacht Building Co. in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Is Tayana still in business?

Probably not. Ta Yang was still taking occasional orders for the Tayana 37 around 2012, but the yard is reported to have ceased operations in 2020, so confirm directly and plan on buying used.

Who designed the Tayana 37?

Robert H. Perry designed the Tayana 37, a double-ended cutter built in large numbers from 1976.

Is the Tayana 37 a good bluewater boat?

Yes. It has a long record of ocean crossings and is known for seakindly motion, though condition and refit history are critical.