The Robert Perry Designed Ta Chiao CT 54 Taiwanese Built Sailboat | HISTORY + WALK-THROUGH (Ep. 34) 

That vessel has your name ALL over it ! Buy it do the refit yourself and charter it to the Caribians have it paid for in 3 to 5 years then Sail the world full time , oh ya i was talking like im young enough to do it ! But grab the oppertunity by the Chest hairs and do it !

Thank you for that! Yes, ideally I’d like a Formosa 51 or a Force 50, and we’ve already considered two different Mikelson 50’s (we may do a video on one even if we don’t buy it) and honestly, the smaller Taiwan builds won’t suit our needs for chartering, and even on the models mentioned, it would have to be the right berthing setup. We both come from a history of working on boats in different capacities and aren’t afraid of a project, fiberglass work, woodwork, etc. These are things we can do, just maybe not professionally. Hal is also very mechanically skilled so that is the part that I really appreciate because while I can play with things and sometimes fix a mechanical issue, I’m not a mechanic so I wouldn’t do that with my engine or generator like he can. We hope you stick with us!!!

Love the Forms 51, Hudson Force 50, Vagabond 47, and this one is VERY interesting. But - what is comfortable at anchor is not necessarily comfortable at sea, and the TC 54 looks voluminous inside, but that could be quite a hazard in a heavy seaway, nothing to hold on to with your hip while your hands are full. She certainly has an interesting layout with those pullman berths - I suppose they could have a slide out base to make them wider as required for sleeping. Would certainly like to see more Taiwan builds - love them..!!

Wonderful positive attitude it’s great !!When you’re thinking about buying a boat and you’re ready to go , just buy it and follow your heart. You need to be able to physically work which most people these days are reluctant to do. You have to love it and be positive . I like working on boats doing the dirty work covered in dust in a boatyard , grimy and tired but it’s not for everyone and my wife can only take it for a month at a time .That boat will be much slower than a newer production yacht it’s heavier, but they’re such a pretty thing.I’ve been a cruiser for three years in australia , what is important for us is to examine each system individually test and cost for any needed repair and maintenance to get that part running at 100percent. Start with through hulls and antifoul first , then steering then engine/gearbox/shaft/prop then clean tanks no leaks then batteries . It’s systematic and you can’t go wrong . When your happy with those it’s standing rig, sails, anchor winch, chain and anchor. Leave the woodwork and cosmetics because they’re the pleasure jobs . But it’s not my business to advise, this is just what worked for us. wish you luck . Oh and a new outboard for a good dinghy will save you from hours of rowing in the rain and wind and waves with wet groceries and clothes and a sad and unhappy wife. Oh by the way the only new engine for a boat is called YANMAR because they will save your life. The old other brand diesels will teach you all you need to know about being a diesel mechanic. When we wanted anitfoul we buy it from the commercial fishing boat yard, not the recreational boat supplier. It’s cheaper and lasts longer .

It's got those Captain Ron vibes. Hope you guys get on the water sooner rather than later 🤙

Captain Hal & Lovely Siren, Thanks a lot for doing my shopping for me! Hal, you said it all when you stated: "I have room in this boat"! I get it, as I lifted too much weight for too many years, and my shoulders just don't fit into boats, airline seats, or cars built for people 5'10" or less! Hell, my claustrophobia starts up just viewing a video of a sailboat with cut down doorways, so low ceilings, clearances, or passages won't work for me. To make things worse, I'm trying to find a sailboat that my 6'8" youngest son will fit into, and my precious wife is not going to live with a wet head, cramped kitchen, no washer, or submarine feel down below... I've been shopping for a suitable sailboat for two years now, and can't shake the fever, despite having multiple boats already on the hard in my one of my yards. 😂

We had this boat...1975, "MERRYALL" aft cockpit which is rare apparently. The freeboard of this boat made motoring [and especially reverse] a nightmare in heavier air. Having said that, we shared space and adventures aplenty. The boat was bought in Taiwan and shipped to Newark. We sailed out of Westport, Saugatuck harbor to destinations in the NE. So comfortable underway! In those days we had Loran c and used the paper charts as backup. It took 3 to navigate in questionable water or at night. One on the bowsprit, One steering, and one on the chart. That was our system anyway. My dad preferred the look of the aft cockpit but it was impossible to actually see from the wheel over the massive bowsprit! This also made configuration below a little different too. We did look at probably 30 boats [all with some water damage] which prompted the purchase of the new one. It did have the spruce masts which lent even more authentic retro pirateship vibe and it was an attention grabber wherever we anchored. We were able to sail easily and balance with genny and mizzen...mainsail was a big commitment. Looking hard is really important. Every boat is uniquely rigged, powered and fitted out. Many things will be discovered even when you think you know her well.

Ahhhh 1k SUBSCRIBERS!!!!! we are so so proud of y’all and freaking out with excitement!

I like the outside style

I liked this

Nice to see another generation loving these boats. I sailed on a few of them. Shared your video with Bob Perry too.

Vagabond 47 is my favorite boat all time

Thanks for the Captain Ron reference!

Beautiful filming sis

We have a Formosa 56 1986, love her to the limit, We have been cruising for over 18 years. We have done many refits in the past, including new teak deck laid up in Trinidad, currently hauled in Grenada for a long list of projects. i agree with your addiction to these old beauties...sail on, lovin watching your videos. Autie and Janie s/v Onward

Great boat!

Ok Siren you two earned my subscription, Best of Luck on your path.

Groovy video; a romantic ship.

That boat would scare me. So much work. But did like the video. Good luck!

I chartered a CT56 from CSY Charters in Road Town BVI twice. We had a party of 6 and accommodation wise is was great. The charter company had cut the aspect of the sails so that Bareboat charterers wouldn’t over power the rig. Because of the experience of 3 0f the 6 people on-board that was probably good. I am a very experienced skipper and we had a wonderful time. My feelings were the boat was solid and didn’t creek and groan. There is one hell of allot of work to do and really time and wallet consuming. I have a small power boat for fishing now. However, I’m in my 70’s. Good luck. I’m following you.

Wow, Siren. Great history lesson about Perry, impressed with your knowledge and you surprise me as I go through the videos. I agree about looking past the visual as seen. Need to check the "bones" of the boat. If it is just a topical damage issue and the foundation (bones) are solid, no harm no foul. Hal's requirement is solid. I am not that tall but have wide shoulders and dislike having to twist and turn to go through a doorways. 2 more videos then I'm caught up. Have a great day !

If you have the energy to do the work, that is an awesome boat. The space and headroom are for living in, and that is what you are going to do the most. You have to stop looking and buy something one day, why not today.

I love the Taiwan builds. Im looking for a pilothouse. Love the video ❤️.

I do like that boat.

Hey! That dance hall main salon is nice @ dock-side. Yet @ sea, I wonder how many passengers suddenly found themselves @ port when a moment ago they'd been standing @ starboard. Also, saw some 90-degree corners I'd definitely round-off. A 40-year old house demands lots of work. A sailing vessel demands even more.

I love your channel! I have a yacht skipper's license for 30 years now, so that dates me :-) Regarding surveys (I saw it discussed below) in 1960 my dad bought a new H-28 (L. Frances Herreschoff design built in Japan). He insisted on having it surveyed - new. The broker was livid, but my dad has his way. In the end the boat was full of problems which got fixed. Go figure...

Just subscribed,great content Im in Cambridge MD on the Choptank Choptank

There is a Formosa 51 ketch on Boat Trader right now. In Marina Del Rey, Ca

Good history. Lots of information I was not familiar with. Not this is good content. Will subscribe and follow.

i cruised sea tigers for years. solid and honest. i share your love for them and if i went back to cruising it would be the only boat id consider, (except for a swan). thanks for the back story and passion. fair winds, k

It has space!!!

I like it, especially that he finally has the trousers on in your relationship while you are loosing yours. Thats how it should be and how it works.

You are making me homesick for Fla.

Cape George boatyard and Skookum Marine, both in Port Townsend, Washington likely built the strongest cruisers ever, and not prone to leaking- no shortcuts were taken. These little ships are fantastic though only Cape George still survives. today. Building a great boat and making profit on a great boat are two different things. Both are built for oceans- go anywhere boats. If you see a Skookum on the East coast, be sure to take a look.

Still looking for one of those with the Original wooden wheel house, I found one then it disappeared Poof and gone. Hal you are a lucky man with such a pretty and smart sea wife.

Get the biggest one a 56 I thought about getting one a while ago and the real problem was not the decks that all need replacement it is the lamination schedule of the bottom summertime or wintertime I think winter would have been better but if you have done some grinding of glass on the bottom of a hull literally there could be a million osmotic blisters on any of them so if your going to buy owner pays for haulout to see the bottom that's when negotiating comes into play

Green cove springs, Fl, Green cove Marina would be place to call see what there. Good earth you see what I mean.

He likes the boat, buy it. 😊

Buy the Boat you really WANT and Be Happy.

Formosa 51 is my pick.

Older boats comes with a pricetag, pending on how much work a owner have to do on it. Doesn´t matter how tall one are and what comforts the boat comes with, its all about if a prospector are up for the task of doing the work. Lots of wood have 6 times more worktime and constant maintenance. due to varnishing and such. Protip: Dont be overambitious. Its a lovely boat by design. Especially the stern. Buying a boat should mostly be, did you fall in love in it? and be realistic at the same time.

Hi i am over in the UK where do i go to see this boat. I have found it being advertised by EDWARDS but it is out of the water with them, it was also last seen in Panama. It has been found by you, more info please. regards Jim

My 2 cents worth. I have a perry ct 37 also known as tayana 1977. For 20 years. Put 100,000 miles on it and 4 refits over 20 years. Solid boat but a lot of teak and a lot of dry rot in bulkheads and anything not teak. Was my experience and all stainless is total crap. But woodwork not a issue if you can do a bit of grinding fiberglass and epoxy A boat this size is awesome. But first thing put a brand new yanmar 170 hp before it goes anywhere . Cause 40 year old diesels will let you down in a big way. These boats sail great down wind in the tradewinds. 200 mile days there heavy and seakindly. But outside the trades youre motorsailing. Also needs new chainplates and rigging and sails. You talking about 45,000 if you do the work. 55,000 if youre hire it out. These are really dreamy boats that spark sailing dreams. But there a lot of work I would go for it if in budget. As long as you know the leaky teaky history as you do.

There is a 56 for sale in Newport. Looks amazing. 325K though. You can maybe slash it down to sub 250K, at least try :D On Yachtworld 🍺

I could fit!!!!!

CT54's are cool boats. Our friends have one and we spent time aboard in Mexico. I just see so many projects on this boat, and when I see one project, there are 5 more hidden right behind it. Everything will be more expensive on a bigger boat. We sailed away on our Lord Nelson 35 (another Taiwanese boat similar to a Hans Christian) and everything cost us less to refit. For us, a smaller boat was right. We don't have to charter, which, for me, I see as a major headache. Our boat is our home and our sanctuary, and it would be a pain for us to have as a floating hotel, catering to others who don't understand how to conserve water and clog our head.

I'd like to buy it, how much?

Omg the beeping was not good with my earphones on. 🤦🏽🤦🏽🤦🏽😅😅😅

ALSO have you thought about getting onto the boat from your dingy? or getting into the water or your dingy from the boat? It's is very hard and problematic. This is why serious cruising monohulls have gone to different transoms allowing easy boarding and exiting. You will rue the day you had one of these when you are anchored somewhere and you note how easy others board and disembark their boats. This is a far bigger deal than you imagine when cruising.

Big boat, grt space.....but u guys arnt playing with a full deck if u think its worth buying. Fair dinkum. Yah nuts? And big fella, after a yr on board, youll know y there ain't large, open spaces down below. Segway too....what r u grabbing onto when that squall hits, which 100% will happen. Plus, u guys need couples counselling. Bugger me. Id put a fiver down that your voyage is short, sweet and tempered😂. No, i wouldnt put a buck down to buy it. But i gotta sub and follow u. Front row seats to this, cant miss that. Good luck and enjoy t journeyl 🤙

"I am 6'2" and can stack BS thiis high!"

Hi it is a long shot but I am looking for information how to assembly double bad in front cabin on ta chia 54? If anyone has idea please let me know.

When you look past the beautiful and generous use of teak, you have a boat that is much like the expression: a hole in the water you pour your money". All the stainless on boats of this era is faulty and not the same SSW as used today and will rot. The method of the hull layoup is subject to falure and blistering. It's also very heavy. I had one the most beautiful Tayanas, the FD12 so I know a bit about the boats and I have sailed or delivered many CT's, Hans Christians, Tayana's, etc. You will sink much more than you anticipate if you get one of these boats. I know you are probabaly looking at this eras due to price and beauty, but you can find bargain on much younger boats which are much better quality and a lot faster in the water.

more head room = how much more windage

This boat is at least 45 years old,, geez

How much is the sailboat?

My wife and I bought a Hudson Force Ketch 50 . Very similar built-in 87 . We got so screwed. We didn't get a survey. We should have. But we were new to boats and was befriended by the previous owner . It was well painted and problems hidden. The survivor was a friend of the own and gave us a survey that wasn't right. It had hidden termites. That they hid well we bought it mainly because It had a brand new 125 hp yanmar a brand new suitcase 10k Panda generator. Brand-new. Fuel polishing system New fuel tanks 300 gall new 100 gallon water tanks . . Now we feel like suckers . It's got new rigging standing and running and sails . I still would love to finish it up and cruise the globe

If you can stand that man, how discerning must you be with the boat?

What sort of money are you wanting to spend , vagabond is expensive, very robust ????

He knows….😂😂😂

Your idea of doing charters on any leaky teaky wont work out. Chaters boats are all much newer, insurable boats with all the modern amenities and most are catamarans. Having owned 3 different vessels from 42 feet to 51 feet i would suggest you figure out what your plans truly are before buying any boat. If you want to cruise, liveaboard or charter, will define your budget. Owning a charter boat is very expensive. Living on and refitting a boat is a tough hurdle, and to buy a boat to cruise on will change the perameters entirely. Good luck on your search.

buy the boat as is, then you wont have to redo what they have been doing in a haphazard way. Thoroughly inspect--then have your surveyor inspect. KNOW what you are buying-----THEN--Get to work!----Mikey, in Belfair

Its pretty clear who decides what boat will be bought, So save up some more money until you can afford to buy what you want!. Other wise all of this is bullshit!

did you shave that poor dog?

I can't decide if you are really looking to buy a boat or just shilling sailboats. Lot of that going around on RU-vid these days.

These boats are terrible. Don't do it, you will hate yourself

Get a CATAMARAN

I very strongly agree with your guy about having open space. I really dislike how most boats are stuffed full of “furniture”, just because it’s possible. Empty volume is waaaay better. Especially on bigger boats where we don’t need to use all volume. Cramped boats are touted as safer to move around in at sea, because the fall distances are shorter. That’s true, but still not. Good hand holds in all the right places solves it far better than filling it up with hard objects with sharp edges. I’ve had enough bruises to prove that. As a side note, I really like a relatively unusual solution for hand rails: Moving grab straps on a track in the ceiling. A rope with knots fits all people sizes. You can hold on to one item while moving. I’ve been racing and sailing oceans for well over 40 years, designed and built several boats and we now live on a 40 foot cat, so I know what works. I’m mostly into lighter fast boats, but I love how competent you are on Taiwan boats, and probably much more boat stuff. Being a boat nerd, I appreciate others. :-)