Home/ Boats/ Ta Chiao Shipbuilding Co./ Ct 35/ Known Issues
Known Issues

Ct 35 Known Issues

Common problems, survey red flags, and what to inspect before buying a Ct 35.

+ Add to Compare

These are the most commonly reported problems on the Ct 35, compiled from surveys, owner reports, and marine forums. Use this list as a pre-purchase inspection checklist — especially the high-severity items.

9
Known Issues
5 High 4 Medium
Accommodations
Medium
Ta Chiao's joinery used teak extensively with plywood substrates that are prone to delamination if any moisture has penetrated the interior. Check under settee cushions, beneath the sole boards, and behind headliner panels for soft or swollen plywood, particularly in the forward cabin and head compartment.
Electrical
Medium
Original Taiwanese electrical wiring on Ta Chiao boats of this era was generally substandard — undersized conductors, non-tinned copper, and poor terminal crimps are common. Most CT 35s of any age will have had some rewiring, but partial rewiring can leave dangerous original wiring in place; the entire system should be inspected.
Engine
Medium
Many CT 35s were fitted with older Perkins 4-108 or similar vintage diesels that may be approaching or beyond reliable service life. Raw water cooling passages in these engines are prone to internal corrosion and scaling; heat exchanger integrity and raw water impeller housing condition should be carefully assessed.
Hull/Deck
High
The deck-to-hull joint on CT 35s built by Ta Chiao is an inward-turning flange bedded in polyester putty rather than a proper marine sealant. This joint is prone to weeping, and water intrusion can migrate into the balsa or plywood core used in deck sections, causing soft spots particularly around the toerail and chainplate areas.
High
Ta Chiao used balsa core extensively in the deck construction, and moisture intrusion around deck hardware fittings — cleats, stanchion bases, and winch pads — is extremely common due to inadequate original bedding and the use of through-bolts without proper backing plates. Tap the deck carefully for soft or delaminated areas.
High
Chainplate backing plates used by Ta Chiao were often undersized plywood or thin aluminum embedded in the fiberglass, which can rot or corrode over time. Chainplates should be pulled and the backing structure inspected, as failure here is a dismasting risk.
Medium
The teak laid deck over the fiberglass deck — common on CT 35s — can allow water infiltration through dried-out caulking seams into the underlying balsa core. Recaulking history and the condition of the underlying deck beneath the teak should be investigated, particularly near scuppers and deck hardware.
Keel
High
The long keel is encapsulated ballast (lead or iron depending on build), and the garboard seam area where the keel meets the hull can develop stress cracks and weeping on older hulls. The keel-to-hull joint should be closely inspected for separation or repair history, as this area sees significant stress in a full-keel boat.
Rigging
High
The original chainplates on CT 35s are typically mild steel or low-grade stainless that corrodes at the deck penetration point, which is often sealed over and traps moisture. Many boats of this vintage have hidden crevice corrosion at the deck-level chainplate penetration that is not visible without pulling the chainplates.
Know of an issue we're missing?
Help fellow sailors — share survey findings, recurring problems, or things you wish you'd known before buying.
✉️ Submit an Issue