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Ct 43
Designer: Ron Holland  ·  Builder: Ta Chiao Shipbuilding Co. (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1985
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About the Ct 43

Ron Holland's Ct 43 represents a sophisticated approach to performance cruising from the mid-1980s, when this renowned designer was at the height of his influence in creating fast, seaworthy sailing yachts. Built by Taiwan's respected Ta Chiao Shipbuilding between 1985 and 1991, only thirteen examples of this distinctive design were completed, making it a relatively rare find in today's market. The hull configuration features Holland's signature fin keel with rudder mounted on a skeg, providing excellent directional stability while maintaining responsive handling characteristics. With a displacement of 23,780 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, the Ct 43 offers the stability and sea-kindly motion essential for serious offshore passage-making, while the masthead sloop rig delivers versatile sail handling options. The boat's moderate comfort ratio of 33.08 suggests a design optimized more for performance than ultra-heavy displacement cruising, making it well-suited for sailors who prioritize sailing ability alongside cruising comfort. Her sail area to displacement ratio indicates sprightly performance in light to moderate conditions, while the robust construction and proven Holland pedigree inspire confidence for extended offshore voyaging. This combination makes the Ct 43 an excellent choice for experienced sailors seeking a capable blue-water cruiser with genuine sailing performance.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.67 ft / 13.01 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.85 ft / 10.32 m
Beam 13.00 ft / 3.96 m
Max Draft 6.75 ft / 2.06 m
Displacement 23,780.00 lb / 10,786 kg
Ballast 9,390.00 lb / 4,259 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 820.00 ft² / 76.18 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ron Holland
Builder Ta Chiao Shipbuilding Co. (TAIWAN)
First Built 1985
Last Built 1991
Number Built 13
Related Sailboats Rh 43 · Contest 43 · Swan 43 Holland · Centurion 42 · Sabre 425
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 15.93
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 39.49
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 273.71
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 33.08
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.81
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.80 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.87
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,572.35 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 15.93
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 52.50 ft / 16.00 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 46.75 ft / 14.25 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
SA Fore 446.25 ft² / 41.46 m²
SA Main 374.00 ft² / 34.75 m²
SA Total (100%) 820.25 ft² / 76.20 m²
Est. Forestay Length 55.18 ft / 16.82 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 51
Fuel Capacity 90 gals / 341 L
Water Capacity 80 gals / 303 L
How It Compares

vs. Centurion 42, Contest 43, Rh 43, Sabre 425, Swan 43 Holland

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Ct 43 ★
42.7 ft
Centurion 42
42.4 ft
Contest 43
42.7 ft
Rh 43
42.7 ft
Sabre 425
42.4 ft
Swan 43 Holland
42.8 ft
LWL
Ct 43 ★
33.9 ft
Centurion 42
33.2 ft
Contest 43
36.3 ft
Rh 43
33.9 ft
Sabre 425
34.7 ft
Swan 43 Holland
34.1 ft
Beam
Ct 43 ★
13.0 ft
Centurion 42
13.3 ft
Contest 43
13.1 ft
Rh 43
13.0 ft
Sabre 425
12.8 ft
Swan 43 Holland
13.1 ft
Displacement
Ct 43 ★
23 lbs
Centurion 42
24 lbs
Contest 43
26 lbs
Rh 43
23 lbs
Sabre 425
19 lbs
Swan 43 Holland
24 lbs
Ballast
Ct 43 ★
9 lbs
Centurion 42
9 lbs
Contest 43
10 lbs
Rh 43
9 lbs
Sabre 425
8 lbs
Swan 43 Holland
9 lbs
Sail Area
Ct 43 ★
820 sq ft
Centurion 42
886 sq ft
Contest 43
880 sq ft
Rh 43
860 sq ft
Sabre 425
766 sq ft
Swan 43 Holland
880 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Ct 43 ★
—
Centurion 42
75 s/nm
Contest 43
—
Rh 43
—
Sabre 425
96 s/nm
Swan 43 Holland
—
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Ct 43 ★
15.9
Centurion 42
17.0
Contest 43
16.1
Rh 43
16.7
Sabre 425
17.2
Swan 43 Holland
16.8
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Ct 43 ★
39.5 %
Centurion 42
39.5 %
Contest 43
40.0 %
Rh 43
39.5 %
Sabre 425
42.7 %
Swan 43 Holland
—
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Ct 43 ★
33.1
Centurion 42
33.3
Contest 43
34.2
Rh 43
33.1
Sabre 425
26.8
Swan 43 Holland
33.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Ct 43 ★
1.81
Centurion 42
1.84
Contest 43
1.78
Rh 43
1.81
Sabre 425
1.92
Swan 43 Holland
1.81
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Ct 43 ★
273
Centurion 42
297
Contest 43
243
Rh 43
273
Sabre 425
205
Swan 43 Holland
—
Hull Speed
Ct 43 ★
7.8 kts
Centurion 42
7.7 kts
Contest 43
8.1 kts
Rh 43
7.8 kts
Sabre 425
7.9 kts
Swan 43 Holland
7.8 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Ct 43 ★
1.9
Centurion 42
1.8
Contest 43
—
Rh 43
1.9
Sabre 425
2.7
Swan 43 Holland
1.9
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