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Ct 54
Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Ta Chaio Shipbuilding Co. (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Ct 54

Designed by renowned naval architect Robert Perry and built by Taiwan's Ta Chaio Shipbuilding from 1975 to 1981, this 54-foot staysail ketch represents classic blue-water cruising at its finest. With only 100 hulls produced during its six-year run, the Ct 54 has earned a reputation as a serious offshore passage maker favored by experienced cruisers seeking traditional sailing characteristics. The long keel configuration and substantial 57,000-pound displacement create exceptional directional stability and seakindly motion in heavy weather, while the 16,500 pounds of ballast provide reassuring stability for ocean crossings. Perry's design philosophy shines through in the moderate sail area of 1,246 square feet, distributed across the staysail ketch rig that offers excellent balance and versatility for shorthanded sailing. The impressive comfort ratio of 50.92 indicates outstanding motion comfort in seaway conditions, making this yacht particularly suited for extended offshore voyaging rather than coastal day sailing. Built with solid fiberglass construction, these boats have proven their durability over decades of ocean sailing. While not designed for racing, the Ct 54 delivers reliable passage times with a theoretical hull speed of 8.74 knots, powered by a robust 120-horsepower engine for calm conditions and harbor maneuvering.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 54.00 ft / 16.46 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 42.50 ft / 12.95 m
Beam 15.25 ft / 4.65 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 57,000.00 lb / 25,855 kg
Ballast 16,500.00 lb / 7,484 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,246.00 ft² / 115.76 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Staysail Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Ta Chaio Shipbuilding Co. (TAIWAN)
First Built 1975
Last Built 1981
Number Built 100
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 75
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
 13.52
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
 28.95
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
 331.48
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
 50.92
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
 1.59
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. 8.74 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
 1.27
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. 2,315.82 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. 13.53
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 60.00 ft / 18.29 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 54.00 ft / 16.46 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 19.50 ft / 5.94 m
SA Fore 720.00 ft² / 66.89 m²
SA Main 526.50 ft² / 48.91 m²
SA Total (100%) 1,246.50 ft² / 115.80 m²
Est. Forestay Length 64.62 ft / 19.70 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Ford Lehman
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 120
Fuel Capacity 300 gals / 1,136 L
Water Capacity 300 gals / 1,136 L
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