1992 Ta Chiao CT-56, EUR 330.000,-

The 1992 Ta Chiao CT-56 “PILLIN” is a classic 56-foot offshore ketch built for a very specific type of ownership: long-distance cruising, living aboard and passages where range, stability and structural substance matter more than the lightness of a modern production yacht. She is located in Marbella / Puerto Banús and stands out because her current owner began an extensive refit from 2020, addressing several of the systems that matter most on a yacht of this size.

The CT-56 was designed by Robert H. Perry and built in Taiwan by Ta Chiao Ship Building Co. Its architecture belongs to the tradition of substantial Taiwanese bluewater cruisers: GRP construction, long keel, generous beam, ketch rig and an interior conceived for spending serious time aboard.

On PILLIN, that traditional platform is combined with a 165 hp Doosan L136 installed during the refit, Vetus bow thruster, Fischer Panda generator, Raymarine electronics, reverse-cycle air conditioning, substantial tankage, three double cabins and two full heads. Recent work also includes teak deck and sails in 2021, wind instrumentation in 2024 and shaft and propeller in 2025.

This is not a yacht designed to compete with a light 56-footer on outright performance. Its appeal lies elsewhere: character, volume, range, storage, a more settled motion at sea and a serious platform for travelling and living aboard.

Why this CT-56 deserves attention

On a yacht of this age, the difference between two examples of the same model can be considerable. Here, much of the value lies in the combination of a proven classic offshore platform and a broad modernisation programme: engine, electrical system, electronics, deck, sails, galley, refrigeration, upholstery, mattresses, shaft and propeller have all received attention in recent years.

The three-double-cabin layout, large aft owner's cabin, 900 litres of fresh water, 1,350 litres of fuel, generator and air conditioning make the CT-56 feel closer to a compact cruising home than to a yacht intended mainly for weekend use.

Handling is also part of the equation. The ketch rig divides sail area between main, mizzen and headsails, allowing different combinations according to wind and course. In harbour, the 160 kgf Vetus bow thruster is a particularly useful aid on a yacht of this length and displacement.

CT-56 architecture and cruising philosophy

Published design specifications place the CT-56 at 16.92 m LOA, 4.72 m beam, approximately 27.98 tonnes displacement, 8.96 tonnes ballast and 145 m² of reported sail area. This particular yacht is advertised at a rounded 17.00 x 4.70 m.

The model's published ratios — a displacement/length ratio above 300 and a comfort ratio above 50 — describe its character well: a substantial, stable cruiser with considerable momentum. The long keel provides continuity beneath the hull, while the ketch rig distributes loads across several sails, a combination traditionally valued on long-range cruising yachts.

The model's design draft is approximately 2.08 m and its published theoretical hull speed is around 8.9 knots. These figures are consistent with a yacht designed to maintain pace and comfort for hours rather than deliver rapid acceleration.

Main specifications
Builder: Ta Chiao Ship Building Co.
Model: CT-56
Name: PILLIN
Year: 1992
Designer: Robert H. Perry
Type: offshore cruising ketch
Construction: GRP
Keel: long keel
Length: 17.00 m
Beam: 4.70 m
Model design draft: approx. 2.08 m
Cabins: 3 doubles
Heads: 2 full bathrooms
Interior headroom: up to 2.20 m
Capacity: 14 persons
Flag: Spanish
Location: Marbella / Puerto Banús, Spain
Engine, drive and manoeuvring
Engine: 6-cylinder Doosan L136
Engine year: 2020
Power: 165 hp / 121 kW
Hours: approx. 600 h
Fuel: diesel
Drive: shaft
Shaft: replaced in 2025
Propeller: replaced in 2025
Bow thruster: Vetus 160 kgf

The replacement engine is one of the most meaningful upgrades aboard. A 165 hp Doosan provides useful reserve power for a yacht of this size and, together with the 2025 shaft and propeller replacement, means a substantial part of the propulsion train has been renewed.

The 160 kgf bow thruster is equally relevant in practical use: on a heavy 17-metre ketch it can make a significant difference when manoeuvring in confined spaces or crosswind conditions.

Generator and electrical system
Generator: Fischer Panda 16000 series
Reference output: 16 kW
Generator hours: approx. 90 h
Chargers: Victron 12 V and 24 V
Inverter: installed
Shore power: installed
Batteries: bank renewed during the refit
Electrical installation: renewed during the refit
Lighting: interior ambient LED system

On a yacht intended for extended stays aboard, power generation and management directly affect comfort. The Fischer Panda generator, Victron chargers, inverter, shore-power connection and renewed battery bank support domestic services, climate control and navigation electronics without relying solely on marina power.

Tankage and onboard range
Fuel: 1,350 L
Fresh water: 900 L
Black water: 1,000 L

Tank capacity is one of the strengths of the CT-56 concept. The 1,350 litres of diesel and 900 litres of water suit a yacht intended to spend days or weeks away from its home berth, while the substantial black-water capacity adds further independence during longer stays aboard.

Sails, masts and sail handling
Rig: ketch
Mast: aluminium
Mast height: 20 m
Sails: complete set renewed in 2021
Mainsail: 60 m² with lazyjacks and lazy bag
Mizzen: renewed in 2021
Genoa: 120 m², furling
Staysail / jib: 25 m²
Asymmetric / spinnaker: 35 m²
Rigid vang: Rodkicker 30
Winches: 10 manual Lewmar units

The ketch rig allows a broad range of sail combinations: main and genoa in normal conditions, mizzen to balance the yacht, or more conservative configurations as the breeze builds. On a heavy cruiser, splitting sail area into smaller individual sails is an important part of the design philosophy.

Anchoring and deck
Deck: teak replaced in 2021
Cockpit: teak finish
Windlass: Lofrans Falcon 1,700 W
Chain: 100 m stainless steel
Main anchor: 45 kg stainless steel
Secondary anchoring: second anchor setup
Weather protection: bimini and sprayhood
Cockpit: table and exterior shower
Water access: swim ladder
Boarding: gangway
Tender handling: davits

Replacing the teak on a yacht of this size is a major job in both labour and cost. Combined with the powerful windlass, 100 metres of chain and 45 kg anchor, the deck equipment keeps a clear long-range cruising and anchoring focus.

Electronics, communications and navigation
Plotters: two Raymarine displays
Radar: Raymarine
AIS: installed
Autopilot: with remote control
Wind: instrument renewed in 2024
Depth and speed: sounder and log
Positioning: GPS
Steering reference: compass
VHF: two units, exterior and interior
Long-range radio: installed
Connectivity: onboard internet
Electronic safety: beacon and MOB system
Radar reflector: installed

The electronics and communications upgrade narrows one of the usual gaps between a classic 1990s cruiser and a yacht prepared for current use. Radar, AIS, twin plotters, remote autopilot control, twin VHF and long-range communications are particularly coherent with PILLIN's travelling brief.

Interior, layout and living aboard

The interior retains one of the defining qualities of this type of Taiwanese construction: extensive teak joinery, teak-and-holly flooring and a warmer, more substantial atmosphere than many contemporary interiors. Headroom reaches approximately 2.20 m in the main areas, an especially welcome feature for extended time aboard.

The layout provides three double cabins: two forward cabins and a large aft owner's cabin. There are two full heads, a saloon, fully equipped galley and storage capacity appropriate for carrying luggage, spares and provisions on longer cruises.

Upholstery and mattresses were renewed during the refit, while ambient LED lighting updates the atmosphere without removing the yacht's traditional character.

Galley
Worktop: Dekton
Dishwasher: installed
Refrigerator: renewed compressor
Freezer: renewed compressor
Oven: installed
Microwave: installed
Cooking: electric / ceramic hob
Sink: installed
Extraction: cooker hood

The galley is closer to a liveaboard domestic setup than to a small auxiliary yacht galley. Dekton surfaces, dishwasher and independent refrigeration are particularly useful for a couple or family spending extended periods aboard.

Comfort
Climate control: reverse-cycle air conditioning throughout
Hot water: installed
Washing machine: installed
Television: installed
Audio: sound system and cockpit speakers
Connectivity: Bluetooth and onboard internet
Safety
Liferaft: included
Lifejackets: 14 units
Fire protection: five manual extinguishers and one automatic system
Beacon: installed
MOB system: installed
Navigation lights: installed
Bilge pumps: electric and manual
Refit and major updates

The refit is probably the feature that most separates PILLIN from a CT-56 preserved largely with period equipment. This is not a single cosmetic upgrade, but a series of works affecting navigation, propulsion, energy, accommodation and deck systems.

From 2020: broad refit programme initiated by the current owner
2020: Doosan L136 installed during the modernisation
2021: teak deck replaced
2021: sail inventory renewed
During the refit: electrical installation and battery bank renewed
During the refit: Raymarine electronics modernised
During the refit: galley, refrigeration compressors, upholstery and mattresses updated
2024: wind instrument renewed
2025: shaft and propeller replaced

For a buyer, work of this kind carries more practical weight than a simple accessories list because it addresses expensive systems that are difficult to renew on a 17-metre yacht. The result is a classic platform that retains its identity while a substantial part of its infrastructure has been updated.

Fontnautic view

PILLIN is interesting precisely because she does not try to be a modern yacht. She is a large cruising ketch: heavy, spacious and designed to sail at a different rhythm. Buyers looking for a light, minimalist, performance-oriented yacht will find more suitable alternatives; those who value liveaboard comfort, range, traditional joinery, storage and the feel of a substantial offshore cruiser will understand the CT-56 far better.

The second argument is the refit. Engine, teak, sails, electronics, electrics, galley, shaft and propeller cover many of the areas that normally concern buyers considering a classic yacht. That investment does not make the boat new, but it significantly changes the starting point for her next owner.

At this size and level of complexity, she deserves a considered viewing and a proper sea trial. Fontnautic can coordinate the visit, pre-purchase survey, sea trial, documentation and negotiation as one coherent transaction.

Information and viewing

The 1992 Ta Chiao CT-56 “PILLIN” is located in Marbella / Puerto Banús.

For further information, photographs, a viewing or to discuss the transaction, you can contact Fontnautic.