Nan Tai 37 Info

[wwsteve]

Have been searching for information on the origins of the Nan Tai 37 Cutter

http://ww2.boatus.com/classifieds/AddDetail.asp?Boat=13398

with no luck. I've heard 3 were built in Taiwan and 65 were built in the Cheoy Lee factory others have suggested Japan. Ted Brewer and Robert Perry were both stumped. Have had little response on other list serves.

Although it is a leaky teaky from early 80's probably from Taiwan it has become a personal challenge to try to find the history of Builder, designer and importer here in the US.

Jerry Tremmel of the NanTai owners group spoke highly of his brother's boat but could not tell me the origins.

If you are familiar with this boat and could share your knowledge of it's history, sailing character and primary maintenance issues I would be most appreciative, if not for a possible purchase at least for a little peace of mind in the research process.

Thank you.

ss

[Karma]

Steve,
I have also been searching for info on the Nantai without much luck.I recently purchased my Nantai in Australia a couple of months ago. The boat was sailed here from the States by "Iceman" a couple of years ago. Please keep me informed of any info you find. I have sent you a private message with my email.
Regards

[cvarner]

We have a 1982 Nantai 37 purchased in Oriental, North Carolina. Many of the fittings and finish details (i.e., hatches, port holes, wheel, cabinetry, etc.) match those of the Ta Yang yard (makers of the Tayana 37). I have the original blue prints from the yard and can send .pdf copies to anyone interested.

Our boat was originally a sloop, modified with a staysail and in the mast furling by the previous owner. At 20,000+ lbs, it certainly is not a lite air racer, but you appreciate the strength and performance under rough conditions. We have two kids (4 and 7) who are very comfortable with the ride even in big swell and 25-30 knot winds. The boat does not get pushed around very much, and tracks well with the sails balanced. Top speed is around 7.3 knots with good wind, 6.5 knots motoring on flat water. The boat does ride around a bit at anchor, since there is a lot of windage even bare stick. The previous owner added lead to the bildge area and we are considering more ballast ourselves. Overall the Nantai 37 really is built like a tank.

When we bought the boat there was extensive water intrusion, which was originally attributed to leaking teak decks (i.e., - 'leaky teaky' syndrome). We had to remove much of the ceiling in the aft and rear cabins and some of the side panels to track down the source of the leaks. As it turned out, the leaks were not associated with failure of the teak decks, but rather poor 3rd party workmanship during installation of after market accessories, including the windlass, deck prism, exterior speaker mounts, etc. Nearly all of this work was not done correctly and had developed substantial leaks. Following removal/replacement/re-installation of these aftermarket fittings, the boat has been dry. We are now replacing the ceilings and interior finish work following 24 months without leaks. The original teak decks are still in place, and all we had to do was sand them flat and touch-up a few areas. Note - you need to maintain silicon or other flexible sealant around the chain plate fittings, as on any other boat with chain plates going through the decks.

As far as manufacturing issues inherant to the boat, similar problems to those on Tayana boats have been found. The rudder had water intrusion and had to be re-built. Not very expensive, but much sweat equity - not something I want to do again. The original fuel tanks (4 total, 80 gallons) were black iron and had corroded from the inside, eventually going through racor filter elements in about 4 hours of operation. The tanks could not be salvaged and had to be removed. This job was suprisingly easy, just cut the straps and pull the tanks out of the bildge area. They just fit out the companionway. Two guys, 1 afternoon. We installed a single poly diesel tank (36 gallon) and will be using the extra bildge area for additional water tanks. Lastly, the stock wiring panel was way too small and some of the original wiring may not have been up to code. We replaced with a Blue Seas AC/DC panel and ran new wiring throughout.

Let me know if anyone wants photos, blue prints, etc.

Curt

[bnied]

I purchased my 1982 Nan Tai, hull number 21, approximately 5 years ago and have slowly been making a comfortable boat a little more comfortable and upgrading systems as time and money allow. The little I know about the boat is it was built in Tiawan by Nan Tai Shipbuilding and completed in April 1982. I, like everyone in the forum, am also looking for any history or information about Nan Tai Shipbuilding and/or specifically the NT-37, so if anyone having this knowledge, I would appreciate hearing from you. I concur with cvarner's thread regarding the attributes of the boat and his comment that the boat is built like a tank. It's a little heavy but handles extremely well even in light air. Some boats built in Tiawan have the reputation of being a 'leaky teaky" but I can't say mine falls in that category. I have teak decks also and have not had any problem with them leaking. I would be interested in hearing from other Nan Tai owners. Is there a Nan Tai Owners group anywhere?

Best Regards,
Bill

[dragonclay]

We own a nan tai 37 which we purchased from the importer in 1982, ours has not been modified from the sloop rig YET!. However, we have lots of rot in the non marine ply backing the teak. Otherwise the boat seems well built and has taken our family on quite a few adventures across the great lakes and the mid atlantic.

We lived aboard for 3 years and our older son another 2 years. She has been sailing the farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland the past few years until I retired and now we will re plumb, rewire and repower the boat and take off for parts south to once again use the boat.

When the importer went broke (located in Port Clinton, Ohio) we were able to pick up the boat from the bank. He sold someplace in the neighborhood of 17 boats including several that found their way to the east coast and florida.

Many were used as charter boats on the great lakes before falling into private hands and leaving the lakes. From a yard that was better at making tuna trawlers the workmanship left a bit to be desired. However, the hull layup appeared to be excellent.

Most have rudder issues, many the mast step has been an issue, as well as the shaft setup on the old heavy MD=17 volvo diesels.

Ours could use an additional forestay to move the center of effort a bit forward and ease handling.

We are interested in talking with other owners and sharing experiences.

ron

[kilgorwashere]

I am in the market for a blue water boat and I,m interested in this boat. I haven't heard much about sailing characteristics and I'd like to hear more about any info someone may share. Thanks

[kilgorwashere]

Cvarner
Thanks for your offer I'd love to see the full side profile of the Nan-tai drawings or photos. Thanks

[David Kennedy]

My Nan-Tai 37 is a 1981 and indeed was built by Nan-Tai Shipyard. I have the designer's name and it was something like "Ling" but I haven't looked in my document file in years. It is indeed built like a tank and I love the boat despite my having not sailed it for years (age, divorce ring any bells). The first owner put in a stronger SS tube to support the mast. The helm chain was changed to stainless, the rudder I drilled out for larger bolts, the helm pulleys I changed to get perfect angles to the pulleys, I welded two tabs the bowsprit with two more bolts just so I felt better about the forces. I has terrific engine access and nice carvings on the doors. I removed all four tanks epoxied them and only put two back at I guess 35 gallons each. It made for better access to the bilge. It is a dream to me in seas up to six feet wherein I can walk everywhere with not much thought of holding onto anything. I bare moves when you step aboard with the factory quoting 16,000 pounds at half load. The original portlights were abused by charter folks (via the first owner) and broke the plastic tabs holding them down. One round-the-world guy stopped in Connecticut but only the first owner got to see him. The engine supports were replaced by the first owner based on advice from a Volvo engine mechanic. I reshaped the keel to more of a NASA foil and there was an incredible improvement in upwind handling. I have locked the helm and just let her sail off in a straight line for ten to twenty minutes. At this point my decks need new caulking since the original stuff has dried out even under year-round tarps. It will keep me happily busy next spring as I plan my next move in getting her in condition. I can't find a sailing partner so I guess my dog will get more time in my local park. Good luck, TDK and "Piper"