Many sailors want a boat with traditional looks, fine joinery, strong construction, conservative lines, and all the modern convenience. The craftsmen at Tayana have been putting these elements together for many many years.
The Tayana 48 hull is a solidly built Bob Perry design. The cruising skipper can create an interior layout choosing from a range of options designed around the popular center cockpit configuration.
The 40-foot waterline is relatively long to produce good speed, and the boat's underwater profile features a long-chord keel of moderate draft and a solid rudder mounted on a large skeg for good tracking and control response. The hull has a moderate reverse transom. All these components together form a contemporary and well-proportioned boat.
Every Tayana can be slightly different below decks to accommodate the individual owner's needs. The design process is an easy one, since Tayana's factory dealers use a computer-aided design (CAD) system to layout potential interiors suited to specific needs.

In winds that ranged from 10-20 knots for the test sail, the cutter rig 48 slid through the short, steep waves easily with a solid, gentle motion. The boat sails well to windward in these conditions, and off the wind it tracks ruler straight; it's stable and easy to steer.

The Tayana 48 represents a refined approach to the questions of getting a well-executed interior and a solid, proven hull form.

The Tayana 48 DS is a variation on the company's popular 48-footer. Designer Rob Ladd added a deck saloon and raised the floor structure on Bob Perry's original hull to create a spacious, open interior. Raising the saloon floor not only improved visibility from the cabin, but also opened more space for tankage, always welcome on a cruiser.

Warm, traditional teak joinery is everywhere. The large wrap-around saloon windows keep the living spaces bright, and headroom (in spite of the raised floor) will make any tall sailor smile. The master cabin aft is equipped with a large double bunk on centerline, a private head and stand-up shower stall, a hanging locker, and plenty of storage space. Two and three cabin accommodation plans are available for guest staterooms.

The boat's systems are carefully installed, with substantial wiring and plumbing.

On deck, toe rails that are more like mini bulwarks combine with 32-inch-tall lifelines and tree-sturdy stanchions to provide a secure feeling under way. The high center cockpit is comfortable and dry with a  step down from the cockpit to the deck. The ground-tackle system is outstanding. Hefty bow rollers and a powerful windlass make it easy to set and raise the hook, and oversized polished stainless mooring cleats are strong, well placed, and aesthetically pleasing.