2014 Tayana Isara 50: Own The Ultimate Blue-Water Cruising Catamaran

Ever dreamed of leaving it all behind and sailing off into the sunset on a luxurious yacht? If you’re a yacht enthusiast or an aspiring world cruiser, you’ve probably caught yourself fantasizing about that perfect boat – the one that can carry you across oceans in comfort and style. Well, meet “Chasing Waterfalls,” a 2014 Tayana Isara 50. This isn’t just any catamaran; it’s a rare blue-water voyager built to make your seafaring dreams come true. In this post, we’ll dive into what makes the Tayana Isara 50 so special, from its robust offshore pedigree and recent upgrades, to the cozy comforts that let you live aboard for the long haul. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped aboard and taken the helm yourself. Let’s dive in!

Introduction: A Catamaran with a Story and a Purpose

Every great boat has a story, and “Chasing Waterfalls” is no exception. This 50-foot sailing catamaran was conceived as a best-in-class cruiser for serious sailors. In fact, the Isara 50 was the first of a new line of luxury catamarans built by the famed Ta Yang (Tayana) shipyard in Taiwan, a yard with a decades-long reputation for quality ocean-cruising yachts . Tayana monohulls are beloved by circumnavigators, and with the Isara 50, they brought that blue-water know-how into the multihull world. The result? A catamaran that’s equal parts strong, spacious, and stylish.

The current owners have truly put this yacht to the test. Picture a family of adventurers raising the sails in Tahiti and making a Pacific crossing to Hawaii – that actually happened! This vessel has already proven its mettle on an ocean voyage. (Translation: she’s got real-world ocean miles under her keel, not just marina hop hours.) After exploring far-flung islands, “Chasing Waterfalls” has been extensively refit and upgraded between 2023–2025 to be better than ever for the next owner. We’re talking new sails, rigging, systems – the works. It’s as turnkey as it gets for a serious cruising catamaran.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from this catamaran:

Key Highlights of the 2014 Tayana Isara 50 “Chasing Waterfalls”:

• True Blue-Water Build: Overbuilt construction, heavy-duty rigging, and design features for safe ocean passages (built by a yard renowned for ocean-capable yachts ).
• Impressive Range & Autonomy: Huge fuel and water capacity (~280 gal fuel, ~640 gal water) , a 35 gph water-maker, solar panels, and generator for off-grid living. (Fun fact: the spec sheet lists a 24,901-mile range – essentially the circumference of the Earth  – underscoring its around-the-world capability!)
• Recent Refit (2023–25): Brand new Quantum mainsail, all-new standing rigging, new headsail furler, comprehensive engine services, and even a new high-end entertainment system. This boat has been pampered and prepared for serious voyaging by her current owner.
• Luxurious Living Afloat: Light-flooded saloon with 360° panoramic views, full-size gourmet galley, four cabins (including an owner’s hull) each with en-suite heads, and even conveniences like a washer/dryer and air conditioning. It’s like a floating apartment – one that can cross oceans.
• Ease of Handling & Safety: Thoughtful design for managing this 50’ catamaran shorthanded – from the flybridge helm with all controls at hand, to wide side decks and protected spaces. Redundant nav systems, autopilot, and robust ground tackle provide peace of mind on the open sea.

Sound like the whole package? It is – and we’re just getting started. Let’s break down the details on why the Tayana Isara 50 stands out in a sea of cruising catamarans.

Built for Offshore Confidence: Strength in Every Fiber

When you’re hundreds of miles from the nearest shore and the weather turns rough, boat quality matters. The Tayana Isara 50 was engineered from day one to tackle true blue-water sailing. Unlike many production cats designed mainly for charter in mild conditions, this yacht takes a no-compromise approach to strength and safety.

Hull & Construction: The Isara 50’s hulls are constructed with vacuum-bagged composites and reinforced bulkheads, yielding a stiff and strong structure. Tayana is famous for “overbuilding” their yachts, and you feel it in this catamaran’s solid demeanor. From the thick fiberglass layup to the massive stainless steel chainplates, everything is beefy. The design also incorporates a unique carbon-fiber mast arch (built by SP-High Modulus engineering) which supports the mast compression loads. This isn’t just tech talk – it means the salon’s roof doesn’t need a space-robbing mast post in the middle, and it keeps the boat strong and stable . In fact, this innovative arch allowed the designers to expand the bridge deck interior further forward than usual, resulting in “the largest saloon of any 50ft sailing catamaran with a 360-degree panoramic view” (more on that in the interior section!).

Rigging & Sail Plan: The rig on “Chasing Waterfalls” is, in a word, overkill – in the best way possible. It was spec’d to be immensely strong yet manageable for cruising sailors. In 2023, the entire standing rigging was replaced with brand-new heavy-gauge rigging, ensuring you won’t have to worry about the mast or shrouds for years to come. The mainsail is a fully battened Quantum sail (brand new), cut for both durability and performance. Combined with an electrically-furling genoa (and room for a gennaker or screecher on a second furler if you desire), this catamaran can sail efficiently in a wide range of wind conditions. What does all this mean for you? You can throttle up the sails when chasing fair winds, but also reef down confidently when the seas kick up, knowing the rig can take it. Few production cats this size instill that kind of confidence.

And if the wind dies? You have twin Yanmar 75hp diesel engines at your service (one in each hull). These engines are mid-mounted for better weight balance and easy access. With two screws in the water, maneuvering in tight marinas is a breeze, and you’ve got redundancy – a nice safety net on long passages. The engines have under 2,600 hours (low for their age), and they’ve been meticulously maintained with injectors, turbos, and other components serviced or replaced so they run like a top. In short, everything about the build and machinery of this yacht is geared towards reliability and seaworthiness. This is the boat you want under you when the going gets tough offshore.

Expert Take: Renowned sailing journalist Rupert Holmes noted that the Isara 50 is “clearly an interesting and innovative new design” offering far more interior volume than other 50-foot cats without compromising sailing enjoyment . It’s a rare balance of comfort and capability – exactly what you need in a blue-water cruiser. And remember, it’s built by the same yard behind countless Tayana blue-water monohulls, so you’re inheriting that pedigree.

Recent Upgrades (2023–2025): Ready to Cross Oceans Today

One of the biggest advantages of buying “Chasing Waterfalls” now is that the heavy lifting (and spending) on upgrades has already been done for you. The current owner invested significantly in the past two years to ensure this catamaran is turn-key for world cruising. Here are some of the major upgrades and maintenance highlights:

• New Quantum Mainsail (2023): A high-quality battened mainsail, cut for performance and longevity. You’ll appreciate the power and easy handling of a modern sail when making long passages.
• All-New Standing Rigging (2023): Every wire in the rigging was replaced, from shrouds to stays. This gives you years of worry-free sailing aloft – a huge plus since rigging replacement is a big-ticket item for used boats.
• Headsail Furler Replacement: The foresail furling system was upgraded with a new Harken furler, ensuring smooth and reliable sail deployment in all conditions. No wrestling with a sticky furler when it’s blowing 30 knots – an often-overlooked but crucial upgrade for safety and convenience.
• Engine and Systems Overhaul: Both Yanmar diesels received extensive servicing. Injectors were serviced, turbochargers cleaned, and fluids/filters changed. The result is dependable propulsion when you need to motor. Other systems like the generator and air conditioning have also been serviced. In essence, the “boring” but important stuff has been handled for you.
• New Entertainment System: After all the hard work sailing, you can relax in the evenings with a state-of-the-art theater system installed. The yacht now boasts a luxurious audio/visual setup (including a vanishing 50” flat panel TV and a surround-sound receiver) for movie nights under the stars. A vast media library (thousands of songs and movies stored onboard) means you’ll never be bored during calm anchorages.
• Electronics & Power: The navigation electronics have seen recent upgrades too – for instance, new Raymarine Axiom chartplotters and 3D depth sounder were installed, along with redundant systems for safety. The boat is equipped with Starlink satellite internet capability and an Iridium GO! for communication, keeping you connected even in the middle of nowhere. On the power side, a 2500W solar array (new in 2023) feeds into a bank of lithium batteries (1600 Ah!), managed by Victron inverter/chargers. Translation: you can run many amenities off-grid and reduce generator use, a huge benefit for quiet, eco-friendly cruising.

And that’s just scratching the surface – many more miscellaneous upgrades (from new deck cushions and sunshades, to a dive compressor and water toys) are part of the package. The takeaway is peace of mind: instead of buying a boat and then immediately tackling a long refit list, here you can simply stock the provisions, plot a course, and go. The heavy prep has been done.

For the gear-heads who love details, here’s a quick tech snapshot: The boat carries an Onan 11.5kW generator, dual Victron 3000W inverter/chargers, 7 Marine Air AC units, a Cruise RO 35 GPH watermaker, and even a built-in washer/dryer. All these systems have been updated or maintained diligently – it’s like a floating offshore-ready condo that sustains itself. Long passages or remote islands, bring it on!

Long-Range Autonomy: Go Further, Stay Longer

One phrase that keeps coming up with the Tayana Isara 50 is “long-range autonomy.” This yacht was designed so that you can spend extended periods away from marinas, exploring far-flung corners of the world. Let’s talk about what that means in practical terms:

• Fuel & Water Capacity: Unlike many 40–50 ft cats that are limited in tankage, Chasing Waterfalls carries approximately 280 gallons of diesel and 640 gallons of fresh water on board . That is huge for a vessel this size. The generous fuel supply gives you a motoring range that outclasses most similar cats – great for doldrum days or pushing through contrary winds. The massive water capacity, combined with the 35-gallon-per-hour watermaker, means you can take long hot showers and do laundry without anxieties about running dry. You could literally cross oceans and arrive with full tanks.
• Power Generation: With both solar power and a diesel generator in the mix, you have redundant ways to keep the batteries charged and the systems running. On sunny tropical days, the solar array can handle a good chunk of the load (running fridges, lights, charging devices, etc.) silently. If you need to run heavier appliances or recharge in a pinch, fire up the Onan genset. There’s also a high-capacity inverter system, so you can use AC appliances (like your blender for those sunset margaritas) straight from the batteries. This level of energy independence is a cruiser’s dream – no need to ration power or seek shore outlets.

Navigation & Safety: Long-range autonomy isn’t just about utilities; it’s also about being able to confidently navigate and handle whatever comes your way. At the flybridge helm station, you’ll find a comprehensive nav suite: twin GPS chartplotters, radar, autopilot, AIS, depth/wind sensors – all redundant and modern. The flybridge (accessible via those cool laser-cut stainless spiral stairs from the cockpit) gives a commanding 360° view and has seating for crew/friends to lounge while under sail. It’s the social hub underway, but also designed such that the helmsman has all lines and winches within reach – meaning one or two people can sail this 50-footer without needing extra crew. For safety, there are broad side decks with high lifelines, handholds everywhere, and deep storage lockers for gear and provisions. Heavy-duty ground tackle (including a new Muir electric windlass and Rocna anchor with ample chain) ensures you stay put when anchored in that remote cove. From life raft storage to automatic engine-room fire suppression, all the serious safety bases are covered. This boat was built to go far and give you the confidence to do it.

Luxury and Comfort Without Compromise

Just because the Tayana Isara 50 is tough as nails on the outside doesn’t mean it’s spartan on the inside. Quite the contrary – the interior is an absolute show-stopper. One of the first things you’ll notice stepping aboard is how expansive and open the layout feels for a 50’ catamaran. Remember that clever design with the raised mast arch? It allowed the saloon to be stretched and opened up, making it incredibly roomy. In fact, the Isara 50’s saloon is larger than any other 50-foot catamaran’s, offering a panoramic 360° view of your surroundings . When you’re relaxing in the saloon, you’re bathed in natural light from the wraparound windows, and you can see the horizon in every direction – it’s stunning whether you’re underway or moored by a tropical island.

The décor and finish are everything you’d expect from a high-end yacht. The joinery is solid teak, hand-finished to yacht standards, with a teak-and-holly sole underfoot. The styling is timeless – nautical but with modern touches. The saloon features a large U-shaped settee and dining table where the whole crew can gather for meals or game nights. To starboard, there’s a dedicated nav station/office area with all your panels and comms gear (a great spot to plan passages or catch up on email via satellite). And to port, seamlessly connected, is the gourmet galley.

Galley Highlights: The galley will make any onboard chef smile. It’s outfitted with a full-size fridge, a separate top-loading freezer, a three-burner induction cooktop and oven, microwave/convection oven, and even a dishwasher in some configurations. Countertops are spacious, with lots of storage for provisions (you could stock up months’ worth of food). There’s a double sink with pressurized hot/cold water (plus a manual pump for backup). The design is open to the saloon, so whoever is cooking is still part of the conversation with everyone in the saloon or even the cockpit – a very social layout. Imagine cooking up the day’s fresh catch while watching the sunset through those big windows, drink in hand – that’s the life aboard “Chasing Waterfalls.”

Cabins & Accommodation: This particular Isara 50 is set up in a 4-cabin layout. The entire port hull is an owner’s suite – essentially a private apartment on the water. It features a queen berth aft, a writing desk and lounge area midships, and a huge en-suite head (bathroom) forward with an enclosed shower.

Despite all the luxury, the design never forgot practicality. There is ample storage throughout the boat – under beds, behind settees, in cabinetry – to store everything from tools and spare parts to tons of provisions. Long-term cruisers know the value of storage, and this cat delivers. Every corner you open has a purpose: a pantry here, a spare anchor locker there, dedicated space for dive tanks and water toys, etc. You won’t have to pare down your gear; bring the paddleboards, the scuba gear, the fishing rods – there’s room.

“The result is the largest saloon of any 50ft catamaran with a 360° panoramic view.”

This quote from a 2012 Cruising World review captures just how revolutionary the Isara 50’s interior volume is. Step into the saloon and you’ll be greeted by an airy, loft-like space on the water. It’s the kind of living area you typically see on a 60+ footer. If you plan to live aboard or entertain guests, the value of this layout is immense – everyone can be comfortable without feeling on top of each other.

The cockpit and flybridge extend the living space outdoors. The aft cockpit (sheltered by the flybridge above) features a large dining table and cushioned seating – an ideal spot for alfresco meals or happy hour at anchor. Teak decks add a touch of elegance underfoot. Climb the spiral staircase to the flybridge and you have another social zone: in addition to the helm seat, there are wraparound settees up top so your family and friends can lounge with a 360° view while you sail. At anchor, the flybridge is a fantastic vantage point for sunsets or stargazing. It’s like having an elevated patio over the water.

From the quality of materials to the thoughtfulness of the layout, living aboard this Tayana 50 means never having to compromise comfort for the sake of adventure. You truly get to have your cake and eat it too – enjoy luxurious quarters and still have a boat tough enough to roam the world.

Who Is “Chasing Waterfalls” Meant For?

You might be wondering, “Is this the right yacht for me?” Let’s paint a picture of who would get the most out of this boat.

• The Aspiring Circumnavigator: If you have dreams of sailing around the globe (or at least doing some ocean crossings), this catamaran is an ideal companion. It’s already equipped with everything you need for serious cruising – you won’t spend years in refit mode. Many sailors spend a fortune upgrading a production cat for blue-water; here it’s done. The Tayana’s proven offshore reputation and this vessel’s track record (she’s already comfortably sailed from Polynesia to Hawaii)  means you can trust her out there. With the Isara 50, you can take off knowing your boat can handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way, all while keeping you and your family safe and comfortable.
• Liveaboard Adventurers & Families: Perhaps you’re less about circumnavigating nonstop, and more about having an exceptional floating home that can slowly explore the world. “Chasing Waterfalls” shines here too. The space and storage allow for full-time living with kids or guests aboard. Homeschooling the kids in the saloon with an ever-changing ocean view? Yes you can. Each person can have their own cabin space, and the common areas are large enough for everyone to hang out together. The boat’s systems (watermaker, big tanks, solar, etc.) let you stay off the grid and away from expensive marinas for extended periods. It’s perfect for doing the “island-hopping while remote-working” lifestyle, or even chartering occasionally (she is a luxury catamaran, after all).
• Luxury Weekend Cruiser or Seasonal Sailor: Maybe you’re not planning to cross oceans, but you want an exceptional yacht for coastal cruising and the occasional blue-water trip. The Tayana 50 will make you the envy of the anchorage at the local islands. Entertain in style with her beautiful flybridge and salon, host friends for a weekend – there’s room and amenities to rival a shore-based vacation home. And when you do want to adventure further (say a Panama Canal and South Pacific trip), she’s ready. It’s like having a versatile SUV of the seas: capable of rugged expeditions, but also elegant for a night at the marina dock.

In short, this catamaran is ideal for someone who refuses to settle for half-measures. You want strength and luxury, performance and comfort, independence and space for the family – the Tayana Isara 50 delivers all of it. It’s a rare breed of boat that can be your sturdy expedition vessel and your floating five-star hotel at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes a catamaran “blue-water” capable, and does the Tayana Isara 50 qualify?

A: Blue-water refers to a boat’s ability to handle open ocean conditions safely. Factors include solid construction, strong rigging, self-sufficiency, and sea-kindly design. The Tayana Isara 50 absolutely qualifies – it was built with open ocean voyages in mind. Its vacuum-bagged fiberglass hulls and beefy structure can withstand heavy seas. Systems like dual engines, redundant electronics, huge tankage, and a watermaker give it self-sufficiency for long crossings. Many production catamarans are designed mainly for fair-weather coastal sailing or charter use, but the Isara 50 stands out as a true ocean-going catamaran (as evidenced by its successful Pacific crossing with a family aboard). In short, it’s a boat you can trust beyond the horizon.

Q: How does the Tayana Isara 50 compare to other 50’ catamarans like a Lagoon or Fountain Pajot?

A: Great question. In the world of 45–50 ft cats, popular models (Lagoon 50, FP Saba 50, Leopard 48, etc.) often emphasize maximized accommodation and ease for charter, sometimes at the expense of performance or heavy-weather capability. The Tayana Isara 50 is a more robust, semi-custom yacht. For example, a reviewer noted that while a Lagoon 500 has similar features, the Isara 50’s extended bridge deck gives it a much roomier saloon and a higher build quality . The trade-off is the Tayana is heavier and built more like a one-off luxury yacht – which is great for comfort and safety, though it might not be as initially cheap as some mass-produced boats. In sailing performance, the Isara’s tall rig and quality sails mean it can actually sail faster and point higher than the more voluminous charter cats, especially loaded for cruising. Additionally, systems on the Tayana (e.g., real teak wood interior, larger engines, higher capacity systems) are often a step up. In summary: if you prioritize rugged build and ocean-cruising capability with luxury finishes, the Tayana is the winner. If you only weekender in calm waters, any production cat might do – but it won’t give you the confidence that the Isara does when you want to expand your cruising grounds.

Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits

We’ve journeyed through the many facets of the 2014 Tayana Isara 50 “Chasing Waterfalls” – from her brawny construction and cutting-edge design, to the creature comforts that make life aboard a pleasure. This catamaran isn’t just a boat; it’s a ticket to freedom. It invites you to envision new horizons: remote Pacific atolls, Mediterranean ports, or even just weekends at your favorite local islands. And it gives you the confidence to go there, knowing you have a vessel that can handle the journey.

What truly sets this yacht apart is the balance it strikes. It’s rare to find a proven blue-water capable cat that’s also lavishly appointed. Usually, one has to compromise – not here. With “Chasing Waterfalls,” you’ll be as comfortable in a gale as you are hosting friends for sunset cocktails at anchor. The heavy lifting of preparation has been done by someone else’s blood, sweat, and checkbook. All you need to do is step aboard and take the helm.

Imagine yourself on the flybridge, trade-wind breeze in your hair, the open ocean ahead. Or anchored off a tropical beach, the watermaker humming as you rinse off under the deck shower after a dive, then settling into the cushy cockpit for a barbecue dinner and a movie under the stars. The world becomes your playground – and your home – with a boat like this.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect sailing catamaran to call your own, this is the moment. Opportunities like this – a truly turn-key, expertly maintained blue-water luxury catamaran hitting the market – are few and far between. The story of “Chasing Waterfalls” is still being written, and perhaps the next exciting chapter will be yours. Don’t let someone else beat you to the helm of this dream yacht. As sailors often say, “buy the best boat you can, and go while you can.” In this case, the best boat is right in front of you, ready to set sail. Will you be the one to seize it?

Fair winds and following seas – and maybe, a waterfall or two to chase along the way. ⛵️🌅