tartan 30 sailboat review

The boat sleeps six in two quarterberths, a V-berth forward, and a port berth in the main cabin that converts into a double. The head is enclosed, with a hinged door to create privacy by closing off the forward cabin. It has a stainless steel wash basin and shower drain. A hanging wet locker is opposite the head. There were two galley options-side and aft. Both had a sink, a two-burner alcohol stove and an icebox. The aft-galley version added a settee berth to starboard in the main cabin but eliminated the quarterberth. The boat has eight fixed ports for good daytime illumination and grabrails to port and starboard for hanging on in stormy seas. There's a 30-gallon freshwater tank and a 20-gallon fuel tank. Most owners appreciate the imported woods and hand-rubbed oil finish that create a traditional yachting atmosphere. "When you go below, you immediately see the quality craftsmanship," said Tartan 30 owner Dan Llewelyn of Hull, Massachusetts. "It's solid teak, not veneer or plywood." Engine A 30-horsepower Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine drives the Tartan 30, although it may have been replaced. Chesapeake Tartan 30 Association member Dave Alexander notes in the organization's publication that no changes to the engine box were required to install a Yanmar diesel 2GM20. However, he chose the more powerful 3GM30F. Underway When Tartan 30 owners talk about their boats, phrases like "sweet boat," "bulletproof," and "a gem to handle" frequently rise to the surface. "I race Wednesday nights and weekends," Llewelyn said. "In summer, we go for a weeklong cruise. I can tell you firsthand, the rig is bulletproof, comfortable and easy to sail. There's very little weather helm on the tiller. It's very well balanced." James Waddell from North Carolina owns South Bound, a 1975 competitive series T30. "Sparkman & Stephens really knew what they were doing when they designed this boat," he said. "It's so easy to handle and faster than a lot of other boats in its class." Whitehurst added, "It's not the fastest to windward or leeward of its era, but it's a reaching machine and free of most vices such as extreme helm or drunken, IOR staggers downwind." Conclusion The Tartan 30 is an ideal used boat choice for a small family looking to sail offshore in varying sea conditions or simply wanting to have fun racing around the buoys with line-honors confidence. This small cruiser is well built, easy to handle and relatively economical to maintain. PRICE: The price of a Tartan 30 can range from nearly $18,000 to less than $6,000, depending in part on the year of manufacture 0and, more importantly, the yacht's overall condition and what upgrades have been completed. The average selling price is $10,000 to $11,000. DESIGN QUALITY: Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, it resembles the popular Tartan 34 above the waterline. The teak-enriched interiors were offered in a side-galley and aft-galley versions. CONSTRUCTION QUALITY: The fiberglass Tartan 30 was built by Tartan Marine Yachts at its plants in Ohio and North Carolina and the sloops were made to stand the test of time. USER-FRIENDLINESS: Owners contend the Tartan 30 is a charmer under sail. The fixed fin keel and skeg-hung rudder combination provide plenty of lift and nimble sailing. Owners report little weather helm on the tiller. SAFETY: The Tartan 30 was designed and built for racing and offshore cruising. It's solid hull was meant to take a pounding. Its lead ballast is centered over the keel and supplemented with weight from the engine lessen the risk of knockdown or capsize. The standing rigging is stainless steel. TYPICAL CONDITION: The physical condition of the average Tartan 30 is likely to range from good to excellent, mostly due to the rugged hull and deck construction. Owners often comment the sloop is "built like a tank" and "bulletproof." REFITTING: Replacing the gasoline engine with a diesel, upgrading and relocating the traveller, and installing a furling headsail system seem the most common goals among Tartan 30 sailors contemplating a refit. SUPPORT: The Tartan owners website, www.tartanowners.org, offers general information and contacts for all Tartan owners. An active blog is www.tartanownersweb.org and Tartan Yachts www.tartanyachts.com is also a resource. AVAILABILITY: There is no shortage of Tartan 30s on the market because hundreds were constructed between 1972 and 1979, with an estimated 500 still sailing. Boats are currently for sale throughout New England, the Mid-Altantic states, the Great Lakes region and Washington state. INVESTMENT AND RESALE: The Tartan 30 has a loyal following and remains an in-demand pocket cruiser. The 30 sold new for just under $18,000, making the average price today of $10,000 a sound investment. Brokers report Tartan 30s typically sell for 80% of the asking price.

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TARTAN 30 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of TARTAN 30. Built by Tartan Marine and designed by Sparkman & Stephens, the boat was first built in 1970. It has a hull type of Fin with rudder on skeg and LOA is 9.12. Its sail area/displacement ratio 16.97. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Universal, runs on Gas.

TARTAN 30 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about TARTAN 30 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, contributions, who designed the tartan 30.

TARTAN 30 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

Who builds TARTAN 30?

TARTAN 30 is built by Tartan Marine.

When was TARTAN 30 first built?

TARTAN 30 was first built in 1970.

How long is TARTAN 30?

TARTAN 30 is 7.39 m in length.

What is mast height on TARTAN 30?

TARTAN 30 has a mast height of 10.36 m.

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• Sailboat Guide

Tartan 30 is a 29 ′ 11 ″ / 9.1 m monohull sailboat designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Tartan Yachts between 1970 and 1978.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

S&S (#2016) One of Tartans most successful models. Two hull and two interior configurations were available. The standard rig includes a fin keel with skeg hung rudder with draft as shown here. The tall rig has an extra 3 feet of mast, 5.5’ of draft and an extra 500 pounds of lead.(Sometimes referred to as TARTAN 30C.) The interiors came in a center galley and aft galley version. Standard power was the Atomic 4 while some came with a Faryman Diesel. Thanks to ‘callmecrazy’ for supplying additional layout details.

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• Sailboat Reviews

The newest version of the 31 has been

The Tartan 31 is one of the new line of performance cruising yachts from the venerable—and durable—Grand River, Ohio boatbuilder. In the last few years, Tartan Marine has come out with a range of new models, including the T-28, the 3500 and the 4600. A 41-footer is in the works. Both the 28 and the latest version of the 31 are part of the new Piper series, which are marketed in sailaway condition.

The Boat and the Builder

Tartan, now a division of NavStar, has come along way since its early days as one of the pioneer manufacturers of fiberglass auxiliary sailboats. In 1980, Tartan was Douglass and McLeod Plastics, formed by Charlie Britton, among others, to build the nowclassic Tartan 27 centerboarder from Sparkman & Stephens. The first hull was produced in 1961, the last in 1980 for a total of 712—approximately 700 more than Britton’s initial expectation.

During that run, Tartan took its place as one of the major auxiliary builders in America, competing almost on a model-by-model basis with Cal, Pearson and, later, Catalina in producing mid-range cruisable sailing yachts. Tartan also has seen its share of troubles, from a serious plant fire in 1971, through ownership upheavals in the 1980s, and even a brush with voluntary bankruptcy in 1990 when the company shut down for three months. Under NavStar, which also markets the Thomas line of sailboats, Tartan has bounced back and retains unusually strong loyalty among its customers.

By 1991, company sales were outstripping production once again, an enviable position in these down-market times (so bad that even the National Marine Manufacturers Association has stopped tracking sailboat sales). Tartan has been looking for new markets abroad, following up with dealerships in Holland, Great Britain and Japan. In 1992, 25 percent of its business was exports.

There are two versions of the Tartan 31, both the work of Tim Jackett, Tartan’s in-house designer since the 1980s. The first 31s were built in 1987, and 118 were made before Jackett “Piperized” the model for 1992. Aside from adding a sailaway package, which includes North sails, Harken furling gear and lazy jacks, and Autohelm ST 50 instruments, the Piper offers a revised interior layout and a new shoal draft keel. The Piper also carries slightly less ballast with the same hull and rig; otherwise, the two versions are the same.

The 31 is classic Tartan—a medium-displacement cruiser with lots of power for performance and as many amenities as can be worked into 26 feet of waterline. The double-spreader masthead rig carries 507 square feet of sail, 266 in the foretriangle, 241 in the fully-battened main, for a sail area/displacement ratio of 18—enough to provide good speed without being overpowering. Tartan elected to use sweptback spreaders on the Piper, eliminating the babystay, which also clears the way for a (no-cost) optional self-tacking jib. (The standard jib is 135 percent.)

The original 31 displaces 9,030 pounds and carries 3,900 pounds of lead in its external keel, for a 43 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio; ballast in the Piper is reduced to 3,600 pounds for a still-respectable ratio of almost 40 percent. Both versions come with a six-foot deep fin, which most owners eschew for the shoal-draft version. The first 31s carry a Scheel keel, which draws 4′ 4″. For the Piper, Jackett designed (and named) the Beaver Tail, which draws the same but differs in shape, with NACA foil sections for greater lift and a somewhat flattened bulb intended to create an endplate effect and reduce drag. By concentrating the weight lower, the Beaver Tail provides the same righting moment with 300 pounds less ballast. “We feel it’s more performance oriented, that it gives more lift,” said Doug Zurn, a Tartan design engineer.

The hull itself, with an 11-foot beam (one foot more than the old Tartan 30), is full, with a distinct turn at the bilge for less wetted surface in light air, and stability, when the wind rises and the boat digs in. All in all, the 31 offers a stable platform and a blend of good looks and blue-water function. Since Tartans are semi-custom, you have the option of a traditional counter transom or a sportier scoop-style stern, with a somewhat wider swim ladder. Most customers choose the scoop.

Construction

Tartan has a reputation for solid construction and good workmanship and that’s what the 31 is: solid and well put together. The hull is hand-laminated with alternating layers of chopped strand mat and unidirectional E glass. Behind the NPG/ISO gelcoat there’s a layer of vinylester resin, which so far appears to provide the best osmotic blister protection available. Tartan, also a pioneer in cored hulls, has limited its balsa end-grain coring to the deck, because of the 31’s small size.

At a time when such reputable builders as Tillotson-Pearson (now TPI) are moving toward glued-together hull and deck joints, with bolts only at the cleats and stanchions, Tartan is still through bolting the length of the hull, with stainless steel bolts driven every six or seven inches through the solid teak toerail into a molded-in 1/ 4″ aluminum backing strip. The connection is further solidified by 3M’s 5200 adhesive. Down below, a partial liner to support the flooring is bonded to the hull. The keel is secured to the hull by seven 3/4″ stainless steel bolts and a thick bedding. Gear throughout is quality—Harken roller furling, Harken winches and a white Awlgrip-finished mast from Offshore Spars, which rises 48′ 6″ above the water. Deck hatches and opening ports are Lewmar. The engine is an 18-hp. Yanmar diesel.

The 31 has a comfortably deep T-shaped cockpit, a roomy foredeck and sufficiently wide sidedecks to facilitate moving around. Teak handrails and molded nonskid (plus the inboard shrouds) make the fore and aft trip safer. Even so, Tartan has made things easier by leading all sail control lines aft to housetop-mounted winches. Traveler controls also are mounted on the cabin top, although some serious racers have moved the traveler aft of the helm. The helm consists of a large Destroyer-type wheel by Edson “or equivalent” and the helm seat is raised slightly for a better view; owners have commented favorably on its comfort, even after long hours at the wheel. Tartan supplies an emergency backup tiller.

Several 31 owners complain about mast leaks. One found the solution in liberal application of silicone sealer. Another has been frustrated by a persistent leak, possibly from the head of the mast, which requires constant pumping out of the bilge.

One owner spoke of her tie rod not being secured, but attributed the oversight to her dealer. Other Piper owners bemoaned the absence of handy stern chocks.

Performance

Although its design teams have changed, Tartan over the years has shown a knack for getting performance out of its cruising boats. That’s because Tartan emphasizes performance first in its cruisers, Zurn said. “You get a nice teak interior, but they do go fast,” he said. Racers we’ve talked to seem as happy with the 31’s performance as the weekend cruisers are with its accommodations. The 31, like other Tartans present and past, avoids the extremes of some other manufacturers.

One reason for Tartan’s successful blending of elements would appear to be careful attention to rig and sail plan. The double-spreader masthead rig permits extra sail area, resulting in a nicely balanced boat that’s “very forgiving,” in the words of several owners. With 241 square feet in the main, there’s enough sail area for good offwind speed; the big 135-percent jib, with 359 square feet, provides plenty of power to windward, the 31’s best point of sail. Upwind sail trim angles are further enhanced by the inboard shrouds. The boat moves nicely to windward, especially in a breeze, and also handles well dead downwind. Like other Tartans, it is least effective on a broad reach, especially when seas build up, but the good-sized “subtly” elliptical rudder provides adequate control. However, the 31 we sailed last spring on Long Island Sound managed a respectable 5-plus knots on a beam reach in about 10 knots of wind.

The 31 can carry sufficient sail partly because of its keel, particularly the deep fin version preferred by racers (and apparently Tartan’s overseas customers in Holland and Japan). With the shoal keel, the boat naturally loses some windward performance, but does not appear noticeably more tender. According to Zurn, the boat heels 10-12 degrees then “holds its own.” There’s no talk of reefing on this boat until the winds are well over 20 knots; owners report comfortable sailing in 35-40 knots, with a double reef. Adjusting the bendy mast and experimenting with sail trim may be necessary to increase performance in lighter airs. Those to whom performance is a priority should consider installing an optional hydraulic or mechanical backstay adjuster.

Under PHRF, the Tartan rates between 141 and 153, with 150 as an average, and compares favorably to most cruisers of its size and vintage, many of which were trumpeted as “performance” cruisers when introduced. The British-made Moody 31, for example, which displaces about 100 pounds less, carries slightly less ballast and has almost identical sail area, rates between 174-180; the Freedom 32, considerably lighter at 7,610 pounds (with ballast of 3,100) carries 50 square feet less total sail area and rates about 15 seconds slower per mile; the Pearson 31, marginally heavier with about 10 square feet less sail area, has an average PHRF in the 170s.

Down below, the most obvious differences between the original 31 and the Piper are apparent. Both have a definite seaworthy look—angled bulkheads, a businesslike nav station and a U-shaped galley for cooking in offshore conditions. Bulkheads, furniture and cabinets are all teak, offset by an off-white partial liner. The sole is varnished teak and holly. Settee cushions are a plush six inches thick.

In an effort to increase stowage space on the Piper, Tartan removed the port pilot berth and added cabinets and shelves. Settee berths were shifted outboard slightly and the bulkhead-mounted table moved to the centerline. Switching the table permitted the designers to add a second door from the main cabin into the head, through the port bulkhead. This increases access, although some observers feel it decreased privacy.

Also changed was the navigation station, to port as you come down the companionway. The original has a fold-down station (with instruments optional), separated from the main cabin by a full bulkhead. The new, permanent station faces aft behind a partial

bulkhead and offers more room for instruments. The change “opened up the cabin tremendously,” Zurn said. Also under the old arrangement, access to the port quarterberth was partially blocked when the chart table was in use; that’s no longer the case.

Interestingly, owners of the original version prefer the old layout, although for different reasons. One was glad to see the “coffin” pilot berth go, but disliked the nav area changes; another preferred the new nav station, but felt the centerline table intruded on cabin space. Yet another preferred the old CNG stove to the new propane burners.

The forward cabin has the usual double V-berth, with bureau and hanging locker to starboard. Several owners we talked to find the forward berths (about 6′ 9″ long, 6′ 6″ wide at the head, but narrowing considerably) somewhat cramped and stifling and prefer to sleep elsewhere, in the double quarterberth to port or amidships. The quarter berth, 7′ x 5′, is the most comfortable sleeping spot on the boat. The main settees are bunk-sized; the port berth, 6′ 6″ x 2′, will fit an adult, but the starboard bunk, 5′ 6″ x 2′, is more suitable for a child. Overall, Tartan has done a decent job of packing reasonable accommodations into a 31-footer, while retaining some sense of space in a pleasantly nautical environment. Standing headroom is 6′ 2″ in the main cabin, an even 6′ in the forecabin.

Just about everyone praises the easy access to the engine, which is gained by swinging aside the companionway stairs. This allows access to all sides of the engine, including the rear; even the stuffing box is readily accessible.

Light and ventilation are provided by a total of eight opening ports on the house sides, mid-cabin and foredeck hatches, and an extra opening port to the cockpit. Storage below, especially on the Piper, is adequate, if not expansive; topsides, there’s a cockpit locker opening to the starboard quarter, and lockers port and starboard of the helm.

Conclusions

The Tartan 31 strikes a nice balance between performance and cruising comfort. There’s enough power to keep the casual racer feeling competitive, and enough stability to keep the relative newcomer out of trouble. The Piper, fully equipped, retailed in 1993 for $88,580. Tartans traditionally retain their value, and the manufacturer and many of its dealers receive excellent notices for their post-sale service. The BUC Used Boat Price Guide is listing the 1988 pre-Piper 31 at between $61,200-$67,200, but current asking prices from dealers and individuals in classified acts are higher. (BUC, which, in our opinion, used to have slightly inflated values for used boats, seems to have reacted to the soft market by significantly underestimating true value, in the opinion of many dealers we’ve talked to recently.)

There may not be anything earth-shatteringly innovative about the Tartan 31, but it can lay solid claim to being an All-American mid-range cruiser, suitable for inland lake or coastal sailing.

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Bom dia Darrell… Primeiro parabenizar pelo blog e dizer que sou leitor frequente dos seus artigos. Gostaria de ler algo sobre o catalina 30mklll Ficaria imensamente grato se pudesse me enviar link da avaliação caso já tenha feito, e ou algum artigo para eu ler a respeito do modelo propriamente dito. Estou bastante interessado no barco e buscando informações para uma possivel aquisição.

Ansioso por uma resposta e muito obrigado.

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2016 03 Review: Tartan 30 A boat that exemplifies the fast, comfortable and solidly built 30-footer of the 1970s.

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A boat that exemplifies the fast, comfortable and solidly built 30-footer of the 1970s. By Darrell Nicholson -Published:March 19, 2016Updated:April 6, 20201 The early 1970s was the heyday of the 30′ racer/cruiser. The phenomenon was not a coincidence. The Midget Ocean Racing Class (MORC) with a maximum boat length of 30′ had become highly popular. The IOR Three-Quarter Ton Class (a “poor man’s One Ton Class”) had just been formed. And most persuasive of all, a 30′ boat could offer eager boat buyers what they thought they wanted: five or six berths, full headroom, fully enclosed head, complete galley, and big boat heft. Better still, the rapidly maturing fiberglass boatbuilding industry was ready to produce such boats.

These elements combined to produce a whole generation of boats with moderate displacement, beam and draft; rudders well separated from shortened modified fin keels; and masthead rigs with a fairly high aspect ratio, none of which were particularly distorted by the dictates of a rating rule. Much about their design was traditional, yet there were significant departures: long waterlines relative to overall length, high topsides, and reverse transoms that gave them a contemporary look.

The result was such production boats as the Pearson 30, the Yankee 30, the Newport 30, the Cal 2-30, the Morgan 30/2, and the Scampi, to name but a few of the more familiar ones. In all, no less than two dozen boats of a similar size and type were introduced in just three years, many of them to become highly successful among sailors eager for the performance and amenities of big boats at a modest price.

Among the most noteworthy and enduring of the 30-footers from this era has been the Tartan 30. Designed by Sparkman & Stephens when that name was far and away the most prestigious in yacht design, the Tartan 30 exemplified the solidly built, comfortably appointed, fast production boat which typified not just the early 1970s, but, as it turned out, almost the whole decade (the Tartan 30 was discontinued in 1980). In her first year, 1971, the Tartan 30 was the most successful 30-footer on a wide variety of race courses; in 1976 it won the MORC of Long Island Sound, just as another had five years before.

On modern race courses the Tartan 30 gives away a lot to newer racer-cruisers with more efficient sailplans, keel configurations and use of live ballast. And, of course, they give away even more to the present breed of lighter, faster boats which are less compromised by full accommodations, interior room, and heavy rigs.

Yet these are boats whose heritage is the Tartan 30, many of which may no longer be around, let alone competitive, when the Tartan will still be winning some races.

A Close Look at the Boat

The dilemma for a designer in 1970 was to put livable accommodations in a boat with a waterline length that, a decade or so earlier, would have been a daysailer—and still have the boat perform like a racer and not a houseboat. Many of the 30-footers, indeed even larger boats, were only moderately successful with their interior layouts. The Tartan 30 is one of them. In fact, two layouts were available in the 30, one with the galley aft and the other with the galley amidships, stretched out along the starboard side. The midship galley permitted a pair of quarterberths in addition to the “convertible” cabin table/double berth available in both models. The aft galley eliminated a quarterberth but left room for a settee berth to starboard. Owners are clearly divided in their opinions of the two plans. Cooking is avowedly enhanced with the midship galley (although there is no room for a stove with oven); sleeping accommodations benefit from the settee berth arrangement.

The accommodation plan is further complicated by the placement of the engine in the forward end of the main saloon. The engine box is in the way of living space; yet, for accessibility to the engine, the location and openness are unparallelled even in boats twice the size of this one.

As with many boats of the era, the head of the 30 is cramped; so too are the V-berths in the forward cabin, the quarterberth(s), and the aft galley—all the result of the 1970 mandate by boatbuilders’ marketing honchos that as many berths a possible be crammed into all available spaces—not so the boats could sleep that many, but so the advertising could say they could.

The Tartan 30 sails well. In a breeze to windward—perhaps the best test of any boat—she is at her best: comfortable, stable, reasonably handy, and modestly dry. Off the wind she is more steerable than a host of successors with free-standing spade rudders and dagger-thin keels. Only on a broad reach with biggish following seas can her weather helm be tough to handle. Under such conditions, good sail control hardware—vang, traveler, reefing, adjustable backstay, etc—is important.

Under PHRF the Tartan 30 typically has a base rating of 170 to 180, rating faster in areas with heavier winds. In fact, in some quarters the Tartan 30 is regarded as the archetypal PHRF competitor. Her narrow inboard shroud base helps keep her competitive upwind against newer boats, and her directional stability off the wind is better. She does well against such basically similar boats with comparable ratings as the Catalina 30, the C&C 29 and 30, and, except perhaps in the lightest of air, the Pearson 30. She can stay with the likes of a J/30 (PHRF 135 or so) unless the J has a mob on her rail.

For performance in heavier winds, she needs merely a good hand on the helm and some constructive crew work. In lighter winds the Tartan 30 wants all the help she can get: a folding prop, a large, well shaped mainsail, and a genoa of at least 150%. In sailing regions with lots of really light air, her tall rig (optional at one time) is a plus.

The original engine in the 30 was the Atomic 4; by 1975 the Farymann two-cylinder diesel was an option. Located amidships, the engine turns a shaft that exits the after edge of the keel, putting the prop in perhaps its most nearly ideal location: well forward where it is protected and, offset a few degrees, efficient. In reverse, though, it is even less efficient than boats with fully exposed props on shafts.

The cockpit is of average size for boats of the Tartan 30’s vintage. Her low wood coamings are uncomfortable to either sit on or against, but the tiller is far enough aft so that there is good seating forward. The mainsheet and engine controls are awkward to handle, though. And the 30 should have a higher sill in the companionway; the original is too low to keep a flooded cockpit from emptying belowdecks.

Storage aboard the 30 is less than on many comparable boats. With either the two quarterberths or the aft galley and its cockpit-opening icebox there is little cockpit locker space. Sails are thus commonly in the way and a number of owners who sail as a couple have turned the forward berths into a sail locker. Others use the quarterberth. The area under the cockpit sole is also available but less accessible. A word of warning. The Tartan 30 is a wetter boat belowdecks than most. Not only are the quarterberths highly vulnerable to spray and rain through the companionway, but the sink is prone to filling and letting water slosh onto the sole.

What To Look For

As with so many boats as old as the 30, the potential problems fall conspicuously into two categories: cosmetic and structural. Most owners report notable degradation of the gelcoat: crazing, voids, and chalking. Blistering and deck delamination seem about average in frequency.

Belowdecks, the teak cabin sole gets the most complaints; the rather solid (if aesthetically pedestrian) plywood joinerwork gets the fewest. Like such other plain but solid boats as the Pearson 35 and C&C 35, the Tartan 30 lends itself to dressing up of the interior decor. The chainplates are prone to leaks; the ports and hull-to-deck joint seem not to be.

Any prospective owner can do his own quick check of the likeliest structural problems. Since the mast is keel-stepped, the under-deck support is not a problem. However, the mast step and mast butt should be checked, since corrosion from water leaking around the partner is common. The tabbing around the main bulkhead should also be checked

carefully. Likewise the tierod between the deck and step in the way of the mast.

The most important check is in the bilge fore and aft of the external keel. Groundings and improper hauling or storage can result in loosened floor timbers and keel bolts and flexibility or even tearing of the hull. A misaligned engine and/or a gap between deadwood and ballast are clues to such problems. Some owners, either for prevention or during repair, have reinforced the bilge area and parts of the hull where poppets bear weight during dry storage. Note: the Tartan 30 seems to be one of those boats that is

more comfortable being stored in a good cradle rather than on jackstands.

The rig, like most of those specified by Sparkman & Stephens, was designed to be practically indestructible. Given its inherent strength, look primarily for the effects of corrosion at the spreaders and the butt. Many 30s have been fitted with babystays in lieu of forward lower shrouds. For typical cruising we think the babystay is a pain and probably unnecessary, so we’d make it detachable.

Given its accessibility that should have encouraged better than average TLC, the old Atomic 4 should still be in reasonable shape. But have it mechanically checked. There have been reports of engines needing rebuilding after water backed through the exhaust. The fuel tank also tends to rust. The alternative to the Atomic 4, the Farymann diesel, is not necessarily a better bet as an engine since parts are difficult to obtain and expensive.

Conclusions

Having raced alternately on and against a well-sailed Tartan 30, we think there are few boats that have a better blend of performance, strength, and enduring styling from its era. Sure, the 30, like almost all of her contemporaries, sails, feeds, socializes, and nurtures a lot fewer crew members than she can comfortably sleep. Yet, she is a boat well suited for weekend and vacation cruising for a couple, perhaps with a child or two or an occasional guest. With a crew of four or five and a modest outlay for equipment and sails, she can be raced hard in semi-serious PHRF competition. The Tartan 30 does a lot of things of which a good 30-footer, even an old one, should be capable, while remaining a good investment.

Serendipitously, she offers rare dividends: a choice of two quite different accommodation plans, plus both an interior and an exterior that offer a superb opportunity for dressing up and customizing. The 30 is thus remarkably versatile, something that in used boats is a true—and rare—virtue.

At the risk of offending opponents of editorializing, we’d opt for the aft galley arrangement largely because we’re not big fans of quarterberths, gourmet shipboard meals, or boats that have no leeward settee berth on one tack. We would then if necessary upgrade our 30 with a good dodger, added ventilation, additional exterior wood trim, big self-tending winches (inadequate winches seem a chronic deficiency). Then, finally, for racing we’d outfit her with whatever it took to stuff it to those newer designs that think the 30 is an outdated relic.

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Exploring the Charm of the 30′ Tartan Sailboat: A Comprehensive Guide

30′ tartan sailboat specs

The 30′ Tartan Sailboat is a true gem on the water, offering a perfect blend of elegance and performance. Designed for sailors who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of a classic vessel, this sailboat is a work of art. Built with high-quality materials and attention to detail, the 30′ Tartan Sailboat delivers a smooth and stable ride, making every journey a pleasure.

With a length of 30 feet, this sailboat offers ample space for onboard living, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable experience for you and your crew. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art navigation systems, it guarantees safe and convenient sailing in any conditions. The 30′ Tartan Sailboat features a spacious cabin with luxurious amenities, including cozy sleeping quarters, a fully equipped galley, and a stylish bathroom. Its sleek and timeless design will undoubtedly turn heads wherever you sail.

30′ tartan sailboat review

If you are seeking an exhilarating sailing experience, the 30′ Tartan Sailboat is sure to exceed your expectations. With its sleek design and high performance capabilities, this sailboat offers a thrilling adventure on the open water. Whether you are an experienced sailor or a novice looking to embark on your first sailing journey, this vessel is the perfect companion for your nautical escapades.

Built with precision and attention to detail, the 30′ Tartan Sailboat showcases unparalleled craftsmanship. Its sturdy construction and well-balanced design ensure a comfortable and safe sail, even in challenging conditions. Equipped with modern technology and innovative features, this sailboat allows for smooth handling and effortless navigation, making it a preferred choice among sailing enthusiasts.

30′ tartan sailboat pros and cons

Exploring the charm of the 30′ tartan sailboat: a comprehensive guide.

• Exceptional craftsmanship: The 30′ Tartan sailboat is renowned for its superior build quality, offering a sturdy and reliable vessel that can withstand various weather conditions.
• Excellent cruising ability: With its sleek design and well-balanced hull, the Tartan sailboat glides smoothly through water, providing a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience.
• Spacious accommodations: Despite its compact size, the 30′ Tartan sailboat surprises with its well-designed interior, providing ample space for overnight trips or longer excursions.
• Versatile sailing options: Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice, the Tartan sailboat offers the perfect balance of performance and ease of handling, making it suitable for a wide range of sailing adventures.
• Higher price range: The exceptional quality of the 30′ Tartan sailboat comes at a cost, making it a significant investment compared to other vessels in a similar size range.
• Limited storage space: While the interior of the Tartan sailboat is well-designed, it still poses a challenge when it comes to storage. Adequate planning and organization are crucial to maximize the available space.
• Less speed in heavy winds: Due to its moderate size, the Tartan sailboat may face some limitations in extremely windy conditions, resulting in reduced speed compared to larger sailboats.

Exploring the Charm of the 30′ Tartan Sailboat: A Comprehensive Guide features

30′ tartan sailboat interior photos

Step aboard the stunning 30′ Tartan sailboat and enter a world of nautical elegance and timeless beauty. Experience the captivating interior of this remarkable vessel through a collection of mesmerizing photographs that showcase the boat’s impeccable design and exquisite craftsmanship.

From the moment you set foot inside, you will be struck by the seamless blend of comfort and functionality. The interior of the 30′ Tartan sailboat is a harmonious mix of classic and modern elements, creating a space that is both inviting and visually appealing. Here are some highlights of the interior:

• Spacious Cabin: The sailboat boasts a roomy cabin that can comfortably accommodate a small group of sailors. Relax and unwind in the cozy seating area or enjoy a meal at the well-appointed dining table.
• Elegant Furnishings: The interior is adorned with luxurious furnishings that exude an air of sophistication. From plush sofas to elegant wooden finishes, every detail has been carefully chosen to create a refined atmosphere.
• Ambient Lighting: The carefully designed lighting scheme casts a warm and inviting glow throughout the cabin, creating a cozy ambiance for both day and night sailing adventures.

These photos offer just a glimpse into the mesmerizing interior of the 30′ Tartan sailboat. If you’re enchanted by the grace and elegance of this vessel, prepare to be captivated once you step on board.

30′ tartan sailboat specifications

The 30′ Tartan sailboat is a remarkable vessel that encapsulates the essence of sailing. Crafted with the utmost precision and attention to detail, this sailboat is a testament to Tartan’s commitment to quality and performance. Let’s delve into the specifications that make this boat a true marvel on the water.

1. Length and Design

The 30′ Tartan sailboat boasts a sleek and timeless design, measuring 30 feet in length. The perfect balance between size and maneuverability, this sailboat offers an exceptional sailing experience for both novice and seasoned sailors alike. Its elegant lines and classic profile make it a sight to behold on any waterway.

2. Construction and Materials

Constructed with the highest grade materials, the 30′ Tartan sailboat is built to withstand the test of time and the elements. The hull is crafted from durable fiberglass, ensuring superior strength and durability. The deck is thoughtfully designed with a non-skid surface, providing safety and traction even in adverse weather conditions.

30′ tartan sailboat layout

The 30′ Tartan Sailboat offers a truly remarkable layout designed to maximize comfort and functionality while sailing the open seas. This meticulously crafted vessel features a spacious cabin furnished with luxurious amenities, providing an exceptional sailing experience. The clever design incorporates a variety of compartments and storage spaces, making it perfect for extended trips or adventurous voyages.

The main cabin of the 30′ Tartan Sailboat is tastefully designed with elegant accents and premium materials. It boasts a cozy seating area ideal for relaxation, while large windows offer breathtaking panoramic views . The well-equipped galley features state-of-the-art appliances, ensuring that you can prepare delightful meals while cruising. With ample sleeping space, including a comfortable master berth and additional bunks, this sailboat ensures a good night’s rest for all onboard. The intelligently designed head compartment offers modern amenities and ample privacy.

30′ tartan sailboat data

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with the 30′ Tartan Sailboat, a vessel renowned for its elegance and exceptional sailing capabilities. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this sailboat combines timeless design with modern features to provide an unmatched sailing experience. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice enthusiast, the 30′ Tartan Sailboat is guaranteed to take you on remarkable voyages across the open waters.

Designed to withstand various weather conditions, the 30′ Tartan Sailboat boasts an impressive range of features that ensure both safety and comfort. From its sturdy fiberglass construction to its reliable mast and rigging, this sailboat instills confidence even in challenging sailing conditions. Equipped with a spacious cockpit, you can relax and enjoy breathtaking ocean views while effortlessly navigating through the waves.

30′ tartan sailboat diagram

The 30′ Tartan Sailboat, with its classic and elegant design, is a true beauty on the water. This sailboat is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a stunning and functional vessel for both novice and experienced sailors alike. Designed for optimum performance and comfort, the 30′ Tartan Sailboat is perfect for weekend getaways or adventurous long-distance cruising.

One of the standout features of this sailboat is its spacious cockpit, providing ample room for relaxation and socializing. The ergonomic design with comfortable seating allows for enjoyable conversations and unforgettable sunsets. The well-designed deck layout ensures easy maneuverability, making it a breeze to handle even in challenging conditions.

Exploring the charm of the 30′ Tartan Sailboat will leave you captivated with its remarkable design, exceptional performance, and luxurious amenities. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the world of sailing, this sailboat caters to all your needs. Its classic beauty and superior craftsmanship make it a standout choice in the world of sailboats.

Equipped with top-of-the-line features, this sailboat offers an unparalleled experience on the water. From the sturdy fiberglass construction ensuring longevity to the spacious cabin providing comfort during extended stays, every aspect of the design is carefully curated to enhance your sailing adventures. The finely tuned sails and rigging guarantee exhilarating performances, while the ergonomic cockpit and deck layout ensure ease of handling and enjoyable socializing.

30′ tartan sailboat for sale

The 30′ Tartan Sailboat is a magnificent vessel that promises an unparalleled sailing experience. With its sleek design and sturdy construction, this sailboat is perfect for both seasoned sailors and those who are just starting to explore the wonders of the open sea. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it exudes elegance and showcases the perfect blend of beauty and functionality.

Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems and modern amenities, the 30′ Tartan Sailboat ensures a comfortable journey on the water. Its spacious deck provides ample room for sunbathing or enjoying a peaceful afternoon sail. The interior boasts a well-appointed cabin with luxurious features, including a cozy sleeping area, a compact galley, and a stylish bathroom. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended voyage, this sailboat is engineered to cater to all your needs.

Q: What is a Tartan sailboat? A: A Tartan sailboat is a type of yacht designed and manufactured by Tartan Yachts, a well-known American sailboat builder. These boats are renowned for their elegance, performance, and quality craftsmanship.

Q: What makes the Tartan 30′ sailboat charming? A: The Tartan 30′ sailboat exudes charm through its classic design and beautiful lines. It is known for its comfortable and spacious cabin layout, efficient rigging, and excellent sailing performance. The combination of its aesthetics and functionality makes it a popular choice among sailing enthusiasts.

Q: What are the key features of the Tartan 30′ sailboat? A: Some key features of the Tartan 30′ sailboat include a generous cockpit area, well-designed deck layout for easy handling, a reliable and efficient auxiliary engine, and a comfortable interior with adequate headroom. Additionally, its robust construction using high-quality materials ensures durability and seaworthiness.

Q: What is the typical cost of a Tartan 30′ sailboat? A: The price of a Tartan 30′ sailboat can vary depending on its age, condition, and included accessories. On average, a used Tartan 30′ sailboat can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more, while a new one can cost upwards of $100,000.

Q: Is the Tartan 30′ sailboat suitable for cruising or racing? A: The Tartan 30′ sailboat is versatile and can be adapted for both cruising and racing. Its sleek hull design and efficient rigging enable it to perform well on the racecourse. Furthermore, its comfortable interior and ample storage space make it suitable for longer trips and cruising adventures.

Q: Can beginners handle the Tartan 30′ sailboat? A: While the Tartan 30′ sailboat can be sailed by beginners, some prior sailing experience is recommended, especially for handling larger vessels. Its size requires a certain level of skill and familiarity with sailing techniques. However, with proper training and practice, beginners can easily learn to handle and enjoy sailing this boat.

Q: Where can one find more information about the Tartan 30′ sailboat? A: For more detailed information about the Tartan 30′ sailboat, interested individuals can visit the official Tartan Yachts website or contact local yacht brokers who specialize in Tartan sailboats. Additionally, various sailing forums and online communities often offer valuable insights and personal experiences shared by Tartan 30′ owners.

Closing Remarks

In conclusion, exploring the charm of the 30′ Tartan Sailboat opens up a world of adventure and possibilities for sailing enthusiasts. Its impeccable craftsmanship, timeless design, and impressive performance make it an ideal choice for both seasoned sailors and those who are new to the sport.

Through this comprehensive guide, we have explored the various aspects of the 30′ Tartan Sailboat, including its design features, construction materials, and advanced technologies. We have also delved into its versatility, discussing its suitability for both leisurely cruises and competitive racing.

The 30′ Tartan Sailboat showcases remarkable seaworthiness and stability, ensuring a safe and enjoyable sailing experience in varying weather conditions. Its spacious interior boasts all the necessary amenities for extended voyages, while its well-designed deck layout offers comfort and convenience for both crew and guests.

While highlighting its rich history and prestigious reputation, we have also emphasized the practicality and durability of the 30′ Tartan Sailboat. Its reputation for excellent resale value and reliable performance speaks volumes about its enduring appeal and reliability.

Whether you are an experienced sailor looking to upgrade your vessel or an aspiring sailor ready to embark on your maiden voyage, the 30′ Tartan Sailboat is an excellent choice. Its classic beauty, exceptional performance, and uncompromising quality make it an investment that brings joy and fulfillment to any sailing enthusiast.

So, embark on your sailing journey with the 30′ Tartan Sailboat, and discover the allure of the open seas. The exploration of its charm will undoubtedly leave you with memories to cherish and a deeper love for the art of sailing.

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Common Issues With Tartan Yacht Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

October 4, 2022

Key Takeaways

• Tartan Yachts have a great history with quality designs
• Some older Tartans have issues that cannot be ignored in the deck, equipment, and galley
• Pay attention to the condition of the hull and engine
• A thorough inspection is needed before any purchase is made

‍ Tartan Yachts has had many designs over the years that have received positive reception. However, there are some common issues with Tartan Yachts.

Common issues with Tartan Yachts include an aluminum steel plate subject to galvanic corrosion, dark and narrow galleys, the outer layer of the hull is aged, and the cored deck. In addition, there was a serious incident years ago involving a boat that nearly sank due to a crack in the hull.

According to experienced sailors that own a Tartan sailboat, they have to be treated just like every other boat. This means doing the research before anyone decides to buy and maintain it if owning one.

Table of contents

‍ Tartan Yachts Issues

There are a handful of Tartan Yacht sailboats that are perfectly fine in design. The few that commonly have issues are the Tartan 3400, Tartan 3700, and the Tartan 4100.

Surprisingly, the older model Tartan’s were not the ones that had the issues compared to the slightly newer ones. The one’s designed in the 1990’s by Tim Jackett seem to be a recurring thing.

Age and Corrosion

For some boats, 20 years is just the beginning when it comes to life expectancy. However, some Tartan models have needed a little love when sailors are considering a boat with some nautical miles on it.

When looking at a Tartan, I would check the standing rigging, mast hardware, and the chainplates. Corrosion of the electrical system is another problem that needs to be addressed if inspected.

Furthermore, some have an aluminum plate that sped along production. There will likely be a lot of aluminum on the deck in some models.

This, along with dissimilar metals, causes galvanic corrosion. When this happens, it can cause the bolts to strip and make the hull-deck joint potentially fail.

Narrow Spaces and Galleys

Some Tartan’s have an issue of storage and tight galleys. The older models seemed to not focus on the space provided below deck or other areas on the boat.

For instance, there is not enough storage for a propane locker. Some even have low companionways that make it difficult to move around. This makes living aboard full time potentially an issue, including other issues at hand.

Reports have shown that they even used inexpensive materials to craft the galleys. Not only is the space limited, but it is not the best material.

Living full time on a sailboat is arguably more popular now than ever. Some boats’ designs did not have this as a priority, so the attention was simply not there.

Worn Out Hull

Sun damage to the hull is likely to happen to any boat that is older, so this process has to be taken care of over the years. For most casual sailors, this might be overlooked.

If considering a Tartan, I would definitely check the hull for cracks and imperfections. The gel coat previously used might have issues and visible hard spots could be apparent.

A manufacturer deficiency nearly caused a Tartan 3700 to sink in late 2006. Thankfully sailors acted quickly and called for help to be safely extracted.

The overlap between both of the molding sides did not meet lamination specs. This oversight in the construction process allowed a crack to form during normal use of the boat, causing it to take on water. It is important to check any hull, regardless of age.

A lot of older Tartan models used a cored deck instead of full fiberglass. While cored decks are appealing to the eye, they potentially have issues.

If the core soaks enough water, it will delaminate the outer fiberglass layers. This causes it to lose strength and change how it responds to pressure when underway.

This will likely need a professional boat inspection to conclude whether or not it is in good condition. To a trained eye, they will be able to tell the condition.

Not as Comfortable or Convenient

During their time of being built, Tartan Yachts were the affordable version of the Nautor Swan sailboats. The demand for these boats was quite strong, with roughly 500 of the 37 models being built in 1987.

As time passed, they continued to design other models for speed and not pay attention to other areas of the boat. For example, the anchoring system is a bit of a hassle compared to other methods used on various boats.

Everyone will have their own way of making life easier on board. Tartan just happened to have some models that were not as convenient.

Not as Fast

Tartan Yachts are able to sail fast, but only when given the right conditions. Their older models are typically larger and slower than other competitors.

For those that want a Tartan for racing, they might be let down. Older Tartans are not equipped to be a racer like the newer ones are.

Tips on Buying a Tartan Yacht

When considering a Tartan Yacht for personal use, sailors have to be honest about a variety of factors. I would personally inspect the condition of the boat as well as if it fits my budget. Do not be afraid to walk away from a deal if it does not make sense.

There are plenty of boats on the market to choose from, so no impulse buys either. Furthermore, I would take it out on the water during quality wind to see how it performed.

A budget is likely the determining factor for many sailors considering a sailboat. Tartans have held their value over the years, with an average price of $50,000 for older models.

I would also factor in maintenance costs per year for the boat, as well as any potential upgrades that it needs before it is able to sail. If some are not needed right away, this could be included in the equation.

When visiting any marina or checking online, it is important to determine what a good price is for a particular brand and model. In addition, sailors also need to examine current finances to see what is affordable.

A loan for a boat will take some time to put together. Being patient with the process is great to allow anyone the chance to inspect the boat.

Current Condition

If a Tartan has recently been through a “recent refit”, it is important to know that cosmetics are not everything when it comes to performance. While a boat is appealing to the eye when it is cleaned up, this should not be the main selling point.

Instead, I would look to see if new sails have been added, new lines, updates to the electrical system, or if the cored deck has been replaced. Paint often hides corrosion or imperfections, so I would check thoroughly if it has been repainted. These will save time and money down the road.

Depending on how old the boat is, it might be time for a new engine. I would consider what is already available and rebuild if possible.

Some Tartans might need new equipment such as electric winches or replacing an old compass. It is crucial to check the condition of items like these in order to ensure proper sailing.

Larger Galley

Depending on how sailors might use a Tartan, a larger galley could be beneficial. This might mean that a larger Tartan will be in the mix versus a smaller one to acquire a larger galley.

If I were living aboard a Tartan, I would need to accommodate my living space in addition to a crew. There will need to be plenty of room for supplies and essentials for traveling. Without enough room to properly store food or eat, this will make long distances almost impossible to travel.

Every sailor will have a different preference on size. Luckily, Tartan has a few models that do not differ that much in size.

Do Not Get Stuck on Perfect

Every boat is going to have an imperfection somewhere. It is important to understand this so that any potential buyer does not avoid boats that need a little work.

The perfect sailboat does not exist because everyone has different tastes. The best thing to do is find something that works for a specific sailing goal, while also keeping in mind that it could take a little maintenance to get going.

Being afraid of continuing maintenance is a recipe for disaster. Every boat will need love and attention at some point.

Purpose of Boat

What is the main purpose for purchasing a Tartan? Some sailors might want to cruise, live on them, or use it sparingly over a weekend. While they were popular in the 90’s, they are not considered a collector’s item.

Depending on sailing goals, Tartan has plenty to offer for any of those categories. If I were to sail long term, I would look for plenty of space for storage and how it handles offshore sailing. The point is to narrow down exact goals for long term use.

How it Handles Under Power

If taking a Tartan on a test sail, I would inspect how well it responds to the wind. A good 12 to 15 knots of wind is perfect for a boat this size to get a sense of what it is capable of doing. Anything less might make the boat difficult to sail.

I would also inspect the engine and determine how old it is. Check how it works in calmer waters or around the dock. Previous owners could potentially have harmed it with a lack of preventative maintenance.

Avoid Teak Decks

Some Tartans, if they have been restored, might have teak decks. Some even have teak seats, which are another expense to repair or replace.

While these are appealing to look at, it does not affect the performance of the boat. If purchasing a used one, it could make the price more expensive. It also makes the deck quite hot in warmer climates with a lot of sun.

After roughly 15 years, these have to be replaced and can cost a pretty penny. It is best to stick with original material or consider repairing what has already been used.

Type of Naval Architect

Tartan has had a handful of boat designers over the years. When narrowing down a specific boat model in a Tartan, it is important to see who made it.

The older models that had plenty of issues were built by Tim Jackett. However, it was typically during those few years and he has since made plenty of quality builds over the years.

Issues with Keel

One of the most crucial inspections on a boat is the keel. Sailors will need to check bilge area fore and aft outside of the keel.

Mishandling by grounding, incorrect hauling, or improper storage could affect the life of the keel. In addition, the bolts and flexibility of the hull could have been harmed by previous owners.

To check if the keel and hull have issues, look for the engine to see if it is out of line or if there is a gap in between the deadwood and ballast. Some sailors have chosen to reinforce the bilge area and the spots on the hull in which poppets take the brunt of the weight in dry storage. If purchasing from a previous owner, I would ask how they stored the boat.

Where to Find Quality Tartan Yachts

Tartan Yachts was founded in 1971 by Charlie Britton, with headquarters in Painesville, Ohio. They still continue to make quality builds that anyone can put to use in their sailing goals.

For buying new or used models, sailors can search online or at their local marina that sells boats. The most common places to find Tartan sailboats are in the US, mainly in California, New York, and Florida.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Sailboat Review: Tartan 455

• By Herb McCormick
• March 12, 2024

For me, for many reasons, certain boats and brands are synonymous with the waters or regions where they were created. The places are an essential component of the boats’ DNA. I’ll always associate a varnished mahogany runabout with upstate New York, or a cool little vintage catboat with Buzzards Bay and southern New England. Every classic Hinckley or Morris that I come across paints a vivid portrait of coastal Maine. Even yachts that sail or cruise far and wide all over the world still convey a sense of place. Recently, aboard a new Tartan 455, we pointed the bow into choppy Lake Erie, and I intuited an instant connection to the nearby northeast Ohio plant where the boat was spawned. It all felt like home. 

Other people see different things. After I uploaded a photo to social media of myself steering the 455, an old pal quickly hit me back with a comment, asking: “Tartan is still building boats?” 

The answer is an emphatic yes, and pretty darn good ones at that. The company has certainly had its ups and downs over the years, but it’s now navigating smoother waters for a couple of major reasons. First, it was recently acquired by Seattle Yachts, which made significant investments in the product and facilities, and appears firmly committed for the long haul. Second, longtime Tartan designer Tim Jackett is running operations, and the native Ohio homeboy is giving it his all. 

Jackett says that the 455 evolved from powerboats by Legacy, a company Tartan acquired in 2010. “The roots of it came after having some exposure to the Legacy brand and looking at how the deck and interior of that sedan style of powerboat works out so nicely,” he says. His first swing at the design in sailboat mode was a 37-foot motorsailer with a substantial trim tab that powered up at 14 knots. (It was never built.) When the owner of a Tartan 3700 approached him about commissioning a larger boat, Jackett returned to expand upon his earlier incarnation.

“But the concept was the same,” he says. “More of a sailing hull, but a nice, big, well-lit living space with inside steering, and then an aft cockpit that gave you the normal sailing experience of wind and water in your face when you wanted it.”

Jackett says that the 455 evolved from powerboats by legacy, a company tartan acquired in 2010. His first swing at the design was a 37-foot motorsailer.

Down a few steps into the deep ­cockpit, sliding doors open into the salon, which transitions into the forward living areas. The bulletproof laminate is a vacuum-bagged, infused sandwich that employs epoxy resin with a foam core in the hull construction and end-grain balsa in the deck. The lead keel supports a hefty ballast bulb and is available in deep- and shallow-draft configurations.

There are a couple of accommodations plans, including a two-stateroom version or the three-stateroom layout employed in the model we sailed, with guest staterooms to port and starboard, and an owner’s space forward with an attached head. The well-executed joiner work and furniture were cherry, though teak and maple are available (much of it sourced from northeast Ohio’s Amish mills). I’d say that this is primarily a comfortable couple’s boat with space for occasional visits from family and friends. 

Aesthetically, I found the lines plan of the 455 to be handsome and pleasing­—not a particularly easy task with a large ­deckhouse, which Jackett incorporated nicely into the profile.

This is ​​­primarily a comfortable ­couple’s boat with space for occasional visits from family and friends­—A big boat but an easy one to negotiate.

Wraparound windows allow light to pour in from all directions, as does the deckhouse’s overhead window. A split hydraulic backstay provides easy access to the drop-down transom and boarding platform between the twin wheels, which are stationed well outboard. (There’s a single, deep spade rudder.) Moving forward, an outboard ramp rises from the cockpit to the side decks, which makes for easy egress to the topside and foredeck. I believe that this feature originated with the Jeanneau line, and I always thought it was a trend that would spill over to other builders (see the Moody 41DS). It’s just too simple and elegant a solution to an age-old design conundrum. There are grippy stainless-steel handrails just about everywhere. This Tartan is a big boat but an easy one to negotiate.

The carbon-fiber double-spreader rig is fashioned in Tartan’s in-house autoclave, as are the rudder post and other reinforcements. The company’s Cruise Control Rig double-headsail sail plan (also known as a Solent setup) has become a fixture across the brand, with a code-zero-style reacher on the forward stay and a smaller, self-tacking jib on the aft one. The powerful, full-battened mainsail is stashed in a Leisure Furl in-boom furler, and there’s a wide traveler atop the deckhouse that facilitates the end-boom mainsail sheeting. All the running rigging is led into the cockpit and handled by a combination of rope clutches and Harken electric winches. The excellent sails come from Sobstad’s loft in nearby Rocky Hill. 

Over the years, I’ve sailed many a Jackett design, and the common denominator is they sail exceedingly well. We sailed the 455 on an early-fall afternoon after a cold front rolled through, offering up ideal 10- to 15-knot northwest breezes. The waves in the relatively shallow lake were closely spaced. As I took the wheel and came onto the wind under the smaller jib, it took me a while to stop pinching and get in the groove. But once I fell off a good 10 degrees, the boat and I settled in, and it muscled through the chop with aplomb. 

The steering was tight and accurate. Jackett says that he was still playing with the optimal rudder configuration, but it all felt fine to me. Topside, the Jefa wheels are cable-controlled, while the deckhouse steering station is on a hydraulic ram. You toggle between the two, depending on where you’re driving. We swapped out the self-tacker for the large reacher and bore off another 10 degrees, and the boat absolutely lit up, trucking along on a beam reach at bursts over 9 knots in complete and utter control. We even jibed the big sail through the exceedingly tight ­foretriangle, a maneuver I wouldn’t have thought possible. It was quite the sail. 

Fittingly, the first Tartan 455 is going to live on the Great Lakes, with Lake Huron’s North Channel a likely regular cruising ground. But I can envision this being a terrific yacht for the Pacific Northwest and beyond, and ideal for high-latitude adventures. You might not be able to take the Ohio out of a Tartan, but you can take this Tartan just about anywhere.

Where It All Began: Tartan 27

On the back lot of Tartan’s headquarters in Painesville, Ohio, the exact boat that started it all—Hull No. 1 of the sweet little Tartan 27 line, of which more than 700 were eventually built in a production run that lasted until 1979—is awaiting a complete refit. It was fun and ­enlightening, after sailing and reviewing Tartan’s latest offering, to consider how ­production-boat building and design has evolved during the past 60-plus years. The changes have been extensive.

The Tartan 27 was a collaborative effort between Douglass & McLeod Inc., an Ohio-based builder of one-design wooden dinghies such as the Thistle and the Flying Scot, and Charlie Britton, a sailor and businessman who was also reared on the shores of Lake Erie. Following his service in the US Navy, Britton sailed his 42-foot yawl from Japan to the West Indies, a rather unheard-of voyage in the late 1950s. Once home, he joined forces with D&M to commission a 27-footer for coastal cruising and club racing. Being Scotsmen, they decided to name it Tartan.

There were a lot of firsts ­involved here: The T27 was D&M’s first fiberglass boat, and it was one of the initial glass designs from the venerable East Coast firm of Sparkman & Stephens. The chief designer for the project was a young naval architect named Bill Shaw, who would go on to become the principal design chief at Pearson Yachts, where he designed dozens of models. 

Hull No. 1 launched in 1961. With its boxy coachroof and low-aspect masthead rig, it’s hard to believe today that the T27 was considered a performance racer/cruiser at the time, but as such, it was an immediate success. It was designed to compete under the popular Cruising Club of America rating rule of the early 1960s. Like other yachts of that period, including the Pearson Triton and Hinckley Bermuda 40, it featured long overhangs and a short waterline, a narrow beam (8 feet, 9 inches), moderate displacement, a long keel, shallow draft, an aperture-mounted propeller for the Atomic 4 gas engine, a keel-hung rudder, and slack bilges. Most of the early T27s were sloops, though it was also offered as a yawl, which did well under the CCA rule. 

At 7,400 pounds ­displacement, it was not a light boat, but when slightly cracked off, it tracked to weather like a demon. Unlike the Triton, which had a fixed keel, the T27 was a keel-centerboard boat that drew 6 feet, 4 inches when the board was lowered, and a mere 3 feet, 2 inches when raised, making it highly versatile as a pocket cruiser. The original centerboards were bronze, which must have raised some mighty maintenance issues, and is likely why it was soon switched over to steel encased in fiberglass. The ¾-inch fiberglass hull was a proverbial brick house; the deck was balsa-cored. At the time, the construction was state of the art.

D&M followed up the T27 with a couple more venerable “classic plastic” legends, including the Ted Hood-designed Black Watch 37 (which eventually was remodeled and relaunched as the Tartan 37) and another S&S benchmark, the Tartan 34, an expanded version of the T27 that also had a centerboard. Man, for many years, I was bewitched by the 34-footer, and you can still find all of these models in harbors everywhere. 

After a fire in 1971, D&M sold Britton the Tartan division, starting a whole new chapter in the company’s storied history.

As I steered the latest Tartan—a systems-rich yacht finished to an incredibly high degree—I could only wish that Britton were still around to experience the power and speed of a contemporary, long-range cruising yacht. I have no doubt that he’d be amazed, but that sweet little Tartan 27 of his was the inspiration for all that followed.

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Boats similar to Tartan 30C?

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Does anybody know which late 80s or 90s boats have similar character as the Tartan 30 Tall Rig? I like the "classic" lines, center engine, skeg mounted rudder, oversized mast/hardware, and that it feels absolutely rock solid in the Chesapeake chop. The Tartan I was sailing for the last few years has been great, but needs quite a few upgrades (deck re-coring, top side paint, new deck h/w like self tailing winches, new portholes/hatch, head/holding tanks etc). It seems like hiring out to do all this work would cost many times what tartan is worth today and I have almost zero time and skill to do it myself. I guess I'm looking for slightly more modern "racer-cruiser", that would not need any major re-work for 7-10 years. I would appreciate any advice.  

I spent weekend before last on a 2000s Tartan 3400 and was impressed with its performance in 20-25 knot winds, overall fit and finish and did I mention it's gorgeous to look at? Flag blue hull this one. That's a bit newer and larger than you suggested, but I know some owners of a Tartan 3100 and they report similar findings as I did with the 3400. Tartan makes a great boat. EDIT: I originally posted they had a Tartan 3000, but it's actually a 3100. Another Tim Jackett design like the 3400.  

StarwindMango said: I spent weekend before last on a 2000s Tartan 3400 Click to expand...

Hey, Other brands that come to mind would be Sabre Maybe Ericson Maybe C&C Good luck, Barry  

The Yankee 30 is almost exactly the same as the Tartan T30 - both designed by S&S. The Yankee MkIII has the taller rig and more ballast, same as the 30C. YANKEE 30 MKIII (3/4 TON) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com  

If you are trying to stay around 30 feet, in addition to the Tartan 3000 and 3100 mentioned above, look at the Sabre 30 (3 versions) and C&C 30 Mk2.  

I would suggest that the Tartan 30 was a boat that was ahead of it's time and which sail better across a broad range of wind speed, have a better motion, and generally behave better than almost any of the boats on this list. The thing that makes the Tartan a little unique for it's day is that it was designed for the MORC rule and most of the designs above were derived from other rating rules. Consequently the Tartan 30 had a more powerful hull form and less of a pinched stern. This helped increase stability and motion damping. It is most noticable when reaching in a chop. The closest boats to the Tartan 30's sailing ability might be a Soverel 30, or perhaps something like a J-30, Wavelength 30, or less so something like a C&C 27-2 or C&C 30-2. Frankly if it were me I would look for a Tartan 30 that someone already did the work on. Jeff  

Jeff_H said: Frankly if it were me I would look for a Tartan 30 that someone already did the work on. Jeff Click to expand...

Regrettably, unless you planned to keep the boat for a very long time the cost to do all that is not worth it. You will only get a small fraction back if you were to do all that work and then try to sell that boat. But there are Tartan 30s out there that do not have these problems that can be bought for way less than you would spend to put your Boat back in perfect shape. Jeff  

Sabre 30-III. Actually longer than 30 feet. Better keel, better rudder, double spreader rig, diesel, nicer interior. Boat built in the mid to late 80s. Sabre used quality fittings and robust construction. Should be pretty low maintenance. They sail like a dream. http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1987/Sabre-30-MK-III-3023051/Huron/OH/United-States  

Having paid someone to recore the deck on my T30C, I'd suggest staying away from it unless you are willing to spend much more than your purchase price on repairs. That soggy deck on the starboard side is from the design compromises in the starboard bulkhead, which allows the chainplates to shift. Water comes in and ruins the deck and the bulkhead. Once the trim was off you could see that the central plies of the bulkhead were rotted out. That bulkhead plus the recore tripled the price of the boat. If I ever upsize, I'll be selling one with dry decks, structurally sound bulkheads, and an asking price so high only a lunatic would pay it. I guess I'll just have to keep sailing her. She's a great boat!  

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