Tartan 27 Yawl Information, Review, Specs

The Tartan 27's story begins in 1960 when Charles Britton commissioned Sparkman & Stephens to design a 27-foot auxiliary sailboat, leading to the launch of the first hull in 1961. This marked a pivotal moment for Douglass & McLeod, the Grand River, Ohio-based company founded by Ray McLeod and Gordon "Sandy" Douglass, as it signified their transition into fiberglass construction. The Tartan 27 was, in fact, Sparkman & Stephens' first, or one of their first, fiberglass designs. The design of the Tartan 27 was influenced by the Midget Ocean Racing Conference (MORC) Rule, which aimed to produce robust, seaworthy vessels with practical accommodations, characteristics that defined the boat's initial success.

Production of the Tartan 27, including its yawl variant, ran continuously from 1961 to 1980, first under Douglass & McLeod and then, after a devastating fire in 1971, under the newly formed Tartan Marine, which carried on the popular Tartan line. Over its nearly two-decade production run, the Tartan 27 saw several modifications. Notably, the ballast system was changed from external to internal in 1967. Various interior layouts were also employed, indicating a continuous refinement throughout its manufacturing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 27, whether sloop or yawl, has established a reputation as a well-balanced vessel, often capable of sailing with the helm unattended in moderate conditions. Its design, influenced by the MORC rule, contributed to its reputation as a "real sea-boat." The yawl rig specifically is known for providing greater flexibility in sail trim and easier handling, particularly when sailing short-handed or in heavy weather, due to the ability to balance the sails with the mizzen. The boat's centerboard keel configuration, allowing for a minimum draft of 3.17 feet and a maximum draft of 6.33 feet, further enhances its versatility, enabling access to shallower anchorages while offering improved upwind performance when deployed. [6, Overall, the Tartan 27 Yawl is regarded as a capable and classic coastal cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications for the Tartan 27 Yawl are not extensively documented in initial specifications, general owner accounts and reviews shed light on its accommodations. The original Tartan 27 accommodation plan is often described as "cramped and awkward" by modern standards, featuring a small dinette to port in the saloon. Early models were particularly noted for "poor sitting headroom" in both the dinette and quarterberth areas. Despite these observations, various interior layouts were utilized throughout the production run of the Tartan 27. Owners commonly report that careful reconfigurations of the interior have been undertaken to improve liveability and storage, adapting the boat for extended cruising or racing.

Owner's Perspectives

The Tartan 27 has cultivated a devoted following of owners, many of whom are described as "near-fanatical" and actively engage in racing their vessels. Dedicated owner forums and associations, such as the Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club, serve as valuable resources for collective experience and support.

Owners frequently praise the Tartan 27 for its solid construction and seaworthiness, often highlighting its performance capabilities for a boat of its size. Common maintenance issues or areas of attention noted by the owner community include a tendency for deck delamination, particularly in comparison to certain other contemporary models. The original teak rubrail has been identified as prone to breakage, and some owners have also addressed issues with the bilge pump system, which in some earlier models was linked to the scuppers, necessitating reconfiguration. Additionally, re-bedding or replacing chainplates is a common project undertaken by owners to ensure the boat's structural integrity. Despite these potential challenges typical of older fiberglass boats, the Tartan 27 maintains its status as a well-regarded classic among sailing enthusiasts.