Tartan 27-2 Information, Review, Specs

The Tartan 27-2 was produced for a brief but significant period from 1976 to 1979, with 64 units built during its run. It evolved directly from the original Tartan 27, a groundbreaking model designed by Bill Shaw of Sparkman & Stephens in 1960, which marked Sparkman & Stephens' first fiberglass design and Tartan's entry into the fiberglass sailboat market. Tartan Yachts, founded by Charles "Charlie" Britton, embraced fiberglass construction as a cornerstone of their manufacturing ethos, focusing on quality, innovation, and robust build quality.

The 27-2 introduced several key modifications over the initial Tartan 27. Most notably, it featured a raised sheer line and a leveled-out coach roof, which eliminated the "boxy looking doghouse" of the earlier version. These exterior changes were complemented by significant modifications to the interior, aiming for a more traditional and livable layout. The design's performance roots, established by Sparkman & Stephens, emphasized a balance of all design and construction aspects. Like its predecessor, the Tartan 27-2 features a keel/centerboard hull type, providing a shoal draft for exploring shallow waters while offering improved upwind performance when the centerboard is deployed. A yawl rig and an inboard Universal-Atomic Atomic 4 engine were available as options.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 27-2, with its solid fiberglass hull and centerboard design, is known for its stable and balanced sailing characteristics. Owners frequently praise its ability to sail with the helm unattended in moderate conditions, a testament to its well-balanced design and the advantages of its centerboard. This design allows for a minimum draft of 3.17 feet with the board up, ideal for coastal cruising and gunkholing, expanding access to shallower anchorages. When the centerboard is lowered, the maximum draft extends to 6.33 feet, enhancing its stability and upwind performance. The boat offers adequate performance for a centerboard vessel of its size, hull shape, and displacement, capable of achieving a hull speed of approximately 6.2 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tartan 27-2 benefited from a "wholly new design" compared to the original Tartan 27, with the builder focusing on improved interior living space. The revised accommodation plan provided a more conventional and livable arrangement, often featuring an aft galley. While specific headroom details are not consistently available, the modifications aimed to give the interior a more traditional layout. Typical configurations would include a V-berth forward, a marine head, a main salon with settees, and a compact galley. Tartan's reputation for quality extends to the interior finish, with owners often noting the robust construction and thoughtful use of materials.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tartan 27-2 consistently commend its solid construction and durable build quality, aligning with Tartan Yachts' ethos of producing "heirloom quality" vessels. The loyal community of Tartan owners, including active groups like the Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club, reflects the enduring appeal of the brand and its models.

Common maintenance concerns, typical for boats of this vintage, include potential issues with the original Universal-Atomic Atomic 4 engine, leading some owners to consider repowering. Additionally, while generally robust, some older models may require attention to the centerboard system's operation and maintenance. Owners have also noted that original deck fittings may eventually require re-bedding to address leaks, and worn nonskid surfaces might benefit from renewal. Despite these considerations, the Tartan 27-2 is widely regarded as a well-constructed and well-finished small cruising boat, with many owners tending to retain their vessels for extended periods.