Tartan 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Tartan 30 was introduced in 1970, marking a significant entry into the highly competitive 30-foot market, with production continuing until 1978. Its design by Sparkman & Stephens, a firm synonymous with prestigious yacht design, aimed to create a vessel that exemplified solid construction and comfortable sailing characteristics. Tartan Yachts, under the leadership of Charles Britton, was committed to advanced fiberglass construction techniques from its early days, ensuring a robust and durable build quality for the Tartan 30.

Throughout its production run, approximately 606 Tartan 30 hulls were built. The model saw variations, including two distinct hull and interior configurations. Standard models featured a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration known for providing excellent control. An optional "tall rig" version was also available, featuring an extra three feet of mast height, a deeper draft of 5.5 feet, and an additional 500 pounds of lead ballast, 6]. This tall rig option was particularly beneficial for sailing in lighter wind conditions. While the Universal-Atomic 4 gasoline engine was the standard power plant, some models were equipped with a Faryman Diesel engine. Interior layouts typically offered a choice between a center galley and an aft galley arrangement, 6].

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 30 is widely praised for its sailing performance and agreeable handling characteristics. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.82, the Tartan 30 demonstrates a good balance of power, capable of performing well across various wind conditions without being overly sensitive. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio, at about 41.1%, is relatively high, indicating a stiff and stable boat that can stand up to a significant breeze. This contributes to its comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 273.25 places the Tartan 30 in the moderate to heavier cruiser category, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly vessel rather than a lightweight racer.

Owners often describe the Tartan 30 as a "charmer under sail," highlighting its ease of handling and surprising speed compared to many boats of its era. It is particularly noted for its performance to windward in a breeze, where it remains comfortable, stable, and reasonably dry. The combination of its fixed fin keel and skeg-hung rudder ensures responsive steering and ample control, making it a well-regarded choice for sailors seeking an easy-to-manage yet capable vessel. The boat's theoretical hull speed is 6.6 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior dimensions are not extensively documented in standard specifications, the Tartan 30 was designed to offer practical cruising accommodations within its nearly 30-foot length. Historically, two primary interior configurations were offered: a center galley and an aft galley version, 6]. Anecdotal reports from owners suggest that the interior feels spacious for its size, with particularly generous bunks.

A typical layout would likely include a V-berth forward, followed by an enclosed head compartment. The main salon would feature opposing settees, which could often convert into berths, alongside a dinette. The galley, depending on the configuration, would be positioned either amidships or further aft, typically equipped with a sink, stove, and icebox. Storage is generally adequate for coastal cruising, provided by lockers and shelving throughout the cabin. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design of the era typically aimed for standing headroom in key areas for comfort. Fresh water capacity is approximately 30 gallons, and fuel capacity for the gasoline engine is around 21 gallons.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tartan 30 frequently praise its robust construction and overall durability, a hallmark of Tartan Yachts' build quality from that period. Many appreciate its ease of handling and stable performance under sail, often remarking on its ability to handle various conditions comfortably. The boat's design by Sparkman & Stephens is consistently lauded for its effectiveness, making the Tartan 30 an enjoyable and forgiving boat to sail. Its reputation as an affordable and relatively economical vessel to maintain also adds to its appeal among those seeking a classic fiberglass cruiser.

However, like many boats of its vintage, the Tartan 30 can present certain recurring maintenance considerations. Owners commonly report that the original chainplates are prone to leaks, often requiring re-bedding or inspection over time. While less frequent, issues with leaks around ports and the hull-to-deck joint have been noted, though less problematic than chainplates. Some owners have also commented on the design of the cockpit drainage being inadequate in certain heavy sea conditions. The presence of a gasoline inboard engine, particularly the Universal Atomic 4, is a consideration for some potential buyers, though many successfully maintain these reliable powerplants. The companionway design, which lacks a bridge deck and features a low sill, has also been mentioned by some as a potential concern for offshore safety, though it also contributes to a more open interior feel.