Tartan 31 Information, Review, Specs

The Tartan 31 emerged from Tartan Yachts' long-standing commitment to quality and innovation, with production commencing in 1987 and concluding in 1991, during which 146 units were built. Designed by Tim Jackett, the sailboat was conceived to uphold Tartan's tradition of excellence in sailing, whether for racing or cruising, and to be robust enough for offshore conditions. During this era, Tartan Marine, founded by Charles Britton, was known for its robust fiberglass construction, integrating advanced materials and handcrafted methods at its Grand River, Ohio factory., 15]

The Tartan 31 was offered with variations in its keel design. While a standard maximum draft of 6.0 feet was available, a popular shoal draft version, featuring a Scheel keel, drew 4.33 feet. A later iteration, sometimes referred to as the Tartan 31 Piper, introduced a "Beaver Tail" keel, maintaining a similar draft but with a revised shape, reflecting a continuous evolution in the model's design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 31 exhibits a commendable blend of speed and stability, making her a versatile performer on the water. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.55, she is well-powered, suggesting a lively performance even in lighter air. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.43, points to a stiff and stable hull, capable of standing up to a good breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of about 229.35 places the Tartan 31 in the moderate displacement category, indicating a design that balances performance attributes with the capacity for comfortable cruising.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Tartan 31 for its balanced handling and solid performance. It offers enough power to satisfy a casual racer while providing the comfort expected of a cruising vessel. The boat is noted for its ability to handle well across various conditions, maintaining competitive performance compared to larger vessels of its time. Her fin keel and spade rudder contribute to responsive steering and good maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tartan 31 was designed with offshore sailing in mind, presenting a contemporary yet functional style for a boat of its size. The layout is considered ambitious for a 31-footer, featuring angled bulkheads and hand-rubbed teak cabin furniture throughout, contributing to a warm and classic aesthetic. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design aims for a spacious and functional environment.

Typical interior arrangements include a V-berth forward, a head, a salon area, a galley, and often quarter berths aft. Some owners note that the angled bulkheads, while aesthetically pleasing, can reduce the practical usefulness of the settees as comfortable berths and may result in a relatively small head compartment. Despite this, the overall impression is one of a well-appointed and livable space, reflecting Tartan's reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tartan 31 consistently highlight the boat's solid construction and good workmanship as major strengths. Many appreciate its ability to hold its value well, attributing this to Tartan's reputation for a superior build. The boat is generally regarded as a comfortable cruiser with a good motion at sea, capable of both coastal adventures and day sailing.

However, some common issues have been noted. Mast leaks are a recurring concern for several owners, sometimes requiring diligent application of sealants or leading to persistent frustration. The angled bulkheads, while contributing to the yacht's style, have been mentioned in relation to less-than-optimal use of space for settees and the head, which some owners find quite small. Despite these minor points, the active owner communities, such as those within the Tartan Owners Northeast, underscore a strong sense of loyalty and satisfaction among Tartan 31 owners.