Tartan 31 Piper Information, Review, Specs

The Tartan 31 Piper emerged in 1992 as a restyled and updated version of the original Tartan 31, following Tartan Marine's re-establishment from bankruptcy. This iteration featured a revised interior layout and a distinctive "Beaver Tail" keel, a design by Tim Jackett. The Piper model later evolved into the Tartan 3100, continuing its production legacy. During this era, Tartan Yachts, under Charles Britton's leadership, was known for its commitment to robust fiberglass construction, thoughtfully designed vessels, and a continuous embrace of advanced materials and techniques, including infused epoxy for hulls and decks, ensuring "heirloom quality" yachts. Jackett's design philosophy for the Tartan 31 aimed for excellent stability, low wetted surface, and powerful sailing lines, resulting in a hull designed for good behavior and performance across diverse wind and wave conditions. Notably, while the original Tartan 31 carried a Scheel keel, the Piper's "Beaver Tail" keel offered the same 6.0-foot draft but with a different shape, and the Piper also carried slightly less ballast with the same hull and rig compared to its predecessor.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 31 Piper's design ratios provide insight into its sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.58, the Piper demonstrates good potential for performance, particularly in lighter air, while remaining a capable cruiser. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio of roughly 0.398, or nearly 40%, indicates a stiff and stable boat, well-suited to standing up to stronger winds and maintaining an upright stance. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of around 228.77 places it firmly in the mid-range of cruising boats, suggesting a balance between a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel and a heavier, more traditional cruiser. Overall, the Tartan 31 Piper is described as striking a nice balance between performance and cruising comfort, offering enough power for competitive casual racing while ensuring a comfortable motion. Its handling is generally praised for its good behavior and performance in various sea states, emphasizing a design that provides excellent stability and powerful sailing lines.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tartan 31 Piper features a revised layout compared to earlier Tartan 31 models. Designed with offshore sailing in mind, the interior nonetheless presents a contemporary style. Descriptions often highlight a "seaworthy look" characterized by angled bulkheads. The typical interior arrangement includes two cabins and a single head. Owners have noted the cabin's interior often features teak with a flat, reddish hue. While specific maximum headroom is not consistently documented, the design aimed to pack reasonable accommodations into its 31-foot length. Storage capacity is generally considered adequate, although individual needs may vary.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tartan 31 Piper frequently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway. The boat is often seen as a reliable and capable cruiser that can also offer competitive performance for casual racing. The robust build quality and thoughtful design, hallmarks of Tartan Yachts, are consistently appreciated by its owners. While specific recurring issues for the Piper variant are not widely detailed, the general consensus points to a well-built vessel that provides a rewarding ownership experience. Active owner communities, such as the Tartan Owners Northeast, further underscore the brand's enduring appeal and foster connections among enthusiasts.