Tartan 33 Information, Review, Specs

The Tartan 33's production run spanned five years, from 1979 to 1984, with 201 hulls built by Tartan Marine. The design originated in May 1978, when Tartan commissioned Sparkman & Stephens to create a new cruising boat. The design philosophy behind the Tartan 33 aimed for fast cruising and easy-going sailing, drawing some heritage from the successful Tartan Ten, another 33-foot design.

Tartan Marine, founded by Charles "Charlie" Britton, was known for embracing fiberglass construction early on and for its commitment to robust, "heirloom quality" yachts. The builder's ethos during this period emphasized superior all-around performance, solid lead keels, and advanced deck construction techniques, all hallmarks reflected in the Tartan 33. Over its production, the Tartan 33 featured a Scheel keel as standard, with a maximum draft of 4.56 feet. Early boats were noted to have a slightly shorter fore-triangle. Notably, the Tartan 33 design evolved into the Tartan 34-2 in 1984, which involved extending the stern and modifying the interior layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 33, with a length overall of 33.67 feet and a waterline length of 28.83 feet, is characterized by its balanced and responsive sailing performance. Its design integrates a fractional sloop rig with a sail area of 530.78 square feet.

Calculated performance ratios offer insight into its sailing characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio: At approximately 18.26, the Tartan 33 demonstrates a good balance for a cruiser-racer, suggesting it performs well in lighter winds while still being manageable as the breeze builds. Boats with SA/D ratios around or above 18 generally exhibit good light-air performance.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio: With a ballast of 4,400 pounds in a 10,000-pound displacement, the Tartan 33 boasts a B/D ratio of 0.44. This relatively high ratio indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio: A D/L ratio of approximately 186.78 positions the Tartan 33 as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser for its length. This contributes to its reputation as a "lively" and "fun to sail" vessel.

Anecdotal reports consistently describe the Tartan 33 as a "tender, lively, solid, and fun to sail" boat that delivers rewarding overall performance. Its fractional rig contributes to easy sail handling and trim. The Scheel keel, a standard feature, contributes to its stability and good upwind performance. While generally praised for its sailing prowess, some owners note that the T-shaped cockpit could be more user-friendly.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tartan 33 is designed to be a functional and cozy space, ideal for a couple or a small family. Owners frequently commend the quality of the joinery work, which adds to the boat's classic appeal and robust feel.

Typical interior arrangements often feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees, a galley, and a head. While the specific maximum headroom is not consistently documented, the overall layout is described as predictable and effective. A notable aspect mentioned in owner discussions is the polarizing nature of the head's configuration, which was designed to maximize interior space. Overall, the interior is well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend trips, providing comfortable living spaces commensurate with a vessel of its size and era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tartan 33 consistently praise its solid construction and the overall quality of its build, often describing it as a "well built" and "handsome" boat that retains its value. The "beautiful interior joiner work" and the "great owner support network" are also frequently highlighted as significant strengths, fostering a strong sense of community among Tartan owners. Owners generally find the boat capable and rewarding to sail, suited for both fast cruising and casual outings.

However, common maintenance considerations and potential weaknesses have also been noted. Some owners report issues with the original mast wiring and advise checking the mast step for signs of corrosion. Rudder problems on the Tartan 33 have also been discussed within owner forums. Additionally, instances of rust-like stains running down the hull have been mentioned. Despite these points, the general consensus is that such common issues are not "deal-breakers" and are often addressable, reinforcing the boat's reputation for durability and long-term ownership appeal.