Tartan 37 (Hood) Information, Review, Specs

The Tartan 37 (Hood) began production in 1965, a period when Tartan Yachts, under the leadership of Charles "Charlie" Britton, was embracing fiberglass as a primary material for sailboat construction, moving away from traditional wooden boats. The builder's commitment to robust construction and thoughtful design was evident in their early models. The Tartan 37 (Hood) is directly related to the Ted Hood-designed Black Watch 37; in fact, it is essentially the same design but with an all-fiberglass coach roof, replacing the original wood for reduced maintenance. Ted Hood himself built approximately 15 hulls designated as the Black Watch 37, which inspired the later Tartan 37 Classic. This model should not be confused with the later Sparkman & Stephens-designed Tartan 37-2, which was introduced in 1976.

These vessels were offered with significant variations during their production run, including options for a fin keel (with a maximum draft of 5.08 feet) or a keel-centerboard configuration, which allowed for a draft of 9.33 feet when extended and 3.83 feet when retracted [2,. Furthermore, owners could choose between a sloop or a yawl rig; the provided specifications indicate a yawl configuration for this particular model [2, 5,. This adaptability in design catered to a range of sailing preferences and regional water depths.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 37 (Hood) offers sailing characteristics typical of a heavy, traditional cruiser. With a calculated displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 393, she falls into a heavier class of sailboats, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than outright speed. Her sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 15.97 indicates that she might be slightly underpowered, particularly in lighter air. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of 28.7% suggests a moderate level of stiffness, meaning she might heel more readily in stronger winds but possesses an excellent righting capability.

Despite being slightly underpowered, the Tartan 37 (Hood) has a calculated hull speed of 6.77 knots. The yawl rig, as specified, is often favored for its ease of handling, as the sail plan is broken into smaller, more manageable units, which can be advantageous in varying wind conditions and for short-handed sailing. Anecdotal evidence suggests that while not exceptionally stiff, her beam and hull shape contribute to a stable platform.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom is not provided in the detailed specifications, the interior of the Tartan 37 (Hood) is typically described as conventional, featuring a standard main cabin layout with settees. Historically, owners have noted the abundant use of teak and teak plywood, which, while lending a classic aesthetic, can make the interior feel dark and "cave-like". The boat is equipped with a generous 95-gallon fresh water capacity, suitable for extended cruising [5,. Layouts generally include a V-berth forward, a head, a salon with settees, and a galley, though specific arrangements can vary.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often regard the Tartan 37 (Hood) as a highly sought-after used sailboat, appreciating its enduring build quality and ability to retain value. Many praise its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in rougher conditions, which aligns with its heavy displacement design. Owners consistently highlight the boat's suitability for both coastal cruising and potential bluewater adventures. A common observation, as mentioned in various reviews, is the somewhat dark interior due to the extensive use of wood, a characteristic of boats from this era. While specific recurring mechanical issues are not widely cited, the overall sentiment points to a durable and well-built yacht that, with proper maintenance, continues to be a reliable and enjoyable vessel for its owners.