Tartan 372 Information, Review, Specs

The Tartan 372 emerged during a period when Tartan Yachts, under the dedicated leadership of Charles Britton, was deeply committed to innovation and advanced construction techniques, moving beyond the traditional wooden boat building towards sophisticated fiberglass methodologies. Launched in 1988, the 372 was an in-house design by Tim Jackett, reflecting Tartan's philosophy of crafting "heirloom quality" yachts that deliver superior all-around performance. 2, 4, 9, Builder Article Notably, the Tartan 372 was recognized early in its production run as a Cruising World Boat of the Year winner, underscoring its thoughtful design and capabilities.

A significant design element was its departure from previous IOR-influenced models, allowing for a more harmonious balance between speed and interior volume. While the standard model featured a fin keel with a substantial 6.83-foot draft, Tartan also offered a shallow draft keel version, reducing the draft to 4.75 feet, providing versatility for various cruising grounds. This commitment to robust build quality included solid fiberglass hulls and decks, ensuring strength, stiffness, and durability, a hallmark of Tartan's manufacturing ethos from the 1980s.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 372 is designed with sailing and powering performance as key priorities. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 17.39 indicates a design capable of respectable performance, particularly in lighter air, making it responsive and enjoyable in a wider range of conditions. The Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.427 is a strong indicator of the boat's inherent stiffness and stability, suggesting it can stand up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heeling, providing a comfortable and secure motion offshore.

With a Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL) of roughly 231.75, the Tartan 372 falls into the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, balancing comfortable cruising amenities with a performance-oriented hull shape. This combination allows for efficient sailing, with reports suggesting the boat "sails away under a reach." The design features a single spade rudder and fin keel (or shallow draft keel option), contributing to its direct steering and maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tartan 372 is thoughtfully laid out to maximize livable space, a characteristic sometimes enhanced by features like angled bulkheads in the main salon that increase the perception of usable volume. While specific headroom details are not provided in the primary data, the design typically includes a spacious forward cabin with a large V-berth, measuring approximately 6 feet 5 inches in length.

The deck design of the Tartan 372 anticipates frequent short-handed sailing, prioritizing safety and comfort, which extends to the interior with well-placed cabin dome lights and berth directional lighting. Typical interior arrangements would include a main salon with settees and a dining area, a functional galley, a dedicated head compartment, and often quarter berths or an aft cabin, depending on the specific configuration. Owners generally find the interior finish to be of high quality, consistent with Tartan's reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and robust materials.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Tartan 372s frequently commend the boat's solid construction and overall sailing performance. The active owner communities, such as the Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club and Tartan Owners Northeast (TONE), highlight the brand's enduring appeal and the loyalty it commands. Many owners consistently praise the Tartan 372's ability to handle various sea states with comfort and stability, aligning with its robust design ratios.

While specific recurrent issues for the 372 are less frequently detailed in broad owner discussions, general Tartan commonalities, such as the potential for an aluminum steel plate to be susceptible to galvanic corrosion or the aging of the outer hull layer, are sometimes mentioned across the brand's older models. Some owners have raised questions regarding the engine's location under the galley sink, specifically concerning potential noise or diesel smells, though direct confirmation of widespread issues is not consistently reported. However, one original owner of a Tartan 372 reported no cable or chain problems with their steering system, suggesting overall reliability in that area.