Tartan 43 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Tartan 43 emerged during a pivotal time for Tartan Yachts, which had consolidated its manufacturing operations under Charles Britton in 1971 following a factory fire. Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, a firm synonymous with performance-oriented yet practical yacht designs, the Tartan 43 entered production in 1973. Interestingly, the Tartan 43 is noted as being the first boat produced from the tooling that would later be adapted for the more widely recognized Tartan 41. The additional length of the 43, compared to the 41, is attributed to her extended, more traditional counter stern. This design decision provided for graceful lines while maintaining the inherent performance characteristics. During this era, Tartan Yachts was at the forefront of embracing fiberglass as a primary construction material, moving away from traditional wooden boatbuilding to create vessels known for their robust build quality, including solid lead keels and advanced deck construction techniques.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 43 is configured as a masthead sloop, a rig known for its power and ease of handling in a variety of conditions. Her design ratios indicate a balanced approach to performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.21, she suggests good performance potential, particularly in lighter air, while retaining the capability to handle stronger winds effectively. Her ballast to displacement ratio, an impressive 0.51, points to significant stiffness and stability, enabling the vessel to stand up to a press of sail and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio is indicative of a boat designed to be stable and forgiving under sail. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of around 233.61 places the Tartan 43 firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser. This suggests a yacht that offers a good blend of speed and comfort, neither excessively light for pure performance nor overly heavy, which could compromise agility. While direct anecdotes for the original Tartan 43's handling are less common, Tartan yachts in general are praised by owners for their solid construction and excellent sailing characteristics, often described as well-balanced and capable of pointing high.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the original Tartan 43 (1973 vintage) are not readily available in common databases, Tartan Yachts has consistently maintained a reputation for producing "heirloom quality" vessels with comfortable cruising accommodations., 9] Historically, Tartan's interiors are known for their thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, often featuring warm wood finishes and practical layouts suitable for extended time aboard. Given its overall length of 43 feet and a beam of 12.25 feet, the Tartan 43 would typically offer a spacious salon, a functional galley, a navigation station, and a comfortable forward V-berth, likely complemented by quarter berths or an aft cabin, depending on the specific configuration. Ventilation and storage are generally priorities in Tartan designs, aiming for a liveable and enjoyable cruising experience.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Tartan yachts, including models from this era, frequently commend the brand for its robust construction and enduring quality. The solid fiberglass hull and deck construction contribute to a perception of durability and reliability, with many vessels remaining seaworthy decades after their build. Tartan owners often highlight the good sailing performance and comfortable motion of their boats, even in challenging conditions. While general common issues noted across older Tartan models can sometimes include concerns such as potential galvanic corrosion related to aluminum steel plates or the aging of the outer hull layers over time, these are often general considerations for vintage fiberglass boats rather than specific widespread flaws inherent to the Tartan 43 itself. The strong community among Tartan owners, evidenced by active sailing clubs and forums, underscores the lasting appeal and satisfaction derived from owning these well-regarded sailboats.