Tartan 46 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Tartan 46 spanned from 1972 to 1974, during a period when Tartan Yachts, under Charles Britton's leadership, was consolidating its manufacturing operations and solidifying its commitment to fiberglass construction. Tartan Marine, known for its dedication to "heirloom quality" yachts, utilized robust construction techniques including solid fiberglass hulls and advanced deck construction, ensuring exceptional strength and durability. The Tartan 46, a Sparkman & Stephens design (S&S design #2060), was engineered with a focus on powerful offshore sailing.

During its limited production run, the Tartan 46 offered versatility in its underwater profile, being available with either a deep fin keel or a keel/centerboard configuration. The keel/centerboard option allowed for a shallower draft with the board up (4.0 feet) and a deeper draft with the board down (10.58 feet), offering adaptability for various cruising grounds while maintaining strong upwind performance. Notably, the Tartan 48 shares the same hull as the 46 but features an extended, traditional counter, indicating a successful and adaptable hull form.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 46 feet and a waterline length of approximately 37.5 feet, the Tartan 46 presents a powerful presence on the water. Its sail area to displacement ratio of around 17.9 suggests good performance, especially in lighter wind conditions, making it responsive even when the breeze is light. The generous ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.47, coupled with a lead ballast keel, indicates a stiff and stable yacht, capable of standing up to significant wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio contributes to the boat's reputation as a "powerful machine built to sail offshore in any weather."

The Tartan 46's displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 237.7 classifies it as a moderately heavy displacement vessel. This design choice contributes to a solid and seakindly motion, ideal for offshore cruising, while still offering the performance characteristics of a seasoned racer/cruiser. Anecdotal evidence from Sparkman & Stephens designs of this era suggests a generally balanced helm and good all-around sailing capabilities across various points of sail.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tartan 46 was designed to provide comfortable accommodations for extended cruising, reflecting Tartan's commitment to quality joinery and a functional layout. While specific headroom details are not widely documented, the vessel typically features a spacious and light-filled salon, often characterized by rich cherry interior joinery.

Common interior configurations for the Tartan 46 included a three-cabin, two-head layout, providing ample room and privacy for families or guests on board. Such arrangements typically feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a functional galley, and dedicated navigation station, along with quarter berths or additional cabins aft. The emphasis on robust construction extended to the interior, with quality materials and craftsmanship evident throughout. Fresh water capacity is approximately 100 gallons, supporting extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Tartan yachts, including the 46, generally praise the brand's solid construction and "heirloom quality." Tartan is not known for systemic fiberglass problems, reinforcing its reputation as a well-built vessel. The ownership experience is often characterized by strong community groups, such as the Tartan Owners Northeast, fostering connection and shared experiences among enthusiasts. While specific common issues are not widely reported, owners of older vessels might consider upgrading original deck fittings or winches, with self-tailing winches often cited as a worthwhile improvement for easier handling.