Tartan 48 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Tartan 48 commenced in 1972, emerging from Tartan Marine's facilities in Grand River, Ohio. This era marked a pivotal period for Tartan Yachts, which, under the leadership of Charles "Charlie" Britton, had recently consolidated its manufacturing after acquiring the remnants of Douglass & McLeod. Tartan had pioneered the use of fiberglass in sailboat construction, establishing a reputation for robust build quality and thoughtful design. Sparkman & Stephens, known for creating yachts that expertly blended performance with comfortable cruising, infused the Tartan 48 with their characteristic design philosophy. The yacht was offered with a masthead sloop rig, but notably, it was also available as a ketch. The ketch rig, with its divided sail plan, offered advantages for a vessel of this size, providing easier handling in varying wind conditions and flexibility in sail configuration, particularly beneficial for long-distance cruising. Tartan's commitment to "heirloom quality" construction meant the Tartan 48 benefited from solid fiberglass hulls and decks and a lead fin keel, ensuring exceptional strength and durability., 1]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 48 was designed to offer a balanced and capable sailing experience, befitting its cruising orientation. With a total calculated sail area of 1053.13 square feet and a displacement of 28,500 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio calculates to approximately 17.93. This figure suggests a yacht with good light-air performance for a cruiser, capable of moving efficiently in lighter breezes without being overly tender. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, at roughly 272.63, places the Tartan 48 firmly in the medium-heavy cruiser category. This indicates a vessel designed for comfort and stability in a seaway, with the capacity to carry significant stores for extended voyages.

The yacht features a fin keel with a maximum draft of 7.58 feet, providing good hydrodynamic efficiency and reducing leeway, while its skeg-hung rudder contributes to solid directional stability and protected steering. Although specific ballast weight for the Tartan 48 is not widely published, it is known to have lead ballast, a material choice consistent with Tartan's emphasis on a low center of gravity for stiffness and stability. With a calculated hull speed of 8.04 knots, the Tartan 48 is capable of respectable passage-making speeds, offering a comfortable and confident ride in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Measuring 48 feet in length overall with a substantial beam of 14 feet, the Tartan 48 offers considerable interior volume for a vessel of its era. While detailed layouts can vary between the few examples built, known configurations typically include two heads and a single aft cabin with a bunk. Tartan yachts of this period were recognized for their high-quality interior joiner-work, often featuring furniture-grade cabinetry and thoughtful arrangements that maximized comfort and utility. Although specific headroom for the Tartan 48 is not available, Tartan generally prioritizes good ventilation with ample opening portlights and hatches, contributing to a comfortable living environment below deck. The yacht's generous water capacity of 110 gallons and fuel capacity of 76 gallons further underscore its design as a capable offshore cruiser, enabling extended periods away from shore.

Owner's Perspectives

Given that only six Tartan 48s were built, specific owner reviews and common problem discussions for this model are extremely rare in publicly accessible forums. However, the general reputation of Tartan Yachts, particularly from this period, is one of solid construction and excellent sailing characteristics. Owners of other Tartan models frequently praise the robust build quality, comfortable motion, and the enduring craftsmanship that allows these boats to stand the test of time. Any recurring issues for the Tartan 48, if present, are not widely documented due to its exceptionally limited production run.