Tartan 5300 Information, Review, Specs

Designed by the prolific Tim Jackett, a long-standing Chief Designer for Tartan Yachts, the 5300 embodies his philosophy of the "performance cruiser"—a hybrid vessel excelling in multiple facets of sailing.

History and Design

The Tartan 5300 entered production in 2009, continuing Tartan Yachts' tradition of innovation and quality that began in 1960. Under Tim Jackett's design leadership, Tartan has consistently focused on developing and utilizing cutting-edge composite technologies. The 5300 reflects this ethos, featuring infused BPA modified epoxy for its hull and deck, along with a carbon fiber mast and boom, showcasing an ongoing evolution in composite technology. 6, 15, Tartan Builder Article This commitment to advanced construction ensures exceptional strength, stiffness, and durability. Tartan Builder Article

The design goals for the Tartan 5300 centered on delivering optimum performance and ease of handling within a spacious cruising platform. Its center-cockpit and raised salon deck plan are integral to its extensive interior arrangement, providing excellent on-deck visibility and security. The yacht is characterized by its clean lines and a clever double-headsail solent rig, allowing for versatile sail configurations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 5300 is engineered as a performance-oriented cruising boat, a fact underscored by its key design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.96, the 5300 suggests a boat with ample power, capable of performing well in lighter winds while still being manageable as the breeze builds. Its Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of about 36.6% contributes to a stable platform, though not as stiff as some dedicated racers, it provides a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 170.6 classifies the Tartan 5300 as a moderately light to medium-displacement vessel, indicating a yacht that is not overly heavy for its length, promoting good speed and impressive daily passages.

Anecdotal reviews confirm the 5300's strong sailing characteristics, describing it as a "powerful world cruising yacht" that is a "fast sailer." Its narrow waterline entry angle contributes to its rewarding sailing characteristics and ease of handling. The vessel's "Cruise Control Rig," featuring a carbon fiber mast, a small overlapping working upwind headsail, an off-wind furling reacher, and a Leisure Furl™ in-boom furling system, makes the 5300 manageable for a couple from the cockpit, enhancing its cruising appeal.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite the limited explicit detail in its specifications, the Tartan 5300's interior is renowned for being extensive, expansive, and inviting, making full use of its raised salon and center-cockpit deck plan. It is consistently described as featuring a very high-quality interior with luxury accommodations. The typical arrangement includes large staterooms both fore and aft, providing a spacious owner's cabin usually located aft. The boat generally offers three guest cabins with berths accommodating six to eight people.

The main cabin is designed for comfortable lounging and relaxation. Owners benefit from a choice of interior layouts, with the standard finish featuring meticulous varnished cherry joiner-work complemented by luxurious fabrics. This attention to detail and material quality aligns with Tartan's reputation for handcrafted construction and heirloom quality yachts. Tartan Builder Article

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Tartan yachts, and by extension the 5300, often express a strong sense of satisfaction and loyalty to the brand, often finding their boats to be "a boat you can love." The strong sense of community among Tartan owners, evidenced by active owner groups, underscores the enduring appeal and loyalty commanded by the brand. Tartan Builder Article While specific widespread issues for the 5300 model are not frequently reported, Tartan generally has a reputation for robust construction, with one source noting, "Tartan is not known as a low end builder and I've never heard of systemic fiberglass problems with them." Owners consistently praise the overall quality and durability inherent in Tartan's design and construction. Tartan Builder Article