Tartan Pride 270 Information, Review, Specs

The Tartan Pride 270 entered production in 1985, a creation of Britton Chance, an American maritime architect known for his contributions to yacht design, including work related to the America's Cup. This model emerged from Tartan Yachts during a period where the builder, founded by Charles Britton, was committed to advancing fiberglass construction and delivering high-performance, "heirloom quality" yachts. Tartan's manufacturing ethos, which emphasized robust construction and thoughtful design, is evident in the Pride 270's solid fiberglass hull and deck, and its use of a fin keel and spade rudder for optimal hydrodynamics. As a limited-production model, with only 18 units ever built, the Pride 270 stands as a unique example of a mid-1980s performance cruiser from a reputable American builder.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan Pride 270 is engineered for spirited performance, a characteristic reflected in its key design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (ratio_sa_disp) of 26.68, she is notably powerful for her size, suggesting excellent performance in light winds, a trait frequently lauded by those familiar with the boat. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio (ratio_bal_disp) of 46.37% indicates a high degree of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a breeze and carry sail effectively, contributing to a stable and predictable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length ratio (ratio_disp_lwl) of 132.06 classifies the Pride 270 as a very light and performance-oriented design, capable of agile handling and competitive speeds.

The fractional sloop rig contributes to a lively sailing experience, offering efficient sail trim and responsiveness. Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Pride 270 as "very fast," particularly in lighter air, and a "blast to sail," with a PHRF rating typically around 135, cementing its status as a proven race winner. Its fin keel and spade rudder configuration provides excellent directional stability and maneuverability, making her responsive to the helm. Some observations suggest that, as a performance-oriented design, she might feature rigging elements like running backstays, which, while enhancing trim capabilities, could imply a more "complicated" setup for some sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the interior accommodations and layout of the Tartan Pride 270 is not extensively detailed in publicly available specifications or reviews, likely due to its limited production run. While the boat's primary focus leans towards sailing performance, it is generally understood that vessels of this length from the mid-1980s, especially those with a performance emphasis, typically offer a functional but compact interior. Detailed specifics on features such as V-berths, head compartments, salon arrangements, galley configurations, or quarter berths, along with comments on finish quality, materials, storage, or ventilation, are not readily available through common public sources.

Owner's Perspectives

Given the limited number of Tartan Pride 270s built (only 18), comprehensive owner reviews and detailed discussions of common problems are not as widely available as for more prolific models. However, consistent with Tartan Yachts' overall reputation, owners of these vessels benefit from the builder's commitment to "heirloom quality" construction and robust build standards, which typically translates to durable hulls and decks. Owners generally praise the Pride 270 for its strong sailing performance, particularly its speed and handling characteristics, confirming its design as a capable racer suitable for competitive and enjoyable day-sailing. While specific recurring issues for the Pride 270 are not well-documented, general discussions within the broader Tartan owner community, such as the Tartan Owners Northeast (TONE) group, often focus on routine maintenance, potential upgrades, and the shared enjoyment of owning a well-regarded Tartan yacht. Any potential buyer considering an older Tartan, including the Pride 270, would benefit from a thorough survey, as some older models from the brand have been noted for possible issues with deck and equipment over time.