Hood Tartan 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tartan 37 is perhaps best known for its versatile keel configurations, a hallmark of Ted Hood’s design philosophy. While a deep-fin keel was available, the vast majority of hulls were produced with a keel-centerboard arrangement. This design allows for a modest 4’ 2” draft with the board up, facilitating gunkholing in shallow waters like the Chesapeake Bay or the Bahamas, while extending to 7’ 9” with the board down to provide exceptional upwind tracking and stability.

With a displacement of approximately 15,500 pounds and a Sail Area/Displacement ratio in the mid-15s, the Tartan 37 is not a light-air flyer, but it excels as the breeze builds. Its motion in a seaway is frequently described by owners as predictable and "kind," avoiding the jarring motion of lighter, modern fin-keel boats. The boat’s tracking is aided by a skeg-hung rudder, which provides both protection for the steering gear and a steady feel on the helm when reaching. According to historical data from Tartan Yachts, the model's design was specifically optimized to maintain performance across a wide range of sea states, a trait that helped it achieve a successful PHRF racing record in the 1980s.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tartan 37 reflects the "heirloom quality" craftsmanship the builder is known for, featuring extensive use of hand-finished teak and a layout designed for use at sea. The standard configuration includes a forward V-berth, a large head with a shower to port, and a main salon with a folding centerline table. A notable feature is the pilot berth located above the starboard settee, providing a secure place to sleep while underway, while the port settee often converts into a double berth.

The galley is a classic U-shape, positioned near the companionway for ventilation and ease of access for the cook while the boat is heeled. Over the production run, Tartan offered two primary interior arrangements: the "Standard" layout and the "Scheel Keel" or "Plan B" variants, which occasionally modified the navigation station and quarter-berth configuration to provide more storage for long-term cruisers. The headroom is generous for a boat of this era, exceeding 6’ 2” in the main cabin, which contributes to the vessel's reputation as a viable full-time liveaboard.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Tartan 37 should conduct a rigorous inspection of the following areas, which are common points of wear for yachts of this vintage:

• Centerboard Assembly: On centerboard models, the stainless steel pennant and the bronze pivot pin are prone to wear and corrosion. It is critical to ensure the board operates smoothly and that the trunk has not suffered from structural "oil-canning" or leaks.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of the 1970s and 80s, the Tartan 37 used balsa coring in the decks. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step can lead to delamination. A professional moisture meter test is highly recommended.
• Chainplate Anchors: The chainplates are bolted to fiberglass knees bonded to the hull. While robust, the caulking at the deck level must be maintained to prevent water from migrating down and compromising the bulkheads or the knees themselves.
• Engine Service: Many original models were equipped with Westerbeke diesel engines. While reliable, parts for older 4-cylinder models (like the Westerbeke 40 or 33) can be expensive. Many well-maintained units have since been repowered with Yanmar or Beta Marine engines.

Community & Resources

The Tartan 37 benefits from one of the most active and technically proficient owner communities in the sailing world. The Tartan Owners Association provides an extensive repository of technical manuals, original brochures, and DIY repair guides. Regional groups, such as the Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club and Tartan Owners Northeast (TONE), organize annual rendezvous and maintains a wealth of knowledge regarding specific hull-number variations.

The Verdict

The Tartan 37 is a premier choice for the sailor who prioritizes build quality and offshore capability over modern, high-volume "condo" styling. It remains a definitive example of the American racer-cruiser era.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality with an emphasis on structural integrity.
• The centerboard option provides a rare combination of shallow draft and deep-water performance.
• Classic, timeless aesthetics that hold their value better than most production boats of the same era.
• Strong, supportive owner community and readily available technical history.

Cons:

• Balsa-cored decks require vigilant maintenance to avoid expensive delamination repairs.
• The cockpit is smaller than modern designs, as it was optimized for safety at sea rather than dockside entertaining.
• Heavy displacement means it can be sluggish in light air (under 8 knots of wind) without a large genoa or spinnaker.