Tartan 27 Yawl Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Tartan 27 Yawl are defined by its heavy displacement and its versatile keel-centerboard design. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the heavier side of the spectrum, the boat offers a stable, "big boat" feel that is rare for a 27-footer. The centerboard design is a standout feature, allowing for a shallow draft of just 3 feet 2 inches with the board up—perfect for gunkholing in the Chesapeake or Bahamas—while extending to 6 feet 4 inches with the board down to improve upwind tracking and reduce leeway.

Under sail, the yawl rig adds a layer of tactical flexibility. According to historical technical summaries from Sparkman & Stephens, the mizzen mast is not primarily for drive, but for balance. Sailors can use the "jib and jigger" configuration (headsail and mizzen) to maintain control in heavy gusts while dousing the mainsail entirely. The boat is known for its ability to "self-steer" with minimal input when the sails are properly trimmed, a trait highly valued by solo navigators. While it is not a light-air flyer, it excels in a breeze, maintaining a steady motion and resisting the "hobby-horsing" common in modern, lighter designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel designed in the early 1960s, the Tartan 27 Yawl offers a surprisingly functional interior, though it reflects the ergonomic standards of its time with a maximum headroom of approximately 5 feet 10 inches. The layout was produced in two primary configurations: the "Traditional" layout and the "Dinette" layout. The Traditional version features a long galley to starboard and a settee to port, while the Dinette version moves the seating to a U-shaped arrangement that converts into a double berth.

The cabin is finished with an abundance of teak and mahogany, providing a warm, classic ambiance that newer production boats often lack. The V-berth forward is adequately sized for two adults, and a compact head sits between the main salon and the forward cabin. Because the Tartan 27 was built on a single hull mold, the Yawl version shares its interior dimensions exactly with its sibling, the Tartan 27 Sloop. However, the Yawl’s mizzen mast is stepped aft of the cockpit, ensuring it does not infringe upon the living space below deck. Later in the production run, Tartan introduced the "Tartan 27-2," a significantly updated version with a different deck mold and interior, though the original S&S-designed hulls remain the most sought-after by collectors.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Tartan 27 is frequently cited by maritime historians as the boat that brought "gold-plater" pedigree to the middle class. It has been a perennial favorite in the pages of Good Old Boat magazine, where it is often highlighted as a premier choice for sailors looking to refit a classic fiberglass cruiser. Its reputation for seaworthiness is bolstered by several documented coastal and blue-water voyages, solidifying its status as a "shrunken" version of the famous Sparkman & Stephens-designed Finisterre.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Tartan 27 Yawl should be prepared for the maintenance requirements of a vintage yacht.

• Centerboard Assembly: The most critical inspection point is the centerboard and its pennant. Over decades, the wire pennant can fray, or the sheave can seize. Most importantly, the centerboard trunk should be checked for osmotic blistering or structural leaks where it joins the hull.
• Deck Core: Like many boats of this era, Tartan used balsa-coring in the decks. Moisture ingress around the chainplates, stanchion bases, or the mizzen mast step can lead to soft spots and delamination.
• Original Engines: Many hulls were originally fitted with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many owners prefer models that have been repowered with a modern diesel (such as a Beta Marine or Yanmar) for safety and fuel efficiency.
• Chainplates: The chainplates on the T27 are bolted through the hull-deck joint. These should be inspected for "crevice corrosion" and re-bedded if there is any sign of interior water staining.

Community & Resources

The Tartan 27 enjoys one of the most dedicated owner communities in the sailing world. The Tartan 27 Association is the primary hub for technical data, offering a repository of original blueprints and modification guides. Additionally, regional groups like the Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club provide a social and technical network for owners of both the 27 and its larger siblings, such as the Tartan 30 and 34.

The Verdict

The Tartan 27 Yawl is a quintessential classic that offers a level of seaworthiness and aesthetic grace rarely found in sub-30-foot modern yachts. It is an ideal vessel for the traditionalist who values a shallow draft and a split-rig configuration over interior volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional Pedigree: Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, ensuring timeless lines and balanced handling.
• Shallow Water Capability: The keel-centerboard design allows access to restricted anchorages.
• Structural Integrity: Overbuilt solid fiberglass hulls that have proven their longevity over six decades.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: Taller sailors will find the 5'10" overhead restrictive.
• Complex Rigging: The yawl rig requires more maintenance and line management than a standard sloop.
• Vintage Maintenance: Common issues like deck core saturation and aging centerboard hardware require a dedicated owner.