Design and Construction
The Tartan 28 has a solid fiberglass hull built by an American yard with a long S&S pedigree. Her figures describe a balanced small racer. A ballast ratio of 43 percent and a displacement-length ratio of 266 place her among the “moderate racers,” rather than at either extreme of the cruiser-racer spectrum.
Her length-to-beam ratio is 2.88, and her Motion Comfort Ratio is 22.1. These proportions favor responsive motion over condo-like volume. A capsize screening value of 2.01 speaks to a stability profile suited to coastal and moderate offshore use.
Depending on load, the fin keel draws between 4.89 and 5.19 feet. That is shallow enough to tie up in modest marinas without the complication of a centerboard.
Rig and Handling
The masthead rig’s recommended reference sail plan produces a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 17.1. With a 135 percent genoa, that rises to 20.3—a meaningful increase that shows how much light-air performance lies in the foretriangle.
Standing and running rigging dimensions are thoroughly documented. The mainsail, jib/genoa, and spinnaker halyards are each specified at 26.8 meters long and 8 mm in diameter. Jib and genoa sheets are 8.6 meters long, while the 21.5-meter mainsheet and 18.9-meter spinnaker sheet are both 10 mm. Control lines, including the cunningham, kicking strap, and clew outhaul, are specified at 6.9 meters or less.
Under power, the calculated maximum speed is about 5.6 knots, while theoretical displacement hull speed is 6.5 knots. Those figures frame the Tartan 28 as a handy pocket cruiser with enough engine for a calm marina exit.
Dimensions and Accommodations
The published record provides no interior arrangement. What it does offer are figures that help define the boat’s physical behavior. An immersion rate of about 793 pounds per inch and a wetted surface near 258 square feet describe a boat that sits at a sensible waterline and resists being overloaded.
A 23.25-foot waterline and 9.9-foot beam give her a compact but purposeful footprint. Her moderate-racer classification suggests a layout that favors seaworthiness and sail balance over the maximum possible berth count.
Refits and Ownership
The Tartan 28 may be equipped with an inboard Yanmar 2GM diesel, a small, well-regarded auxiliary suited to her displacement.
Because fewer than 200 boats were built, owners form a small community in which shared knowledge of rigging specifications and keel behavior serves as a practical support network. The documented original halyard and sheet lengths also allow a new owner to re-rig the boat to specification without guesswork.
The Verdict
The Tartan 28 is a thoughtfully proportioned S&S design that combines moderate-racer agility with a fiberglass hull produced in a run of fewer than 200 boats. She will best suit an owner who values documented sail-plan figures and a known stability envelope more than generous cabin space.
Pros
- Sparkman & Stephens design with a clear moderate-racer displacement profile
- Fin keel with load-dependent draft under 5.2 feet, allowing access to modest marinas
- Fully specified rigging lengths for straightforward re-rigging
Cons
- Fewer than 200 built, resulting in a thinner used-market support base than that of mass-produced peers
- Auxiliary power limited to a small inboard diesel suited to calm exits rather than sustained motoring
