The Tartan 28, introduced in the mid-1980s, represents a pivotal moment in the lineage of Tartan Yachts. As the successor to the legendary Sparkman & Stephens-designed Tartan 27, the 28 was tasked with modernizing the brand’s entry-level cruiser without sacrificing the "heirloom quality" reputation established by its predecessor. Designed by Tim Jackett—his first solo design for the company—the Tartan 28 moved away from the full-keel-and-centerboard configurations of the 1960s in favor of a more contemporary underbody, featuring a fin keel and a spade rudder. This transition allowed the boat to offer significantly more interior volume and sharper performance, bridging the gap between a traditional coastal cruiser and a more spirited club racer. Produced between approximately 1985 and 1990, the model served as a blueprint for the "modern Tartan" aesthetic that would later define the 31 and 37-foot models of the 1990s.
Tartan 28 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Tartan
- Model
- 28
- Builder
- Tartan Yachts
- Designer
- Sparkman & Stephens
- Number Built
- 136
- Production Year(s)
- 1984 - 1990
Below are the most recent Tartan 28 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date |
|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | 1 | $19,500 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | $9,500 |
| Sep 2025 | 2 | $18,500 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | $29,500 |
| Jan 2026 | 3 | $26,500 |
| Mar 2026 | 2 | $26,500 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tartan 37 | 37.29' | $49,000 | 45 | 12 |
| Catalina 28 | 28.5' | $25,000 | 28 | 4 |
| Tartan 3500 | 35.21' | $98,000 | 18 | 5 |
| Tartan 31 | 31.33' | $34,000 | 14 | 0 |
| Tartan 40 | 40.25' | $89,900 | 14 | 0 |
| Tartan 33 | 33.67' | $27,000 | 14 | 2 |
| Tartan 34-2 | 34.42' | $29,900 | 13 | 5 |
| Tartan 30 | 29.92' | $11,250 | 12 | 0 |
| Tartan 28 | $23,250 | 10 | 3 | |
| Tartan 28 Piper | 28.25' | $31,900 | 6 | 3 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $23,250 | 10 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Tartan 28 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Tartan 28 over the past 12 months is $23,250. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Tartan 28 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 10 Tartan 28 listings over the past 12 months, with 3 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Tartan 28 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Tartan 28 has increased by 13.98% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- What are similar sailboats to the Tartan 28?
- Comparable models include the Tartan 37, Catalina 28, Tartan 3500. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.