Tartan 31 Piper Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tartan 31 is widely regarded by the sailing community as a "sailor’s boat," characterized by its responsiveness and balanced helm. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 236 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio hovering around 18.0, the boat is nimble enough to perform in light air while remaining stiff enough for offshore coastal work. According to technical assessments from Practical Sailor, the boat’s performance is significantly influenced by its keel configuration. While a deep-fin keel was available, many hulls were equipped with the Scheel Keel, a patented high-lift, low-center-of-gravity design that allows for a modest 4' 4" draft without sacrificing the upwind pointing ability typically lost with traditional shoal-draft boats.

On the water, the 31 tracks exceptionally well. Owners often report that the boat can be "balanced" to the point where the tiller or wheel requires minimal input once the sails are trimmed. The hull features a relatively fine entry and a flattened run aft, which helps the boat reach hull speed quickly without the hobby-horsing common in older, more pinched designs. It is a frequent competitor in PHRF racing, often carrying a rating around 150 to 160, making it competitive against larger, contemporary cruiser-racers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its performance-oriented hull, the interior of the Tartan 31 reflects the company's "heirloom quality" philosophy, utilizing extensive hand-oiled teak and a traditional teak-and-holly sole. The layout was innovative for its time, successfully squeezing a "big boat" feel into a 31-foot frame. The design includes a genuine aft cabin with a double berth, a feature that was just beginning to become standard in this size class during the late 1980s.

The main salon provides approximately 6' 2" of headroom and features a U-shaped settee to port with a folding table, allowing for comfortable dining for four. The galley is located to starboard and is surprisingly functional, equipped with a deep stainless steel sink, a two-burner stove, and a well-insulated icebox. A notable sibling variation is the Tartan 3100, which followed this model; while built on a similar ethos, the 3100 introduced more rounded interior moldings and an even more open layout. In the original 31, the head is located aft to port, providing easy access from the cockpit and serving as a wet locker for foul weather gear.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Tartan 31 with a focus on its composite construction and mechanical age. While the hulls are solidly built, three specific areas require scrutiny:

1. Deck Core Saturation: Like many boats of this era, the Tartan 31 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step is a common "gotcha." High-signal technical discussions on owner forums frequently cite the need for re-bedding deck hardware to prevent structural delamination.
2. The Mast Step: The aluminum mast step is prone to corrosion if the mast-base drains are clogged. Buyers should inspect the base of the mast and the compression post support for signs of "pitting" or structural settling.
3. Engine Cooling: Most Tartan 31s were powered by the Yanmar 2GM20F. While these are reliable engines, the mixing elbow is known to carbon up, and the raw-water pump seals should be checked for slow leaks that can lead to corrosion on the front of the engine block.
4. Keel-to-Hull Joint: The "Tartan Smile" (a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint) is occasionally reported. While often cosmetic, it can indicate the need for re-torquing the keel bolts or renewing the sealant.

Community & Resources

The Tartan 31 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner networks in North America. The Tartan Owners Northeast (TONE) association is a primary hub for technical documentation and regional meetups. Furthermore, the Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club provides a wealth of historical knowledge specifically for owners on the Atlantic coast. These groups maintain technical wikis that cover everything from rudder bearing replacement to specific rigging upgrades for the 31.

The Verdict

The Tartan 31 is a sophisticated, "grown-up" small cruiser that offers a level of build quality and sailing pedigree rarely found in modern production boats of similar length. It strikes an excellent balance between a weekend family cruiser and a capable club racer.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Hand-crafted teak interiors and robust hull construction.
• Versatile Draft: The Scheel Keel offers a "best of both worlds" solution for shallow-water cruising.
• Timeless Performance: Fast enough to be rewarding for experienced sailors while remaining forgiving for novices.

Cons:

• Aging Systems: Most examples will require updates to electronics, plumbing, and standing rigging.
• Deck Maintenance: Balsa-core decks require vigilant maintenance of hardware bedding.
• Limited Storage: While the layout is excellent, storage for long-term cruising is tight compared to modern, beamier 31-footers.