Tartan 33 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tartan 33 is widely celebrated for its balanced helm and predictable sea-kindliness. Much of its reputation stems from the innovative use of the Scheel Keel, a shallow-draft design developed by Henry Scheel. This keel features a flared "t-bulb" at the bottom that provides a low center of gravity while maintaining a draft of only 4 feet, 6 inches. According to editorial retrospectives in Cruising World, the boat exhibits a surprising degree of lift for its shallow draft, allowing it to point higher than many contemporary swing-keel or wing-keel designs.

With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio hovering around 235 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17, the Tartan 33 falls squarely into the "performance cruiser" category. It is not a light-air specialist, but it excels in a breeze, remaining stiff and dry when other 33-footers might be forced to reef. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well off the wind due to its skeg-mounted rudder, which provides a steadier feel than modern spade rudders. For those seeking more aggressive performance, Tartan produced the 33R sibling. The "R" variant utilized the same hull but featured a deeper 6-foot-3-inch fin keel, a taller mast, and a more open, racing-oriented cockpit, significantly increasing its potency on the racecourse at the expense of cruising convenience.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tartan 33 reflects the "form follows function" ethos of Sparkman & Stephens. The cabin is notable for its generous 6-foot-2-inch headroom and extensive use of handcrafted teak, which provides a warm, traditional ambiance. The layout is somewhat unconventional for a boat of this size, featuring a "T-shaped" cockpit that allows for a larger-than-standard navigation station and a dedicated quarter berth to starboard.

The main salon typically includes a U-shaped settee to port that converts into a double berth, with a straight settee to starboard. A distinctive design choice is the location of the head, which is situated between the salon and the forward V-berth, spanning the full width of the beam. This configuration creates a privacy buffer and allows for a more spacious shower area than found on most 30-footers of the era. While most hulls were finished with the standard teak-and-holly sole and rich wood bulkheads, the 33R variant often featured a more Spartan interior with less wood and more exposed fiberglass to save weight.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Tartan 33 should focus their surveys on several common areas associated with the model's age and construction methods:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Tartan 33 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the chainplates, stanchions, and mast step can lead to localized soft spots or delamination. This is a high-signal area for inspection using a moisture meter and percussion hammer.
• The "Tartan Smile": A common observation on Tartans of this vintage is a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, it can indicate the need to tighten or replace the stainless steel keel bolts, especially if there is evidence of rust weeping.
• Universal Diesel Engine: Many original 33s were equipped with the Universal 5424 or similar early-model diesels. While robust, these engines may suffer from raw-water cooling clogs or manifold corrosion. Buyers should check the exhaust riser and the condition of the heat exchanger.
• Mast Step Compression: The Tartan 33 features a deck-stepped mast. It is vital to inspect the compression post and the fiberglass "shoe" on the cabin top for signs of sagging or cracking, which can occur if the rig has been over-tensioned for decades.

Community & Resources

The Tartan 33 enjoys a dedicated following, supported by several regional and national associations. The Tartan Owners Northeast (TONE) group is particularly active, organizing regattas and maintaining a technical archive of owner-contributed modifications. Additionally, the Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club serves as a primary hub for owners on the Atlantic coast, providing a network for sourcing hard-to-find replacement parts and sharing advice on the unique maintenance requirements of the Scheel Keel.

The Verdict

The Tartan 33 remains a premier choice for sailors who prioritize build quality and pedigree over modern "condo-maran" volume. It is a stout, sea-kindly vessel that holds its value well.

Pros:

• S&S Pedigree: Excellent hull lines that balance speed with comfort.
• Shallow Draft: The Scheel Keel allows access to coves and harbors that deep-draft boats cannot reach.
• Build Quality: Solid fiberglass hull and superior teak joinery.
• Stability: A high ballast ratio makes it a forgiving and stiff boat in heavy weather.

Cons:

• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared for potential deck core repairs or engine repowering.
• Cockpit Layout: The T-shaped cockpit, while great for the navigator, can feel cramped for a large crew during social outings.
• Performance in Light Air: Its displacement means it requires a decent breeze (10+ knots) to really come alive.