Design and Construction
Jackett’s hand shows in the proportions as much as the structure. The hull is resin-infused using multi-axial E-glass and closed-cell foam coring, creating a void-free laminate that is exceptionally stiff, strong, and lightweight. Tartan has for years built hulls and decks with vacuum-infused, all-epoxy composite technology that makes the structures light but almost immortal under normal circumstances, and the 335 continues that approach. A cast lead keel with a low center of gravity provides the stability needed to carry a generous sail plan, and the boat is offered in deep fin and shoal beavertail drafts so owners can tailor performance and access to their preferred cruising grounds.
Rig and Handling
The 335 comes standard with a carbon spar, and the all-carbon mast and boom are roughly half the weight of a traditional aluminum rig. That weight savings lowers the center of gravity, reduces pitching, and increases sail-carrying ability, while writing in Cruising Compass, the reviewer noted the lighter rig enhances hull stability and reduces pitching in a head sea. Tartan’s Cruise Control Rig utilizes a self-tacking jib and a furling masthead reacher to deliver a wide performance range; the self-tacking jib makes for easy upwind work and a 155 percent reacher gives plenty of horsepower off the wind, with upwind area of 601 square feet and downwind area of 845 square feet. Twin wheels improve sightlines, cockpit flow, and access to the swim platform, and the boat will be a cinch for a lone watchkeeper to manage alone.
Accommodations
Below, the 335 is configured as a couple’s boat with one cabin and four berths. The owner’s cabin forward has a commodious V-berth with hanging lockers and storage all around, while the salon settees can double as guest bunks or, with lee cloths, sea berths. Six large opening portlights and four opening deck hatches bring light and air below. The head includes a semi-stall shower, and just aft of it is a true wet locker for foul-weather gear. The galley carries lightweight composite countertops with Granicoat, a two-burner cooktop over a draw-style fridge, and a deep pull-out pantry on stainless steel drawer slides forward of the stove. An optional stainless steel drawer refrigerator adds conveniently located cold storage. The cockpit itself is set up for a couple, with a molded well in the center for stowing folding bikes, roll-up dinghies, or SUPs, yet a crew of four or five still has room to function for an evening race.
Power and Specifications
A 20 hp diesel saildrive — specified as a Nanni N3.21 21 hp diesel with saildrive — moves the 9,000 lb fin-keel version (9,200 lb shoal) and 3,350 lb ballast fin (3,550 lb shoal). Fuel capacity is 25 gallons and water is 40 gallons. Bridge clearance is 52 ft 2 in. The cockpit, twin wheels, and manageable sail plan support the builder’s claim that she makes a wonderful day-sailer as well as a weekend cruiser for a couple and a child or two.
The Verdict
The Tartan 335 distills Jackett’s modern-classic idiom into a 33-foot cruiser that is genuinely manageable short-handed yet roomy enough for a couple to live aboard on weekends. The epoxy-composite hull and carbon rig are not styling exercises; they lower the center of gravity and keep the boat stiff and quiet in a head sea, while the Cruise Control Rig removes most of the friction from sailing her solo or as a pair.
Pros
- Carbon spar half the weight of aluminum lowers center of gravity and reduces pitching
- Self-tacking jib and furling reacher make short-handed sailing straightforward
- Vacuum-infused epoxy composite hull is exceptionally stiff and durable
- Deep and shoal draft options tailor the boat to cruising grounds
- Thoughtful couple-oriented layout with true wet locker and molded cockpit stowage
Cons
- Single-cabin, four-berth plan limits privacy for more than a couple and a child
- 25-gallon fuel and 40-gallon water capacities are modest for extended cruising
