Among the competing boats in its size range in the 2019 BOTY fleet, the 395 wasn’t quite as beamy. Even so, its carefully designed hull form provides exceptional interior volume without sacrificing sailing performance. Jackett’s influence is clear in a boat that stands apart from ordinary production cruisers.
Design and Construction
Tartan builds the 395 to ABS standards at its factory in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. The resin-infused hull uses modified epoxy vinylester resin around closed-cell foam coring above the waterline, producing a void-free laminate that is exceptionally stiff, strong, and lightweight. The deck has an end-grain balsa core and is joined to the hull with both hardware and adhesives, creating a rigid, lightweight structure.
Rather than the iron ballast used by many builders, Tartan fits lead. Three bolt-on keel configurations are available: a deep 6-foot 2-inch fin, a 4-foot 10-inch Beavertail, and a 4-foot 3-inch keel/centerboard for true shoal draft. These options allow the 395 to suit a wide range of cruising grounds.
Tartan owns its own autoclave, which allows the company to produce both the carbon-fiber rudder shaft and the carbon rig. Wiring is tinned, color-coded, and run through conduits to prevent chafe. The plumbing is neat, well secured, and easy to reach, while the through-hull fittings are Marelon.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
The 395 carries Tartan’s Cruise Control Rig, a double-headsail arrangement intended to make sailing easier without sacrificing performance. A self-tacking jib flies from an inner stay, while a code-zero reacher sets on the outer stay. Both are supported by a light, double-spreader carbon-fiber spar that weighs half as much as typical aluminum rigs.
A German-style mainsheet is double-ended to port and starboard, leading to large winches within easy reach of the driver. On the tested boat, the mainsail flew from a Leisure Furl boom that worked perfectly. Wide twin helms provide clear sightlines and leave an easy central walkway to the transom platform.
Test sailors described the helm response as light but positive. The boat initially felt tender, then stiffened as it leaned to a moderate heel angle and remained there. Close-hauled under main and self-tacking jib, it easily pointed to within 35–40 degrees of the true wind and made 6.5 knots. Reaching in a Chesapeake Bay norther, it sailed at an effortless 7 knots.
Under power, the four-cylinder 40 hp Volvo diesel saildrive and fixed two-blade propeller produced 7.4 knots at the full-throttle figure of 2,900 rpm. At a cruising speed of 2,400 rpm, the boat made 7.1 knots. Its turning circle was very small—no more than a boatlength—and backing, stopping, and turning were predictable and precise. The spade rudder did, however, call for a firm hand on the wheel.
Cockpit and Deck
The 395’s traditional profile, gentle sheer, stout coamings, and deep, cozy cockpit give it a different character from many European mass-market cruisers. A third pedestal, positioned forward of and between the twin helms, holds the engine and lighting controls along with a Raymarine chart plotter.
The fold-down transom step leads to a modest swimming and boarding platform. The anchoring setup includes a polished stainless-steel chain, a stainless anchor, and a large windlass, together making a beautiful anchoring system.
Accommodations
Below, the 395 reflects Tartan’s reputation for superior joinery. Its handcrafted cabinetry uses select North American hardwoods, with maple, cherry, or teak available. Solid raised-panel doors help create a refined interior rarely found in production sailboats. The tested boat had honey-toned solid maple joinery and a traditional teak-and-holly cabin sole.
The layout provides two cabins and seven berths. There is a second double cabin aft to starboard and a second double cabin all the way forward, where pretty wood hull ceilings finish the space. In the main saloon, comfortable settees flank a central dining table.
To port is a generous head with a separate enclosed shower stall. Near the companionway, also to port, the forward-facing navigation station has room for a laptop and cruising guide. It is complemented by a full-sized chart table in a traditional nav-station arrangement.
Light and ventilation come from 12 house-side portholes, 2 cockpit portholes, 7 deck hatches, 2 dorade vents, and eight opening ports overhead.
Machinery, Systems, and Cruising Capacity
The 40 hp Volvo saildrive fits snugly beneath the cabin steps. The 395 came with Harken hardware, Edson steering, Raymarine electronics, and LeisureFurl in-boom furling as standard sailing givens.
Tankage includes 40 gallons of fuel, 100 gallons of water, and a 24-gallon holding tank, equipping the boat for extended cruising.
Keel Variants and Handling Considerations
The three keel versions have different displacement and ballast figures, which alter the feel described above:
- Deep fin: 16,000 lb displacement and 5,500 lb ballast
- Beavertail: 17,000 lb displacement and 6,500 lb ballast
- Keel/centerboard: 17,300 lb displacement and 6,800 lb ballast
In close-quarters maneuvering, the spade rudder requires a firm hand.
The Verdict
The Tartan 395 is a sweet sailboat from the American heartland, offering an alternative to the European mass-market cruiser. Its traditional profile, gentle sheer, stout coamings, and deep cockpit surround a modern, infusion-built hull and carbon rig.
Jackett’s design should appeal to cruising traditionalists who value refined joinery, predictable handling, and a versatile double-headsail rig.
Pros
- Resin-infused epoxy hull with closed-cell foam and a carbon rudderstock, providing stiffness without excess weight
- Double-headsail Cruise Control Rig with a self-tacking jib for effortless shorthanded sailing
- Refined hardwood joinery and a separate enclosed shower, both rare in production boats
- Three lead-keel options covering drafts from 4 ft 3 in to 6 ft 2 in
Cons
- Spade rudder requires a firm hand during tight maneuvering
- Not as beamy as some competitors in the 2019 fleet, despite its high interior volume
- Saildrive engine access is snug beneath the cabin steps
