Tartan Yachts, Ohio-Built Cruiser Racers With S&S Pedigree

A Lake Erie builder of performance cruisers whose Sparkman and Stephens classics and modern Tim Jackett designs still sell well.

Founded
1971
Headquarters
Painesville, Ohio
Models reviewed
1

Tartan Yachts models

Tartan has built performance cruisers on the shore of Lake Erie for decades. The S&S designed Tartan 37 is its classic, and newer models hold value well.

Known for
  • Sparkman and Stephens designs
  • Tartan 37 keel-centerboard cruiser racer
  • Tim Jackett's modern designs
  • Great Lakes and New England following

A fire, then a fresh start

The Tartan story starts in the early 1960s with a Sparkman and Stephens 27-footer that Douglass and McLeod built in Ohio and sold as the Tartan 27. After a fire destroyed that factory in 1971, Charles Britton bought what remained and formed Tartan Marine, based near Lake Erie in Painesville, Ohio. The company kept its relationship with Sparkman and Stephens, and throughout the 1970s and 1980s produced a series of well-regarded cruiser racers.

In later decades, designer Tim Jackett became the face of Tartan, drawing new models with modern hull shapes, carbon spars on some boats and Tartan's own construction methods. Tartan has also built boats for other brands, including the revived C&C models of the 2000s.

The Tartan 37 and its successors

The Tartan 37, which we cover in depth, is the brand's best-known boat. Sparkman and Stephens drew it in 1976 as a keel-centerboard cruiser racer, and about 486 were built before production ended in 1989. A deep fin keel became an option, and a Scheel keel was also offered. Owners praise its balance, solid construction and the joinery below.

It is not to be confused with the Tartan 3700, a completely different Tim Jackett design introduced in 2000. Buyers searching for the Tartan 3400, 3500 or 4000 are in the newer generation, which uses more modern construction and generally commands much higher prices.

Tartans have always appealed to sailors who race on weeknights and cruise on weekends, especially on the Great Lakes, Chesapeake and in New England.

Used Tartan checks

Older Tartans are affordable and strong value for their sailing quality. Newer Tartans hold value well, partly because production volumes have always been modest. Buyers rely on independent yards for service, with a strong knowledge base in the Great Lakes and Northeast.

  • On keel-centerboard models, inspect the centerboard, pennant and trunk for wear.
  • Sound the deck core for moisture around fittings and chainplates.
  • Check the keel-to-hull joint and keel bolts.
  • Review the age of rigging, sails and engine on older boats.

Tartan Yachts history

  1. 1960sDouglass and McLeod build the Sparkman and Stephens designed Tartan 27
  2. 1971Charles Britton forms Tartan Marine after a fire destroys the original factory
  3. 1976Sparkman and Stephens gives Tartan its 37, a centerboard cruiser racer that becomes the brand's signature boat
  4. 1989The 37 leaves the lineup with close to 500 boats delivered
  5. 2000Tim Jackett returns Tartan to the 37-foot class with the all-new 3700

Frequently asked questions

Where are Tartan sailboats built?

Tartan builds its boats in Ohio, near Lake Erie, where the company has been based since its founding.

Who designed the Tartan 37?

Sparkman and Stephens designed the Tartan 37, which was introduced in 1976.

Are the Tartan 37 and Tartan 3700 related?

Only by length. The 3700 came from Tim Jackett's drawing board in 2000 and shares nothing with the older S&S designed 37.

Are Tartan sailboats good for cruising?

Yes. Tartans combine good sailing performance with solid construction and comfortable interiors, making them popular cruiser racers.

Official website: tartanyachts.com. Yatch US is independent and not affiliated with Tartan Yachts.