Built during Tartan's golden era of performance cruising design, this 38-footer represents the Ohio builder's commitment to creating boats that excel both at the dock and under sail. Tartan established its reputation by building well-engineered vessels that could handle serious offshore passages while remaining comfortable enough for extended cruising adventures. The Tartan 38 embodies the classic American cruiser-racer philosophy, featuring the sturdy construction and thoughtful layout that made Tartan a respected name among discerning sailors. These boats typically showcase excellent build quality with attention to both structural integrity and sailing performance, making them capable of handling coastal cruising and offshore passages with equal confidence. Known for their balanced helm characteristics and solid construction, Tartan yachts from this era have earned a reputation for reliability and seaworthiness. The design likely incorporates a practical interior layout that maximizes living space while maintaining the structural strength needed for serious sailing. For sailors seeking a versatile platform capable of weekend coastal sailing, longer cruising adventures, or even occasional racing, this model represents Tartan's philosophy of building boats that don't compromise between comfort and performance. The brand's enduring popularity in the used boat market speaks to their lasting value and capability.
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- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
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What is the Tartan 38's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Tartan 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.46. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Tartan 38's comfort ratio?
The Tartan 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 28.35. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Tartan 38 safe for offshore sailing?
The Tartan 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.9. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Tartan 38?
The theoretical hull speed of the Tartan 38 is 7.15 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Tartan 38 weigh?
The Tartan 38 has a displacement of 15,200.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 37.29 ft.
How much does a used Tartan 38 cost?
Based on 3 recent market listings, used Tartan 38 sailboats typically sell for between $37,900 and $178,999, with a median asking price of $72,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Tartan 38?
The Tartan 38 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, first built in 1976.