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Sailboat Specifications

Tartan 42

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Sparkman & Stephens · Built by Tartan Marine · First built 1980

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LOA 42.00 ft  ·  Beam 12.25 ft  ·  Displacement 22,000.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 758.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Tartan 42 Sailboat

Built by the renowned Tartan Marine company, this 42-footer represents the builder's commitment to combining performance sailing with comfortable cruising accommodations. Tartan's reputation for constructing well-built, seaworthy vessels that can handle both spirited coastal sailing and extended offshore passages is well-established in the sailing community. The Tartan 42 embodies the classic attributes that made the builder famous: solid fiberglass construction, thoughtful deck layout, and a balanced sail plan that delivers both speed and stability. These boats are particularly well-suited for serious coastal cruising and club racing, offering the versatility that appeals to sailors who want one boat capable of weekend getaways and longer adventures. Tartan's attention to detail in both construction and interior design is evident throughout, with practical solutions for extended cruising needs while maintaining the performance characteristics that make sailing enjoyable. The boat's pedigree suggests it would appeal to experienced sailors who appreciate traditional yacht design principles executed with modern materials and techniques. While finding detailed specifications may require some research, the Tartan name carries significant weight in the sailing community, representing decades of proven design philosophy and construction quality.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 42.00 ft / 12.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.00 ft / 9.75 m
Beam 12.25 ft / 3.73 m
Max Draft 6.92 ft / 2.11 m
Displacement 22,000.00 lb / 9,979 kg
Ballast 9,000.00 lb / 4,082 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 758.00 ft² / 70.42 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Tartan Marine
First Built 1980
Last Built 1984
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tartan 42's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Tartan 42 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.51. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Tartan 42's comfort ratio?

The Tartan 42 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 34.53. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Tartan 42 safe for offshore sailing?

The Tartan 42 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.75. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Tartan 42?

The theoretical hull speed of the Tartan 42 is 7.58 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Tartan 42 weigh?

The Tartan 42 has a displacement of 22,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 42.00 ft.

Who designed the Tartan 42?

The Tartan 42 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, first built in 1980.