Tartan 31

Rig Specifications

These are the specifications provided by the designers, but even from the factory, these boats may not be identical. The reason for this is that the sail industry often contracts manufacturing to different sources in order to achieve economies of scale. What this means is – your Tartan 31 may be more unique than you initially thought.

It’s important to note that boats are also frequently customized, so if you suspect that work has been done on yours, it’s best to take your own measurements. When ordering a sail, we will advise you if using the manufacturer’s specifications is appropriate, or if we require you to complete our own measurement forms.

Construction

The Tartan 31, designed by Tim Jackett, is a classic Tartan medium-displacement cruiser with a double-spreader masthead rig carrying 507 square feet of sail. Jackett designed two different versions during the ships production run, the original 31 displaces 9,030 pounds and carries 3,900 pounds of lead in its external keel, while the Piper version carries slightly less ballast with a new shoal draft keel. The Piper also offers a revised interior layout and a sailaway package. The hull has a distinct turn at the bilge for less wetted surface in light air and stability in heavy wind. The Tartan 31 is semi-custom, with options for a traditional counter transom or a sportier scoop-style stern.

Performance

The Tartan 31 sailboat is an excellent performer in all conditions, thanks to its well-designed hull and sail plan. The boat is responsive and easy to handle, making it a joy to sail in light winds. In heavier winds, the boat remains stable and provides excellent speed and performance. The boat’s well-balanced helm and efficient sail plan make it an excellent choice for both cruising and racing.

History

Tartan, now owned by NavStar, started as a pioneer in fiberglass auxiliary sailboats, and its first centerboarder, the Tartan 27, was built in 1961. Tartan became one of the major builders of mid-range cruising sailing yachts, competing with Cal, Pearson, and Catalina. Tartan faced troubles over the years, including a plant fire in 1971, ownership upheavals in the 1980s, and voluntary bankruptcy in 1990. However, under NavStar, Tartan bounced back and maintained a strong customer base, even expanding to new markets abroad.

The Tartan 31 sailboat is a timeless classic known for its sturdy construction, excellent sailing performance, and comfortable cruising accommodations.

Features and Design

The Tartan 31 sailboat has a sleek and elegant design that offers both performance and comfort. The boat features a moderate to high aspect ratio sail plan, which provides excellent speed and performance in all conditions. The mast and rigging are well-designed, and the boat can be easily handled by a small crew.

The interior of the Tartan 31 is spacious and comfortable, with ample headroom and natural light. The boat features a well-appointed galley, a large saloon with a fold-down table, and comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to six people. The boat’s construction is also noteworthy, with a solid fiberglass hull and a lead keel that provides excellent stability and performance.

Sail Plan

Tartan’s ability to successfully blend various elements in their sailboats can be attributed to their meticulous attention to the rig and sail plan. The double-spreader masthead rig allows for extra sail area, resulting in a well-balanced boat that is forgiving, as confirmed by several owners. The Tartan 31 Mainsail has a total area of 241 square feet, providing ample sail area for good offwind speed, while the 135-percent jib, with a total area of 359 square feet, delivers significant power to windward movement.