TARTAN 27
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27 ft |
| LWL | 21.42 ft |
| Beam | 8.62 ft |
| Draft | 6.33 ft/ 3.17 ft min |
| Displacement | 7,400 lb |
| Ballast | 2,399.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 33.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9.83 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 13.29 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.48 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 13 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 5.67 ft |
Engine
| Universal | Atomic 430 hpSee all 6 parts → |
About the TARTAN 27
S&S design #1617. The TARTAN 27 was the first boat built by Tartan Marine and was produced continuously for 19 years. An updated version was introduced in 1979. of which 64 were produced,(referred to as TARTAN 27-2) Most noticeably this boat has more freeboard and a retooled deck and coach roof. An original brochure from Douglass & McLeod reports displacement as 6,875 lbs. In 1967 the ballast was changed from external to internal and increased by 400 lbs. Was available with a yawl rig. A few TARTAN 27'S were built by W.D. Schock on the west coast USA.
Designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Tartan Marine (USA) from 1961–1980, the Tartan 27 is a classic masthead sloop with 712 hulls produced. Its robust construction and traditional lines have made it a enduring favorite, though owners frequently report significant maintenance challenges regarding the deck core and keel structure.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a spacious interior and traditional sailing characteristics, provided they are prepared for ongoing maintenance of aging fiberglass components.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 7400.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.77, and a full/long keel, the Tartan 27 possesses the stability and sea-keeping ability for protected offshore passages, though its age and common structural issues require careful verification before extended bluewater use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 27 and O'Day 27, which share similar displacement, beam, and era, offering alternative choices for buyers seeking a 27-foot trailerable or coastal cruiser with comparable interior volume.
Direct variants of the TARTAN 27
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
11 listings · boat years 1963–1979 · median $6,800
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
15 reported issues across 7 systems for the TARTAN 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a TARTAN 27? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 15 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the TARTAN 27
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…