TARTAN 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.25 ft |
| LWL | 23.25 ft |
| Beam | 9.88 ft |
| Draft | 4.92 ft |
| Displacement | 7,450 lb |
| Ballast | 3,199.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 33.42 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.33 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 423 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 218.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 371.5 sq ft |
About the TARTAN 28
Optional sheel keel: draft - 3.83 ft
Designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Tartan Marine (USA) from 1984–1990, the Tartan 28 is a robust coastal cruiser with 136 hulls produced. Its design emphasizes stability and comfort, reflected in a displacement of 7450.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 22.01, making it a solid choice for owners seeking a manageable, well-proportioned sloop.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a stable, comfortable ride over high-speed performance, as indicated by its moderate D/L ratio of 264.63 and SA/D ratio of 17.17. It is also well-regarded by single-handers due to its manageable size and straightforward masthead sloop rig.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.03 and a fin keel, the Tartan 28 is generally considered suitable for protected coastal waters and short offshore passages rather than extended bluewater cruising, given its moderate displacement and lack of heavy reinforcement for extreme conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 27 and O'Day 28, which share similar dimensions, production eras, and roles as family-friendly coastal cruisers. These models offer similar displacement and beam characteristics, providing a benchmark for the Tartan 28's performance and interior volume.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.6 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| 60° | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.5 |
| 75° | 5.1 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| 90° | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.2 |
| 110° | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| 120° | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.8 |
| 135° | 4.3 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.7 |
| 150° | 3.7 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.3 |
| Beat VMG | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.9 |
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
16 listings · boat years 1984–1988 · median $18,500
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 28.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
24 reported issues across 8 systems for the TARTAN 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a TARTAN 28? 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 24 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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