Tartan 40, A solid Coastal Cruiser?

[DDabs]

I think you're talking about the 41? It was a serious IOR racer. The 40 is definitely more of a cruiser.

[JulieMac]

Originally Posted by DDabs

I think you're talking about the 41? It was a serious IOR racer. The 40 is definitely more of a cruiser.

Perhaps he meant the 41. I was specifically talking about a mid 80's Tartan 40 CB.

[malbert73]

Did you end up deciding on a boat?

I bought a local T40 this summer to replace our Luders 33 which we were outgrowing. Couldn't be happier with the accomodations or performance. A very well mannered boat. Really like the CB- makes a big difference upwind and easy to deploy, retract.

[ob44]

David:

I am also a big fan of the T40. I came quite close to buying hull #72 but missed. It's a CB version. How much performance do you think you lose with the Scheel keel and is it more or less stiff than fin or CB, if you know. I note that there is a Scheel keel version for sale now in Miami.

Thanks!

[tartansail]

Originally Posted by ob44

David:

I am also a big fan of the T40. I came quite close to buying hull #72 but missed. It's a CB version. How much performance do you think you lose with the Scheel keel and is it more or less stiff than fin or CB, if you know. I note that there is a Scheel keel version for sale now in Miami.

Thanks!

I haven't sailed the CB version and I haven't sailed next to one to compare performance so I can't help much. I'm sure the fin keel would outperform us and the CB probably would since the CB gives you another option for balancing the rig and taking pressure off the rudder. That said, we tack through 60-70 degrees apparent and can usually get everything set up to have the boat all but sail herself. We had a CB on our prior boat and found it to be more of a PITA than it was worth. However, we don't race -- except any boat in sight -- so may be less concerned with the last bit of performance than some.

If you're looking at T-40's, also keep your eye out for T-412's. There weren't many made, but they are essentially a T-40 with some minor adjustments that look positive such as a wider aft berth.

[ob44]

Thanks, I will keep an eye out for a Tartan 412. Don't think I have seen any yet. And if anyone knows of a late '80s T40 CB other than the 5 on Yachtworld, I would love to hear about it.

[malbert73]

I looked at the 412 that's for sale in Annapolis. My impressions- better v berth. Worse aft cabin as second head takes up space. Perhaps the aft berth is wider, but some of that is under the cockpit sole which I personally found very cave like. It has a scheel keel. It's been on the market for a while and was reduced quite a bit. Other than minor cosmetics I am not sure why. So probably primed for a good offer.
But I chose to pay a little more for my T40 as i found the 1 head layout and aft cabin to be more to my liking. I also like the CB on my boat which saves a few inches of draft and makes it point like crazy


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[vtsailguy]

We have just been on our tartan 41 for a year. The two digit tartans are bullet proof.

I understand, like many manufacturers, the 70's builds were slightly better quality than the 80's builds, though obviously now a decade older.

We are actually selling ours
www.sailingwithkids.net/452-2

[ob44]

Originally Posted by malbert73

I looked at the 412 that's for sale in Annapolis. My impressions- better v berth. Worse aft cabin as second head takes up space. Perhaps the aft berth is wider, but some of that is under the cockpit sole which I personally found very cave like. It has a scheel keel. It's been on the market for a while and was reduced quite a bit. Other than minor cosmetics I am not sure why. So probably primed for a good offer.
But I chose to pay a little more for my T40 as i found the 1 head layout and aft cabin to be more to my liking. I also like the CB on my boat which saves a few inches of draft and makes it point like crazy


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Totally agree about the T40 and the CB. That's why I am on the hunt for a good one!

[malbert73]

Did you see me the new one just put on yacht world in solomons md? Looks to be in nice shape. It doesn't show up if you search tartan 40. Search tartan in Maryland and you'll find it. Funky canvas scheme but looks nice esp inside


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[tartansail]

Originally Posted by malbert73

I looked at the 412 that's for sale in Annapolis. My impressions- better v berth. Worse aft cabin as second head takes up space. Perhaps the aft berth is wider, but some of that is under the cockpit sole which I personally found very cave like. It has a scheel keel. It's been on the market for a while and was reduced quite a bit. Other than minor cosmetics I am not sure why. So probably primed for a good offer.
But I chose to pay a little more for my T40 as i found the 1 head layout and aft cabin to be more to my liking. I also like the CB on my boat which saves a few inches of draft and makes it point like crazy


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Interesting to hear about your hands on take on the 412. Were the 412's all two head models? That was an option on the T-40. I saw one with two heads that wasn't on the market. Major waste of space for a boat this size.

[psiegelnyc]

I made 2 round trips to Bermuda in 1988, 1989 (Marion, Newport) on a Tartan 40 centerboard version. Though not a big fan of the centerboard, it makes a bit of noise, it worked out well.
Hit some heavy weather both trips, and was down to a double reefed main on a broad reach.
I would assume, like many boats, if properly equipped it could go just about anywhere.

[malbert73]

Originally Posted by tartansail

Interesting to hear about your hands on take on the 412. Were the 412's all two head models? That was an option on the T-40. I saw one with two heads that wasn't on the market. Major waste of space for a boat this size.

I'm not sure but the 412 brochure shows 2 heads so I assume they all were 2 head versions. I agree- a major waste of space. And who wants to maintain 2 toilets, 2 sets of sanitation hoses, sinks, plumbing, etc- when the head compartments are in use less than 3-5% of the day?


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[ob44]

Originally Posted by malbert73

Did you see me the new one just put on yacht world in solomons md? Looks to be in nice shape. It doesn't show up if you search tartan 40. Search tartan in Maryland and you'll find it. Funky canvas scheme but looks nice esp inside


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Thanks! I will definitely look her up!

[malbert73]

Let me know if you end up getting a t40. Every time we sail her, and we've had her 1 year now- we appreciate more things about her design and sailing qualities. A really sweet sailing boat even though motoring here




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