1970s-Era Tartan 41

[DDabs]

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience regarding a 1970's model year of the Tartan 41? I think they are absolutely gorgeous yachts, and I have found some that are relatively cheap ($25-60k). I understand that these are 40 year old boats, but was wondering about their build quality, how well they sail, etc. Any information would be great. Thanks!!

-David

[MarinerJo]

Greetings. Here's a good place to look for info on your Tartan.
Home - Tartan Owners Northeast, Inc.

I'm sure there are some Tartan owners here on CF too.

[DDabs]

Thanks, checking it out now

[DDabs]

Unfortunately, that site doesn't have any info I can find regarding the 41 other than a spec sheet listing displacement, draft, etc.

[roverhi]

The T41 is one of the prettiest S&S designs ever. That and the late 60's Swan 43 have been the two boats I've been lusting over my whole life. Believe the T41 and T44 were 'improvements' on the Swan 41 for the IOR rule. They are supposedly freight trains to weather ponting very high and able to sail into significant seas with ease. Talked with a couple of T44 that sailed up the West Coast for SF to Alaska in the middle of winter. Said they had a great and very fast sail. Off the wind, the 41 suffers from the inevitable IOR roll down syndrome. Only a problem if they are overpowered well off the wind. Know that a few of the T41's had larger rudders fitted for the blustery conditions in SF Bay and elsewhere. If you know SF Bay, all boats have control problems in certain areas of the Bay so it might have just that they were heavily campaigned when the IOR was in it's infancy.

The 'cheap' T41's in the past have had deck core issues from improperly bedded deck hardware. They can be fixed but it's a pretty big job. Doable by an amateur but not something you'll accomplish in a weekend. Be sure the surveyor has his rubber mallet and moisture meter.

If you didn't know, the T44 is the same hull as the T41 but with a lengthened stern for better reaching performance. I kind of like the way they look but it had to grow on my. Not absolutely certain but the T42 may be the T41 hull with a trunk cabin deck and shorter keel for cruising.

[roverhi]

That should be Swan 43 in the above post.

[DDabs]

Roverhi,
Thanks for the info, good to know about the deck issues.

[DDabs]

Also, was the T44 made during the same years as the T41?

[tartansail]

I've seen some T-41 owners post on the tartan mailing list -- tartansailing@yahoogroups.com. You should find some useful information there.

[GordMay]

At one time, I also lusted after a Tartan 41.

An excellent review from Patrick Matthiesen of the S&S Owners Assoc.
➥ http://www.sparkmanstephens.info/doc...eDDFrKjMWR.pdf

T-41 Brochure ➥ http://www.tartanyachts.com/images/c...1brochure1.pdf

More ➥ TARTAN 41 sailboat on sailboatdata.com

[pillum]

Here's the brochure:

http://www.tartanyachts.com/images/c...1brochure1.pdf

Ha! You beat me to it Gord.

[DDabs]

Thanks for the info guys

[bob_77903]

I might be a little biased, but the Tartan 41 is a great sailing boat. It is a well built boat, solid glass hull, with a cored deck as stated earlier. Charlie Britton, the owner of Tartar in those days, commissioned Sparkman and Stevens to design the boat, and the 43 and 44 Tartans are the same hull with extended sterns for IOR rule beating. If you check the race history of the boat, it is quite impressive even to this day. There are a few well cared for 41's presently for sale. I think one would be further ahead spending a little more for a cared for boat, then a cheap neglected one. There are a strong seaworthy boat, and with a few additions make a nice racer/cruiser.

[DDabs]

Bob,

Awesome Tartan! I love your photos of her in the crystal blue water. What year is yours? Do you liveaboard or do any extended cruising with her?

[bob_77903]

Mine is a 1974, hull #68. I'm a full time live-aboard, and cruise extensively, currently in the Rio Dulce.