Tartan 4400

[Challo]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying one of these. Relatively short production run and not many around. Seen comparison on here to the Hylas 46, but they are different boats IMHO. I know the Yanmar with the sail drive was an issue (and some folks have issues with sail drives anyway), but there are Volvos and even some without sail drives out there. Looking for someone to tell me I'm crazy and explain why. I plan on doing some coastal cruising and probably tool around the Caribbean -- probably live aboard cruising for a couple of years. They seem to be well built (all epoxy) and comfortable. I'd prefer a cutter or a solent for flexibility of sail plan and bringing the center of effort towards the mast as it blows more, but a number of them seem to have the hardware for an inner forestay already in place so converting to a "slutter" probably isn't a big deal. Thoughts? Thanks, Challo

[Eleuthera 2014]

Tartan = top notch... IMO of course.

Sail drive? NEVER... the seals are too fragile to be a part of a long distance cruising boat.

IMO again.

GL

[Gudgeon]

The cutter rig was an option on the 4400. You are correct that some of the later boats had a sail drive. There are currently about a half dozen for sale. We have the shaft drive, not sail drive.
We have a 4400 and did order the cutter rig I don't use it, with a 135 ginny and full main the boat sails very nicely.
Tartan did have some issues with some of the builds so I would have a close look at the boat. The original owner has most likely correct all of these problems.
There were about 30 built.

[Snore]

I am JUST A LITTLE biased towards Tartans ��

You may want to check out the Tartan Owners Group to speak to some 4400 owners.