Tartan Forum Starter Thread

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
6,745
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
Thanks for creating a Tartan forum.

I am looking for a new boat, or should I say, a new used boat, and Tartan is at the top of my list. I currently have a Catalina 36, which we love, and have sailed for 16+ years. But, it's time for something different, newer, a bit bigger, and a bit fancier: the retirement boat.

I'm interested in both the Tartan 3700 and 3800. I have seen both, haven't sailed on either. I had seen a Tartan at the Newport boat show, several years ago, and was thoroughly impressed with the build quality, design, sturdiness, fit and finish.

I'd love to hear what others have to say about Tartans, and these two models, in particular.

Thanks,

jv
 

SFS

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Aug 18, 2015
2,066
Currently Boatless Okinawa
Jviss, I will follow this new forum with interest, as I know nothing about Tartans. That's the great thing about this site, always something to learn. Thanks Phil, for setting this up.
 

WayneH

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Jan 22, 2008
1,039
Tartan 37 287 Pensacola, FL
My Tartan is the older 37-2. She sails like a dream. I don't know how she relates to the 3700 or the 3800. The Admiral is the one who picked her out. But 6 years later, she's still our baby.
 

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
6,745
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I've looked in more detail at the T3700 and T3800 models, and I now think I prefer the T3800. I initially liked that the T3700 carried much more beam aft, resulting in a wide cockpit, bigger aft cabin, and bigger head. But the T3800 seems much more traditional, especially belowdecks: teak cabinetry vs. the cherry of the T3700.

Both beautiful boats, indeed. The T3800 is out of production, only 43 or 44 having been made. The T3700 is still available, 'though I hear Tartan is not building many new sailboats lately. (They build to order, and orders are apparently scarce).