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Tartan 30 | Boat Review
April 8, 2024 · 9 min · 25K views
What this video covers
The Tartan 30, a Sparkman & Stevens design from the early 1970s, remains a capable 30-foot racer-cruiser that avoids the extreme design distortions common to IOR-rated boats of that era.1:52 Built during a peak in Midget Ocean Racing Class (MORC) popularity, the boat features a moderate displacement, a modified fin keel, and a skeg-mounted rudder.1:18 These design choices provide a balanced, spacious interior with full headroom and a functional galley, making it a competitive club racer and a viable weekender.1:39 When shopping for vintage 30-footers, prioritize vessels that have undergone a recent repower.6:05 Replacing an original Universal Atomic 4 engine with a modern diesel, such as a Beta 16, represents a significant investment of $10,000 to $18,000.7:25 A boat with a new engine often indicates a previous owner who maintained the hull and rig, though buyers should still inspect for soft deck cores and aging standing rigging.6:45
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