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Tartan 33 R
Designer: Sparkman & Stephens  ·  Builder: Tartan Marine (Usa)  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Tartan 33 R

Designed as a performance-oriented variant of Tartan's popular 33-foot platform, the Tartan 33 R represents the builder's commitment to creating boats that excel in both racing and spirited cruising applications. The "R" designation typically indicates racing-focused modifications that enhance the boat's competitive potential while maintaining the cruising amenities that made Tartan a respected name in American sailboat manufacturing. This mid-sized sailboat strikes an appealing balance between performance and practicality, making it well-suited for coastal cruising, club racing, and weekend adventures. The design likely incorporates a more aggressive sail plan and refined underwater profile compared to standard cruising models, delivering the responsiveness that racing sailors demand without sacrificing the solid construction quality Tartan became known for during their production years. Built during an era when American manufacturers were refining their approaches to performance cruising, the 33 R would appeal to sailors seeking a boat capable of competitive racing while offering comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. The model represents Tartan's understanding that many sailors desire vessels that can transition seamlessly from the racecourse to weekend getaways, embodying the versatility that defines successful mid-sized sailboats.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 33.67 ft / 10.26 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.83 ft / 8.79 m
Beam 10.96 ft / 3.34 m
Max Draft 6.30 ft / 1.92 m
Displacement 10,000.00 lb / 4,536 kg
Ballast 4,400.00 lb / 1,996 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Tartan Marine (USA)
First Built 1979
Last Built 1984
Number Built 14
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
132
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
44.0
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
186.3
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 6.77 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.61
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.56 ft / 4.13 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 538.00 ft² / 49.98 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Universal
How It Compares

vs. Pearson 34, S2 103, San Juan 34

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Tartan 33 R ★
33.7 ft
Pearson 34
33.8 ft
S2 103
33.8 ft
San Juan 34
33.8 ft
LWL
Tartan 33 R ★
28.8 ft
Pearson 34
28.1 ft
S2 103
28.0 ft
San Juan 34
27.9 ft
Beam
Tartan 33 R ★
11.0 ft
Pearson 34
11.2 ft
S2 103
11.3 ft
San Juan 34
10.9 ft
Displacement
Tartan 33 R ★
10 lbs
Pearson 34
11 lbs
S2 103
10 lbs
San Juan 34
10 lbs
Ballast
Tartan 33 R ★
4 lbs
Pearson 34
4 lbs
S2 103
4 lbs
San Juan 34
4 lbs
Sail Area
Tartan 33 R ★
Pearson 34
550 sq ft
S2 103
564 sq ft
San Juan 34
548 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Tartan 33 R ★
132 s/nm
Pearson 34
144 s/nm
S2 103
San Juan 34
132 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Tartan 33 R ★
Pearson 34
17.6
S2 103
18.9
San Juan 34
18.4
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Tartan 33 R ★
44.0 %
Pearson 34
S2 103
San Juan 34
45.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Tartan 33 R ★
Pearson 34
23.4
S2 103
21.5
San Juan 34
22.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Tartan 33 R ★
Pearson 34
2.00
S2 103
2.07
San Juan 34
2.00
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Tartan 33 R ★
186
Pearson 34
S2 103
San Juan 34
215
Hull Speed
Tartan 33 R ★
Pearson 34
7.1 kts
S2 103
7.1 kts
San Juan 34
7.1 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Tartan 33 R ★
Pearson 34
2.5
S2 103
2.8
San Juan 34
2.7
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