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Tartan 3800
Designer: Tim Jackett  ·  Builder: Tartan Marine (Usa)  ·  First built: 1994
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About the Tartan 3800

Designed by Tim Jackett and built by Tartan Marine from 1994 to 1999, this 38-foot sailboat represents the builder's commitment to performance-oriented cruising during the mid-1990s. With only 43 hulls produced during its five-year production run, the Tartan 3800 remains a relatively exclusive design that combines solid construction with respectable sailing characteristics. The boat's fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration, paired with a masthead sloop rig carrying 665 square feet of sail area, delivers a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.82 that favors spirited performance over heavy-weather comfort. The moderate displacement of 16,000 pounds and substantial ballast ratio provide stability while maintaining reasonable hull speed potential of 7.46 knots. With a comfort ratio of 26.07, this design leans toward the sportier end of the cruising spectrum, making it well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend sailing where performance matters. The capsize screening formula of 1.98 indicates good stability characteristics for offshore passages, though the boat's nature suggests it's most at home in protected waters and day sailing scenarios. Tartan's reputation for quality fiberglass construction and attention to detail makes the 3800 an appealing choice for sailors seeking a well-built, performance-minded cruiser.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.00 ft / 11.58 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
Beam 12.42 ft / 3.79 m
Max Draft 5.33 ft / 1.62 m
Displacement 16,000.00 lb / 7,257 kg
Ballast 7,000.00 lb / 3,175 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 665.00 ft² / 61.78 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Tim Jackett
Builder Tartan Marine (USA)
First Built 1994
Last Built 1999
Number Built 43
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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
 114
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 16.82
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
 43.75
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
 239.77
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 26.07
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.98
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.46 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.26
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. 1,375.72 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 16.82
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 49.75 ft / 15.16 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.25 ft / 4.34 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 43.33 ft / 13.21 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.33 ft / 4.37 m
SA Fore 354.47 ft² / 32.93 m²
SA Main 310.46 ft² / 28.84 m²
SA Total (100%) 664.93 ft² / 61.77 m²
Est. Forestay Length 51.75 ft / 15.77 m
Mast Height (DWL) 55.00 ft / 16.76 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 50
Fuel Capacity 38 gals / 144 L
Water Capacity 80 gals / 303 L
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