Tartan introduced their new 4000 – a nice size in a sea of 50’ plus boats which few boat buyers can take on.

With so many huge boat introductions these days, Tartan seems to be focused on a segment of the market  that more boat buyers are likely to find themselves in.  With the introduction of their new 4000, Tartan has developed a performance cruiser with nice lines, a great layout and some high end features not found on many cruisers.



The Tartan comes with an optional keel configuration which includes a fin (7’6”), a shoal beavertail bulb (6’), or a keel/centerboard (4’ 8”).  Up top, the decks are clear and the bulwarks are high for solid footing.  The caprail is topped with teak which adds a nice Tartan flair.  Most of the topsides gleam with stainless steel fixtures and accents including 4 dorade ventilators with stainless guards and acres of steel ports and hatches.
The cockpit is well laid out with primary winches within reach of one of the twin helms and there is easy access to the hinged swim platform aft.  On port, the cockpit seat features a nice sized lazarette which is essential outdoor storage.

Like many of their designs, the 4000 features the CCR (Cruise Control Rig) which includes a carbon fiber mast, boom and rudder and an all lead keel.  The rig can be fairly versatile with a self-tacking jib and a reacher, both on roller furling.  That means this boat should be easy to manage short or single handed.

The layout is great for a cruising couple with two cabins and one head with a stall shower.  Tartan’s joinerwork has a terrific reputation and a lot of thought went into the design and usefulness of each space.  The v-berth features an island berth and plenty of hanging locker storage.  The saloon has a drop leaf table which creates good space when not deployed and the nav station is forward facing and near the companionway for good communication with the cockpit.



What are the drawbacks?  Well, with only 50 gallons, the fuel capacity is woefully small on a boat that could potentially wander offshore.  I’d take an aluminum toe rail over a teak caprail any day, but then, I hate to varnish.  Also, I’m not a huge fan of heads that are forward and far away from the companionway, but that’s a very personal preference.

Rumor has it that the Tartan 4000 is the same hull as the old C&C 121with a different deck mold.  I have no confirmation this is true but even if it is, what that would essentially mean is that the design should be fast and the finish should be all Tartan high quality.  I’m looking forward to going for a sail on one soon.  For more information, visit www.tartanyachts.com.

LOA .................................................................. 40.7 ft
LWL ................................................................. 36.4 ft
Beam ................................................................ 13.0 ft
Draft
Fin ...................................................................... 7.5 ft
Beavertail Keel ................................................. 5.92 ft
Keel/Centerboard ............................................. 4.75 ft

Displacement ...........................................+/-20,000 lbs
Fuel ....................................................................50 gal
Water .............................................................. 100 gal
Auxiliary – sail drive ............................................55 hp
Total Sail Area, ST Jib ............................... 892.8 sq ft
Designer ...................................................Tim Jackett

 

Written by: Zuzana Prochazka
Zuzana Prochazka is a writer and photographer who freelances for a dozen boating magazines and websites. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana has cruised, chartered and skippered flotillas in many parts of the world and serves as a presenter on charter destinations and topics. She is the Chair of the New Product Awards committee, judging innovative boats and gear at NMMA and NMEA shows, and currently serves as immediate past president of Boating Writers International. She contributes to Boats.com and YachtWorld.com, and also blogs regularly on her boat review site, TalkoftheDock.com.