Tartan 33

In good condition Tartan 33 ready for it's next owner. Perfect first boat for the aspiring sailor. Don't miss this opportunity to have a classic boat at a great price. Make offer!

Recent upgrades include:

• New Harken furler
• New Lifelines
• Mast and Boom painted with black Imron in September of 2020

Accessories included in sail:

• Danforth anchor and chain
• Large black fenders
• 3/4 black docking lines
• 50 foot spring line
• fire extinguishers
• First aid kit
• Life jackets
• assorted lines and docking pole
• Whisker pole

Hull & Performance

The Tartan 33 measures 33' 9" overall with a generous beam of 10' 11", providing stability without sacrificing speed. Below the waterline, she sports a deep fin keel and balanced spade rudder, giving her excellent pointing ability and a sure-footed feel underway. With over 4,000 pounds of lead ballast and a displacement of 10,000 pounds, she’s stiff and capable in heavy weather.

Under sail, the Tartan 33 is quick and responsive. The deep keel version tracks beautifully upwind, while the generous sail plan allows for performance in light air. Many owners report cruising speeds in the 6–7 knot range and satisfying acceleration when trimmed properly.

Whether in club races or coastal cruising, the boat's sailing manners inspire confidence—and a sense of fun.

Accommodations Below

Step below decks and you're greeted by warm teak joinery, thoughtful layout, and a cozy but practical interior. The traditional V-berth forward is spacious for a couple, with storage beneath and overhead. A private head sits just aft to port, featuring a marine toilet, sink, and standing headroom.

The main saloon offers a convertible dinette to port and a settee to starboard, accommodating extra guests or kids aboard. Aft to starboard, a large quarter berth doubles as a great sea berth underway. The L-shaped galley includes a three-burner propane stove with oven, deep stainless sink, and top-loading icebox or refrigerator—depending on upgrades.

While not cavernous by today’s standards, the Tartan 33’s interior is intelligently designed, sea-kindly, and easy to live aboard for weekends or longer cruises.

Engine, Systems & Upgrades

Originally outfitted with a Universal 5424 diesel engine (24 HP), the T33 is straightforward to service and provides dependable propulsion. With a 26-gallon fuel tank and a 62-gallon freshwater capacity, she's well-suited for multi-day passages or anchor-hopping.

Owners often upgrade systems over the years, and many Tartan 33s on the market now feature:

• Modern chartplotters and autopilots

• New canvas (dodgers, sail covers)

• AGM or lithium house batteries

• Inverter/chargers and high-output alternators

• Diesel cabin heat and refrigeration systems

The boat’s straightforward electrical and mechanical systems make her appealing to hands-on owners who want reliability without digital overkill.

Enduring Appeal

So, what makes a 40-year-old sailboat like the Tartan 33 still relevant—and desirable—today?

In a word: balance.

The Tartan 33 strikes a rare equilibrium between performance and comfort, elegance and strength, simplicity and capability. She’s small enough to singlehand, yet sturdy enough for offshore ventures. Her motion is kind, her layout is practical, and her lines are beautiful.

For sailors seeking a classic cruiser that actually sails, the Tartan 33 is not just a blast from the past—it’s a wise choice for the present.

Final Thoughts

There’s a quiet confidence to the Tartan 33. She’s not flashy. She doesn’t shout. But when the wind fills the sails and she heels gently to a breeze, she proves her pedigree in every ripple of her wake.

In a market saturated with modern plastic and oversized floating condos, the Tartan 33 reminds us what sailing is really about: simplicity, grace, and the joy of moving well through water.

If you find one in good condition, like this 1982 model currently for sale in Anacortes, don’t hesitate. Boats like this are built to last—and built to sail.