1969 Cal 34 vs 1997 Tartan 3700 — Comparison
1969 Cal 34
1997 Tartan 3700
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1969 Cal 34 | 1997 Tartan 3700 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cal | Tartan |
| Year | 1969–1975 | 1997–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bill Lapworth | Tim Jackett |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 7,031 kg (15,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.4 m² (510 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1969 Cal 34 and 1997 Tartan 3700 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1969 Cal 34 is a classic design by Cal from USA, while the 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s offering from Tartan from USA. The 1969 Cal 34 was penned by Bill Lapworth. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was designed by Tim Jackett.
In terms of size, the 1969 Cal 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1997 Tartan 3700 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1997 Tartan 3700 is 0.92m longer than the 1969 Cal 34. The 1997 Tartan 3700 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1969 Cal 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.01 and 47.4 m² of sail area. The 1997 Tartan 3700, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1997 Tartan 3700 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1969 Cal 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1997 Tartan 3700 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.1% for the 1969 Cal 34 and 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1969 Cal 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1997 Tartan 3700 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1969 Cal 34 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1997 Tartan 3700 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.