1973 Tartan 34 vs 2006 X-Yachts X-43 — Comparison
1973 Tartan 34
2006 X-Yachts X-43
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1973 Tartan 34 | 2006 X-Yachts X-43 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Tartan | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1973–1984 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Denmark |
| Designer | Sparkman & Stephens | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 12.93 m (42.4 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 9,500 kg (20,944 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,449 kg (5,399 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.5 m² (501 ft²) | 83.0 m² (893 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1973 Tartan 34 and 2006 X-Yachts X-43 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Tartan 34 is a 1970s design by Tartan from USA, while the 2006 X-Yachts X-43 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1973 Tartan 34 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the 1973 Tartan 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 2006 X-Yachts X-43 at 12.93m (42.4ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 is 2.57m longer than the 1973 Tartan 34. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 displaces approximately 75% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1973 Tartan 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.27 and 46.5 m² of sail area. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43, with an SA/D of 18.80 and 83.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1973 Tartan 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 45.0% for the 1973 Tartan 34 and 37.9% for the 2006 X-Yachts X-43, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1973 Tartan 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1973 Tartan 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 2006 X-Yachts X-43 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.