1983 Tartan 37 vs 1973 Ranger 33 — Comparison

1983 Tartan 37 1983 Tartan 37
VS
1973 Ranger 33 1973 Ranger 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 1983 Tartan 37 1973 Ranger 33
General
Manufacturer Tartan Ranger
Year 1983–1989 1973–1979
Type Sloop Sloop
Country USA USA
Designer Sparkman & Stephens Gary Mull
Dimensions
LOA 11.28 m (37.0 ft) 10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL 9.14 m (30.0 ft) 8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam 3.56 m (11.7 ft) 3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft 1.83 m (6.0 ft) 1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement 7,258 kg (16,001 lbs) 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs)
Ballast 3,084 kg (6,799 lbs) 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 57.0 m² (614 ft²) 43.0 m² (463 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 30 HP 15 HP
Fuel Capacity 114 L (30.1 gal) 57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity 200 L (52.8 gal) 95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 7 6
Cabins 2 2

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1983 Tartan 37
15.45
1973 Ranger 33
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1983 Tartan 37
42.49
1973 Ranger 33
42.85
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1983 Tartan 37
0.74
1973 Ranger 33
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1983 Tartan 37
21.48
1973 Ranger 33
21.50

Detailed Comparison

The 1983 Tartan 37 and 1973 Ranger 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1983 Tartan 37 is a 1980s design by Tartan from USA, while the 1973 Ranger 33 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The 1983 Tartan 37 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 1973 Ranger 33 was designed by Gary Mull.

In terms of size, the 1983 Tartan 37 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 1973 Ranger 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1983 Tartan 37 is 1.22m longer than the 1973 Ranger 33. The 1983 Tartan 37 displaces approximately 52% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1983 Tartan 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.45 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 1973 Ranger 33, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1983 Tartan 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1983 Tartan 37 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1973 Ranger 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 42.5% for the 1983 Tartan 37 and 42.9% for the 1973 Ranger 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1983 Tartan 37 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1973 Ranger 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1973 Ranger 33 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 1983 Tartan 37 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1983 Tartan 37 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

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