1994 J/105 vs 1983 Tartan 37 — Comparison
1983 Tartan 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 J/105 | 1983 Tartan 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Tartan |
| Year | 1994–2008 | 1983–1989 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Sparkman & Stephens |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.97 m (29.4 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 7,258 kg (16,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) | 3,084 kg (6,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 J/105 and 1983 Tartan 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1983 Tartan 37 is a 1980s offering from Tartan from USA. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1983 Tartan 37 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.
In terms of size, the 1994 J/105 measures 10.52m (34.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1983 Tartan 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1983 Tartan 37 is 0.76m longer than the 1994 J/105. The 1983 Tartan 37 displaces approximately 88% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 J/105 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.80 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The 1983 Tartan 37, with an SA/D of 15.45 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1994 J/105 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 J/105 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.84). The 1983 Tartan 37 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1994 J/105 and 42.5% for the 1983 Tartan 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 J/105 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1983 Tartan 37 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Tartan 37 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 1994 J/105 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
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1994 J/105 · 1983 Tartan 37