1994 J/105 vs 2006 Tartan 4400 — Comparison

1994 J/105
VS
2006 Tartan 4400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 J/1052006 Tartan 4400
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsTartan
Year1994–20082006–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerRod JohnstoneTim Jackett
Dimensions
LOA10.52 m (34.5 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL8.97 m (29.4 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)4.11 m (13.5 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.23 m (7.3 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)230 L (60.8 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)416 L (109.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 J/105
23.80
2006 Tartan 4400
17.71
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 J/105
43.52
2006 Tartan 4400
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 J/105
0.84
2006 Tartan 4400
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 J/105
13.68
2006 Tartan 4400
18.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 J/105 and 2006 Tartan 4400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2006 Tartan 4400 is a 2000s offering from Tartan from USA. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2006 Tartan 4400 was designed by Tim Jackett.

In terms of size, the 1994 J/105 measures 10.52m (34.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2006 Tartan 4400 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 4.11m beam. The 2006 Tartan 4400 is 2.89m longer than the 1994 J/105. The 2006 Tartan 4400 displaces approximately 194% 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 2006 Tartan 4400, with an SA/D of 17.71 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 2006 Tartan 4400 has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1994 J/105 and 40.0% for the 2006 Tartan 4400, 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 2006 Tartan 4400 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 416L water and 230L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2006 Tartan 4400 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 2006 Tartan 4400 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 · 2006 Tartan 4400