1997 Tartan 3700 vs 1979 O'Day 28 — Comparison

1997 Tartan 3700
VS
1979 O'Day 281979 O'Day 28

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Tartan 37001979 O'Day 28
General
ManufacturerTartanO'Day
Year1997–20061979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerTim JackettC. Raymond Hunt
Dimensions
LOA11.28 m (37.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL9.75 m (32.0 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.66 m (12.0 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,031 kg (15,501 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Ballast2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)1,089 kg (2,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.0 m² (667 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity220 L (58.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Tartan 3700
17.16
1979 O'Day 28
16.16
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Tartan 3700
41.93
1979 O'Day 28
40.01
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Tartan 3700
0.77
1979 O'Day 28
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Tartan 3700
18.41
1979 O'Day 28
18.69

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Tartan 3700 and 1979 O'Day 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s design by Tartan from USA, while the 1979 O'Day 28 is a 1970s offering from O'Day from USA. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was penned by Tim Jackett. The 1979 O'Day 28 was designed by C. Raymond Hunt.

In terms of size, the 1997 Tartan 3700 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 1979 O'Day 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1997 Tartan 3700 is 2.75m longer than the 1979 O'Day 28. The 1997 Tartan 3700 displaces approximately 158% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1997 Tartan 3700 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 O'Day 28, with an SA/D of 16.16 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1997 Tartan 3700 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1997 Tartan 3700 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1979 O'Day 28 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700 and 40.0% for the 1979 O'Day 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1997 Tartan 3700 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The 1979 O'Day 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 O'Day 28 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: The 1997 Tartan 3700 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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