2004 Oyster 46 vs 1997 Tartan 3700 — Comparison
2004 Oyster 46
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2004 Oyster 46 | 1997 Tartan 3700 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Oyster | Tartan |
| Year | 2004–2010 | 1997–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | United Kingdom | USA |
| Designer | Rob Humphreys | Tim Jackett |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.02 m (46.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,500 kg (27,558 lbs) | 7,031 kg (15,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2004 Oyster 46 and 1997 Tartan 3700 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s offering from Tartan from USA. The 2004 Oyster 46 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was designed by Tim Jackett.
In terms of size, the 2004 Oyster 46 measures 14.02m (46.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1997 Tartan 3700 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2004 Oyster 46 is 2.74m longer than the 1997 Tartan 3700. The 2004 Oyster 46 displaces approximately 78% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2004 Oyster 46 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.97 and 90.0 m² of sail area. The 1997 Tartan 3700, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1997 Tartan 3700 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2004 Oyster 46 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1997 Tartan 3700 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46 and 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2004 Oyster 46 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1997 Tartan 3700 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2004 Oyster 46 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 2004 Oyster 46 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: 2004 Oyster 46 · 1997 Tartan 3700