1986 Tartan 34-2

Below decks, this Tartan 34-2 feels bigger than her numbers suggest, with a smart layout that actually works underway. The sea-kindly galley tucks in where you can brace comfortably, and the saloon offers secure seating rather than just dockside lounging. Her motion is notably gentle for a 34-footer, so longer passages are less tiring. On deck, the wide side decks and solid handholds make moving forward in a seaway feel secure, and the cockpit geometry lets you steer, trim, and manage lines without leaving the helm. Under sail, these boats track beautifully and balance easily, so you can dial in the helm and relax instead of wrestling with it all afternoon.

In these waters, you need a boat that’s happy ghosting along on light-air afternoons yet still feels confident when the breeze pipes up. The Tartan 34-2’s moderate displacement and efficient underbody give her a lively feel in lighter conditions, while her stout construction and deep, secure cockpit inspire trust when the chop builds. Shoal-draft options and a forgiving hull shape make exploring shallower anchorages and winding channels more practical than on many comparable cruisers. Add in her easily managed rig and sensible deck layout, and you get a boat well suited to shorthanded daysailing, club racing, and extended cruising across the local cruising grounds.