1980 Tartan 37 Boat in Seattle, WA 98117 US
Built in 1980
37
1 Engine (Westerbeke)
37.3 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
1980 Tartan 37 - Tourmaline
Vessel Overview
Tourmaline is a striking example of the legendary Sparkman & Stephens-designed Tartan 37-widely respected as one of the finest performance cruisers of her era. Elegant lines, responsive sailing manners, and timeless proportions make this yacht as impressive under sail as she is at the dock.
This particular vessel is one of the sought-after deep keel Tartan 37s, offering exceptional upwind performance and offshore capability. Thoughtfully upgraded and carefully maintained, Tourmaline blends classic craftsmanship with substantial modern improvements including a fully renewed lithium electrical system, updated electronics, new canvas, refrigeration, plumbing, and recent rigging upgrades.
Currently moored in Seattle's Shilshole Bay Marina, with a transferable slip available to the new owner for up to one year.
Sale also includes a Dyer Dhow fiberglass dinghy complete with sailing package, oars, and Honda 2HP outboard.
Specifications
- Builder: Tartan Yachts
- Designer: Sparkman & Stephens
- Model: Tartan 37
- Year: 1980
- LOA: 37'4"
- LWL: 32'5"
- Beam: 11'9"
- Draft: 6'7" (deep keel)
- Engine: Westerbeke 50 diesel - 41 HP
- Propeller: Max Prop feathering propeller
- Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons
- Water Capacity: 90 gallons
- Holding Tank: 19 gallons
Accommodations
The Tartan 37 remains one of the best interior layouts in her class, offering practical cruising accommodations with rich traditional joinery and excellent storage throughout.
Forward Cabin
- Spacious V-berth with filler cushion
- Hanging lockers port and starboard
- Drawer and cabinet storage
- Chain locker access forward
Head Compartment
- Manual marine toilet
- Stainless steel sink with vanity
- Storage lockers
- Handheld shower
- Overhead shower curtain track
- Dual access from forward cabin and salon
Main Salon
- Straight settee to starboard
- L-shaped settee to port
- Storage behind both settees
- Hanging locker and cabinetry forward starboard
- Teak navigation station aft to port
- Large quarter berth aft of nav station
Galley
Located aft to starboard and designed for safe use underway.
Interior Finish
- Solid teak joinery throughout
- Teak and holly cabin sole
- Warm classic yacht ambiance
Recent Maintenance & Upgrades
2025
- Complete new electrical system
- Victron inverter/charger package: VIC MultiPlus C 12/2000/80-50 120V
- VIC Cerbo GX MK2
- Lithium battery bank installed: Two VIC LiFePO4 Battery 12,8V/200Ah NG
- VIC Lynx Smart BMS 500 NG (M10)
- New AIS transceiver
- New engine raw water strainer/filter
2024
- New bimini with full connector to dodger
- New solar panels and controllers
- New Standard Horizon GX2400 VHF with AIS receiver
- NMEA 2000 network added to helm chartplotter
2023
- Dyer Dhow dinghy package added
- New engine raw water pump
- New running rigging
- New Blue Sea AC/DC electrical panels
- New freshwater plumbing hoses
- New refrigeration system
- New Garmin helm chartplotter
- New solar vent
- Brightwork accents renewed
- New dodger installed
2022
- Exterior brightwork renewed (toe rails & handrails)
- Hauled and bottom painted (Interlux Ultra-Kote)
- Galley sink and faucet replaced
- Head sink faucet replaced
2021
- New marine head
- New holding tank
- New sanitation plumbing
- New Group 27 starting battery
2020
- New SmartPlug shore power inlet
- New Wallas diesel cabin heater
2010
- Hull and deck professionally painted in Awlgrip
- Bottom stripped to bare hull and epoxy sealed
- All new portlights with screens
- Mast rewired
Mechanical
- Westerbeke 4-107 41hp diesel
Navigation & Electronics
- Garmin helm-mounted chartplotter (new)
- Raymarine C120 chartplotter/radar (2008)
- Raymarine Evolution wheel autopilot (2017)
- Simrad IS15 instruments:
- Speed
- Depth
- Wind
- Tack display
- Cockpit instrument repeaters at helm
- Standard Horizon GX2400 VHF with AIS receiver (2024)
- AIS Class B transceiver (2025)
- Ritchie pedestal compass
Sails
- Neil Pryde Dacron mainsail (2003) Very good condition
- Norlam 135% roller furling genoa - Good condition
- Purple ¾ oz asymmetrical/spinnaker Excellent condition (2015)
Rigging & Deck Hardware
- New running rigging (2023)
- Stainless lifelines (2007)
- Harken 48 self-tailing primary winches
- Harken 30 self-tailing secondary winches
- Lewmar 40 self-tailing halyard winch
- Additional Lewmar winches
- Harken Big Boat traveler
- Harken split drum roller furling
- Navtec hydraulic backstay adjuster
- Forespar rigid boom vang
- Strong Track mast system for easy mainsail hoist
- Spinnaker pole
Ground Tackle
- 44 lb Rocna MKII anchor (new)
- 100' of 3/8" chain
- 200' of 5/8" rode
- Maxwell Freedom 800 electric windlass with remote
Hull & Deck
- Deep fin keel version
- Hull and deck painted in Awlgrip (2010)
- Bottom stripped and epoxy sealed (2010)
- Last haul out and bottom paint: May 2022
Exterior Equipment
- Dodger with stainless grab handles (2023)
- New bimini with connector panel (2024)
- All portlights replaced with screens
- Main sail cover
- Wheel cover
- Companionway cover
- Handrail covers
- Large teak cockpit table with folding leaves
- Dinghy motor hoist
- Swim ladder
- Dock lines and fenders included
Interior Systems
- Wallas diesel forced-air heater (2020)
- Force 10 three-burner propane stove with oven
- Pressurized hot and cold water
- 12-gallon hot water heater
- Accumulator tank
- New refrigeration system (2023)
- Large insulated icebox
- New marine head and holding tank (2022)
- Handheld shower
- Upgraded freshwater plumbing (2023)
- V-berth with 10" foam mattress
Electrical System
Battery Bank
- (2) Victron LiFePO4 12.8V / 200Ah NG batteries (2025)
- (1) Group 27 starting battery (2021)
Victron Energy Management
- Victron Lynx Smart BMS 500 NG
- Victron Cerbo GX MK2
- Victron MultiPlus C 12/2000/80-50 inverter/charger
Charging & Power
- (2) 200W solar panels (2024)
- New solar charge controllers
- New AC/DC breaker panels
- 30A shore power
- SmartPlug inlet (2020)
Additional Systems
- Upgraded cabin lighting
- Electric bilge pump
- Macerator pump
Included Tender Package
- Dyer Dhow fiberglass dinghy
- Sail kit
- Oars
- Honda 2HP outboard motor
Summary
Tourmaline is a rare opportunity to own one of the most admired classic performance cruisers ever built-beautifully updated for modern cruising while preserving the soul and sailing pedigree that made the Tartan 37 famous.
With major recent investments in lithium power systems, solar, electronics, canvas, plumbing, refrigeration, and rigging, she is exceptionally well-positioned for Northwest cruising, club racing, or extended coastal adventures.
A standout vessel with timeless style, proven performance, and serious upgrades.
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 9/20/26 | Price decreased | $50,000(-9.1%) |
| 9/15/26 | Price decreased | $55,000(-8.3%) |
| 4/23/26 | Initial price | $60,000 |
1980 Tartan 37 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1980 Tartan 37
Customers consistently praise the 1980 Tartan 37 for its timeless design and solid construction
Many highlight its excellent sailing performance, noting the boat’s balance and responsiveness in various wind conditions. Owners appreciate the spacious and well-laid-out interior, which offers comfort for extended cruising. The quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in the build are frequently mentioned, making it a reliable and durable choice for both coastal and offshore sailing. Overall, the 1980 Tartan 37 is celebrated for combining classic aesthetics with practical functionality, appealing to sailors seeking a versatile and enduring vessel.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1980 Tartan 37 is a classic cruiser-racer sailboat known for its solid construction and balanced performance. Here are some of the key pros and cons:
Pros
Sturdy Build: Constructed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, the Tartan 37 offers durability and longevity.
Comfortable Interior: Thoughtful layout with ample headroom and well-designed living spaces, making it suitable for extended cruising.
Good Sailing Performance: A well-balanced hull and sail plan provide reliable handling and respectable speed, both upwind and downwind.
Traditional Aesthetics: Classic lines and a timeless design appeal to sailors who appreciate traditional styling.
Strong Community and Support: As a popular model, there is a good network of owners and parts availability.
Cons
Older Systems: Being a 1980 model, some mechanical and electrical systems may require updating or maintenance.
Heavier Displacement: The solid construction adds weight, which can make the boat less nimble compared to more modern, lighter designs.
Limited Modern Amenities: Lacks some of the conveniences and electronics found in newer sailboats.
Maintenance Needs: Older fiberglass and wood trim may require regular upkeep to maintain appearance and performance.
Draft Considerations: Depending on keel configuration, draft may limit access to shallow cruising areas.
Made For
The 1980 Tartan 37 is ideal for sailors seeking a classic, well-crafted cruiser that combines performance with comfort. Perfect for couples or small families, this boat offers spacious accommodations and solid construction, making it suitable for coastal cruising, weekend getaways, and longer passages. Its balanced design appeals to those who appreciate traditional aesthetics alongside reliable handling and seaworthiness.
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 1980 Tartan 37 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $50,000 | $49,900 | $55,000 | $45,000 | $45,000 | $39,500 |
| Location | Seattle | Seattle | Seattle | Poulsbo | Seattle | Olympia |
| Nominal Length | 37' | 39' | 37' | 36' | 40' | 36' |
| Beam | 12' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 7' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Westerbeke | Pisces | Westerbeke | Yanmar | Universal | Westerbeke |
| Total Engine Power | 40 hp | 40 hp | 40 hp | 35 hp | 35 hp | 40 hp |
| Days on Market | 160 | 686 | 159 | 6 | 55 | 107 |
| Get in touch |
Other 1980 Tartan 37 For Sale in Washington, United States
Other Tartan boats for sale in Washington, United States
Meet the Broker
Address
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Boat Location
Contact Swiftsure Yachts about 1980 Tartan 37
2540 Westlake Ave N., Suite A, Seattle, WA, 98109
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