1982 Tartan 33
$20,000
Boat in Cleveland, OH 44113 US
Built in 1982
33
--
33.8 feet
--
Fiberglass/Reinforced
In good condition Tartan 33 ready for it's next owner. Perfect first boat for the aspiring sailor. Don't miss this opportunity to have a classic boat at a great price. Make offer!
Recent upgrades include:
- New Harken furler
- New Lifelines
- Mast and Boom painted with black Imron in September of 2020
Accessories included in sail:
- Danforth anchor and chain
- Large black fenders
- 3/4 black docking lines
- 50 foot spring line
- fire extinguishers
- First aid kit
- Life jackets
- assorted lines and docking pole
- Whisker pole
Hull & Performance
The Tartan 33 measures 33' 9" overall with a generous beam of 10' 11", providing stability without sacrificing speed. Below the waterline, she sports a deep fin keel and balanced spade rudder, giving her excellent pointing ability and a sure-footed feel underway. With over 4,000 pounds of lead ballast and a displacement of 10,000 pounds, she's stiff and capable in heavy weather.
Under sail, the Tartan 33 is quick and responsive. The deep keel version tracks beautifully upwind, while the generous sail plan allows for performance in light air. Many owners report cruising speeds in the 6-7 knot range and satisfying acceleration when trimmed properly.
Whether in club races or coastal cruising, the boat's sailing manners inspire confidence-and a sense of fun.
Accommodations Below
Step below decks and you're greeted by warm teak joinery, thoughtful layout, and a cozy but practical interior. The traditional V-berth forward is spacious for a couple, with storage beneath and overhead. A private head sits just aft to port, featuring a marine toilet, sink, and standing headroom.
The main saloon offers a convertible dinette to port and a settee to starboard, accommodating extra guests or kids aboard. Aft to starboard, a large quarter berth doubles as a great sea berth underway. The L-shaped galley includes a three-burner propane stove with oven, deep stainless sink, and top-loading icebox or refrigerator-depending on upgrades.
While not cavernous by today's standards, the Tartan 33's interior is intelligently designed, sea-kindly, and easy to live aboard for weekends or longer cruises.
Engine, Systems & Upgrades
Originally outfitted with a Universal 5424 diesel engine (24 HP), the T33 is straightforward to service and provides dependable propulsion. With a 26-gallon fuel tank and a 62-gallon freshwater capacity, she's well-suited for multi-day passages or anchor-hopping.
Owners often upgrade systems over the years, and many Tartan 33s on the market now feature:
Modern chartplotters and autopilots
New canvas (dodgers, sail covers)
AGM or lithium house batteries
Inverter/chargers and high-output alternators
Diesel cabin heat and refrigeration systems
The boat's straightforward electrical and mechanical systems make her appealing to hands-on owners who want reliability without digital overkill.
Enduring Appeal
So, what makes a 40-year-old sailboat like the Tartan 33 still relevant-and desirable-today?
In a word: balance.
The Tartan 33 strikes a rare equilibrium between performance and comfort, elegance and strength, simplicity and capability. She's small enough to singlehand, yet sturdy enough for offshore ventures. Her motion is kind, her layout is practical, and her lines are beautiful.
For sailors seeking a classic cruiser that actually sails, the Tartan 33 is not just a blast from the past-it's a wise choice for the present.
Final Thoughts
There's a quiet confidence to the Tartan 33. She's not flashy. She doesn't shout. But when the wind fills the sails and she heels gently to a breeze, she proves her pedigree in every ripple of her wake.
In a market saturated with modern plastic and oversized floating condos, the Tartan 33 reminds us what sailing is really about: simplicity, grace, and the joy of moving well through water.
If you find one in good condition, like this 1982 model currently for sale in Anacortes, don't hesitate. Boats like this are built to last-and built to sail.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1/29/26 | Initial price | $20,000 |
1982 Tartan 33 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1982 Tartan 33
Customers appreciate the 1982 Tartan 33 for its solid construction and classic design, noting its excellent balance between performance and comfort
Many highlight the boat's spacious interior layout, which is well-suited for extended cruising. Owners often commend the vessel's responsive handling and reliable sailing capabilities, making it a favored choice for both coastal and offshore adventures. Additionally, the quality craftsmanship and timeless style of the Tartan 33 continue to impress enthusiasts who value durability and elegance in a cruiser.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1982 Tartan 33 is a classic cruiser known for its solid construction and balanced sailing performance. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Sturdy Build: The Tartan 33 features a robust fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship, ensuring durability and longevity.
Comfortable Interior: With thoughtful layout and ample headroom, it offers comfortable accommodations for extended cruising.
Good Sailing Performance: The boat handles well under sail, providing a stable and responsive ride that appeals to both casual sailors and enthusiasts.
Spacious Cockpit: The cockpit design is roomy and practical, making it ideal for socializing and managing sails.
Classic Design: Its timeless lines and traditional styling continue to attract sailors who appreciate classic aesthetics.
Cons
Older Systems: Being a 1982 model, some mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems may be outdated and could require upgrading or maintenance.
Limited Tank Capacities: Fuel and freshwater tanks are on the smaller side, which may limit extended cruising range without frequent resupply.
Interior Layout: While comfortable, the interior layout may feel somewhat dated compared to more modern designs, with less optimized storage space.
Weight: The solid construction adds weight, which can affect light wind performance.
Maintenance Requirements: As with any older cruiser, ongoing upkeep is necessary to preserve the boat’s condition and seaworthiness.
Made For
The 1982 Tartan 33 is designed for sailors seeking a versatile and well-crafted cruiser-racer. It is ideal for those who want a comfortable and stylish boat capable of both competitive racing and enjoyable cruising. With its solid construction and thoughtful layout, the Tartan 33 appeals to sailors who value performance, durability, and classic design in a manageable size for coastal and offshore adventures.
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Riverfront Marine Sales and Service about 1982 Tartan 33
1890 Carter Road, Cleveland, OH, 44113
Contact Riverfront Marine Sales and Service
1890 Carter Road, Cleveland, OH, 44113
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