1980 Tartan 37
Panamaon the market since 17 days
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About
CAVU is a 1980 Tartan 37, a highly regarded Sparkman & Stephens design built by Tartan Yachts in Erie, PA. Known for a high-quality layup and finish for the era, this classic cruiser spent her early life as a freshwater boat on the Great Lakes, keeping the hull and underwater gear in exceptional condition. Shipped by truck to San Diego in 2016, she departed in 2019 for extensive bluewater cruising. CAVU has sailed Pacific Mexico (Sea of Cortez, Banderas Bay, Mexican mainland), south through Central America, transited the Panama Canal, and explored the San Blas Islands.
During this time, the vessel underwent an extensive, system-wide refit to prepare for serious, independent offshore passages. Below the waterline, all thru-hulls were replaced with TruDesign composite seacocks, the centerboard was repaired and reinforced, and a new rudder sourced directly from Tartan was installed along with a custom machined pintle. Above the waterline, all tanks (fuel, freshwater, and holding) and hoses were replaced, the electrical grid was converted to a massive 400Ah Victron-managed lithium system with 760W of solar, new sails were fitted, and a brand-new standing rigging package was stepped in late 2025.
CAVU is a turn-key, genuinely offshore-proven cruiser being sold only because the owners encountered an unexpected opportunity to step up to a larger vessel.Specifications & Dimensions
Vessel Name: Cavu
Launch Year: 1980
Make: Tartan
Model: 37
Designer: Sparkman and Stephens
Builder: Tartan Yachts
Registration: US Coast Guard Documented (1271826)
Length Overall: 37.3 ft
Beam: 11.8 ft
Draft: 4.2 ft (board up) / 7.75 ft (7 ft 9 in with board down)
Displacement: 14,500 lbs
Hull Material: FRP (Solid FRP in high-stress areas, balsa-cored in others)
Deck Material: FRP over balsa core
Keel Type: Encapsulated keel with Centerboard
Finish: Gelcoat (Last polish/antifoul: 2023 Interlux Ultrakote)
Drive Stations: 1
Engine & Mechanical
Number of Engines: 1
Engine Make: Westerbeke
Engine Model: W50 (Naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder diesel based on the BMC 1.8L block)
Year: 1980
Horsepower: 41 hp
Engine Hours: ~2,600 hours
Fuel Type: Diesel
Fuel Capacity: 53 Gallons (New tank installed 2023)
Cruise Fuel Burn: 0.7 Gallons per hour
Drive Type: Shaft to prop with PSS dripless shaft seal
Propeller: Maxprop 3-Blade (Serviced by PYI in 2023)
Steering System: Wheel steering with Edson pedestal, quadrant, and cables
Thrusters: N/A
Mechanical Maintenance & Notes
The engine has been maintained on a strict schedule throughout current ownership, including regular oil changes and impeller replacements. Recent updates include a new Mr. Cool heat exchanger (2025), a new raw water pump (2025), and a rebuilt/replaced fuel injection pump (2021).Note on condition: The engine has a minor, manageable oil leak near the rear plate/sump gasket/bell housing plate. It is a known characteristic of this block, consumption is minimal, and it does not affect engine performance or reliability.Extensive Spares Inventory
The vessel is exceptionally well-stocked for remote offshore passages, with a spares inventory including: engine and transmission gasket kits, transmission rebuild kit, spare raw water pumps and pump rebuild parts, impellers, spare alternator, fuel lift pump, fresh water pump, belts, watermaker filters/impellers/pickling solution, oil and fuel filters, and assorted rigging blocks and spares.Electrical System & Power
CAVU's electrical grid underwent a comprehensive, modern refit centered on self-sufficiency at anchor and the capacity to run high-draw appliances without a generator.
House Bank: 400Ah LiFePO4 bank comprised of four Renogy 100Ah lithium batteries (Installed 2023)
Start Battery: Group 27 AGM (Installed 2025)
Inverter/Charger: Victron Multiplus 3000W inverter/charger (2023)
Secondary Charger: Pronautic 40A charger (Universal input shore power)
DC/DC Charger: Victron Orion DC/DC charger (Keeps start battery isolated from lithium house bank)
Alternator: Balmar 105A alternator (Installed 2023, tuned to ~70A) with Wakespeed WS500 external regulator and a Balmar Alternator Protection Device (APD)
Solar Array: 760W total managed by 3x Victron MPPT solar charge controllers (500W on Bimini, 160W on Connector, 100W on Dodger)
System Monitoring: Victron Cerbo GX with touch display and a Victron BMV-712 battery monitor, fully integrated into the NMEA2000 network
System Voltage: 12V system (120V shore power with 30A connection)
Electronics & Navigation
The fully integrated electronics suite is built on a NMEA2000 backbone for complete vessel visibility.
Chartplotter: B&G Vulcan 9
Radar: B&G Halo 20+ pulse compression radar (2024)
Autopilot: B&G NAC-3 autopilot driving an oversized B&G T2 hydraulic ram (2021) for robust steering in heavy seas. Fully integrates with chartplotter.
Windvane: Cape Horn Windvane self-steering gear (Provides power-free steering on long passages)
AIS: Simrad NAIS-500 AIS transponder with a dedicated antenna splitter (2019)
Multi-Data Sensors: Airmar DST810 Triducer (Depth, log, water speed, and temperature)
Wind Instruments: Raymarine ST60 Wind
Heading & Feedback: B&G Precision 9 compass and a rudder position sensor
VHF Radio: B&G V50 fixed mount VHF with two B&G H50 wireless handsets
Satellite Communications: Iridium Go
Internet: Starlink Gen 2
Audio: Boss Bluetooth stereo system
TV: N/A
Accommodations
Layout: Main Salon, forward V-Berth, and an aft Quarter Berth
Total Berths: 7
Double Berths: 2 (V-Berth and Quarter Berth)
Single Berths: 3 (Two salon settee berths, one pilot berth)
Headroom: Over 6 ft throughout the master cabin and main salon
Interior Details
The interior layout maximizes comfort both at anchor and underway. The forward V-berth serves as the primary double with excellent ventilation and storage beneath. The main salon features two settee berths (the starboard settee extends to create a larger sleeping surface) and a dedicated single pilot berth above the port settee, which provides heavily damped, secure sleeping while at sea. The secure aft quarter berth is tucked closely to the companionway, making it ideal for the active watch captain.Galley
Location: Starboard side at the bottom of the companionway
Stove/Oven: Gimballed Force 10 3-burner propane stove and oven (Installed 2021)
Propane Storage: 2x propane tanks with a dedicated solenoid control valve switch located in the galley
Sink: Stainless steel double sink
Refrigeration: 7 cu. ft. Ozefridge 12V compressor refrigerator (Installed 2024). Features a highly efficient dual-cooling setup that is both air-cooled and fresh water-cooled via the vessel's water tanks (ideal for tropical climates)
Freezer: N/A
Microwave: N/A
Dishwasher: N/A
Bathroom & Plumbing
Number of Heads: 1 (Wet head design)
Toilet Type: Manual Jabsco Twist 'n Lock saltwater flush toilet (Pump replaced 2025; spare joker and flapper valves on board)
Showers: 1 integrated shower in the head, plus 1 hot/cold cockpit shower
Holding Tank: 19 Gallon tank located under the V-berth (New tank and hoses 2023). Features a Y-valve and a 12V diaphragm pump for direct overboard discharge at sea or deck pump-out at a marina.
Water Capacity: 100 Gallons total across 2 new tanks installed in 2023 (25 Gallon port tank, 55 Gallon starboard tank, plus secondary capacity)
Watermaker: Rainman 37 Gallon-per-hour portable unit, permanently installed aboard with a custom control panel for tank selection and an automated fresh-water flush system. Can run directly off the lithium bank/inverter or shore power.
Hot Water System: 12 Gallon tank heated via two sources: an engine heat exchanger underway, or an electric heating element via shore power/inverter.
Mast, Rigging & Sails
Mast/Boom Construction: Aluminum mast and boom
Standing Rigging: Completely replaced in December 2025 with new wire and premium Stalok swageless end fittings. Turnbuckles are 7 years old.
Running Rigging: 7 years old (2019) in good condition
Spinnaker Pole: Yes, deck-mounted
Mainsail: Fully battened mainsail with a slab/slab-reefing system (New 2023)
Mainsail Track: Tides Marine Strong Track system (2023)
Stackpack: Custom mainsail stackpack system (New 2025)
Headsail: 135% Genoa (New 2023)
Headsail Furler: Profurl LCI32 headstay furler (Disassembled with new bushings installed 2025)
Downwind Sails: Asymmetrical Spinnaker with an ATN dousing sock
Winches: 3 Self-tailing winches in the cockpit, separate non-self-tailing spinnaker winches, plus additional utility winches on the mast and boom. No electric winches.
Ground Tackle
Primary Anchor: 20 kg (45 lbs) Rocna anchor (New 2023), intentionally oversized for secure holding
Primary Rode: 250 ft of 5/16" G4 high-test chain (New 2023) spliced to an additional 200 ft of 5/8" nylon line
Windlass: Maxwell RC8 horizontal electric windlass (Installed 2019, motor fully serviced December 2025)
Chain Stopper: Maxwell chain stopper (2019)
Controls: Triple-station control options (Bow switches, wireless remote, or cockpit toggle switch)
Safety Equipment
Life Raft: 6-person life raft mounted on the cabin top (Note: Expired 2024)
EPIRB: Yes
Flares: Yes
Life Jackets: Yes
Harnesses: Yes, includes jacklines
Drogue: Yes, stowed under the navigation desk
Life Ring / Throwbox: Throwable cushion
Bilge Pumps: 1 Manual pump located in the cockpit, 1 automatic electric bilge pump located in the keel sump
Fire Extinguishers: Yes
Fire Blanket: Yes, located in galley area
Bosun's Chair: Yes
Accessories & Tender
Tender: Achilles HB300FX RIB (2019) fitted with custom chaps made in 2025
Outboard Motor: Torqeedo 1003 electric outboard (Note: Needs a new battery and occasionally displays an error code)
Outboard Lift: Stainless steel outboard engine lift crane
Canvas: Dodger and Bimini providing excellent cockpit shade, with an intermediate connector canvas
Washdown: Saltwater deck washdown system at the bow
Cockpit Comfort: Full cockpit cushions
General Gear: Mooring lines, fenders, boat hook
Davits: No
Swim Ladder: Yes
Detailed Refit & Maintenance Summary
2025: New standing rigging wire and Stalok fittings; new engine heat exchanger; new engine raw water pump; Maxwell windlass motor service; Profurl furler overhaul; custom mainsail stackpack.
2024: Chainplate knee reinforcement completed using epoxy and 1708 biaxial cloth; new B&G Halo 20+ radar; new Ozefridge 12V cooling system.
2023: All-new TruDesign composite thru-hulls and seacocks throughout; new rudder and custom pintles sourced from Tartan; all-new plastic tanks (fuel, holding, dual freshwater) and all-new sanitation/plumbing hoses; new 135% Genoa and fully battened mainsail with Tides Strong Track; full Victron lithium conversion (Renogy banks, Multiplus, Cerbo GX, MPPTs, 760W solar, Balmar 105A alternator & Wakespeed regulator); Marinaire 6k BTU air conditioning.
2021: Force 10 3-burner propane stove/oven; B&G NAC-3 autopilot with T2 ram; engine fuel injection pump rebuilt/replaced.
2019: Maxwell RC8 windlass; Rainman 37gph watermaker; Simrad NAIS-500 AIS; Achilles HB300FX RIB tender; running rigging.
History & DisclosuresAccident History
While in a harbor in Mexico, the vessel wrapped a loose net around the running gear, causing damage to the propeller and the stern tube hole. The entire assembly from the transmission back was removed for professional attention. The stern tube repairs were fiberglassed, the propeller shaft was checked for straightness (confirmed true), and the propeller was sent to PYI for complete factory servicing. All repairs were fully documented and the vessel has been in excellent running condition with zero alignment or vibration issues since.Known Minor Defects
A small section of cosmetic/core delamination exists on the cabin top inside the forward V-berth.
There is a minor, stable engine oil leak at the bell housing plate/sump gasket. It is monitored, requires minimal top-offs, and does not alter engine performance.
The Torqeedo outboard battery requires replacement.
The 6-person liferaft is due for recertification (expired 2024).
During this time, the vessel underwent an extensive, system-wide refit to prepare for serious, independent offshore passages. Below the waterline, all thru-hulls were replaced with TruDesign composite seacocks, the centerboard was repaired and reinforced, and a new rudder sourced directly from Tartan was installed along with a custom machined pintle. Above the waterline, all tanks (fuel, freshwater, and holding) and hoses were replaced, the electrical grid was converted to a massive 400Ah Victron-managed lithium system with 760W of solar, new sails were fitted, and a brand-new standing rigging package was stepped in late 2025.
CAVU is a turn-key, genuinely offshore-proven cruiser being sold only because the owners encountered an unexpected opportunity to step up to a larger vessel.Specifications & Dimensions
Vessel Name: Cavu
Launch Year: 1980
Make: Tartan
Model: 37
Designer: Sparkman and Stephens
Builder: Tartan Yachts
Registration: US Coast Guard Documented (1271826)
Length Overall: 37.3 ft
Beam: 11.8 ft
Draft: 4.2 ft (board up) / 7.75 ft (7 ft 9 in with board down)
Displacement: 14,500 lbs
Hull Material: FRP (Solid FRP in high-stress areas, balsa-cored in others)
Deck Material: FRP over balsa core
Keel Type: Encapsulated keel with Centerboard
Finish: Gelcoat (Last polish/antifoul: 2023 Interlux Ultrakote)
Drive Stations: 1
Engine & Mechanical
Number of Engines: 1
Engine Make: Westerbeke
Engine Model: W50 (Naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder diesel based on the BMC 1.8L block)
Year: 1980
Horsepower: 41 hp
Engine Hours: ~2,600 hours
Fuel Type: Diesel
Fuel Capacity: 53 Gallons (New tank installed 2023)
Cruise Fuel Burn: 0.7 Gallons per hour
Drive Type: Shaft to prop with PSS dripless shaft seal
Propeller: Maxprop 3-Blade (Serviced by PYI in 2023)
Steering System: Wheel steering with Edson pedestal, quadrant, and cables
Thrusters: N/A
Mechanical Maintenance & Notes
The engine has been maintained on a strict schedule throughout current ownership, including regular oil changes and impeller replacements. Recent updates include a new Mr. Cool heat exchanger (2025), a new raw water pump (2025), and a rebuilt/replaced fuel injection pump (2021).Note on condition: The engine has a minor, manageable oil leak near the rear plate/sump gasket/bell housing plate. It is a known characteristic of this block, consumption is minimal, and it does not affect engine performance or reliability.Extensive Spares Inventory
The vessel is exceptionally well-stocked for remote offshore passages, with a spares inventory including: engine and transmission gasket kits, transmission rebuild kit, spare raw water pumps and pump rebuild parts, impellers, spare alternator, fuel lift pump, fresh water pump, belts, watermaker filters/impellers/pickling solution, oil and fuel filters, and assorted rigging blocks and spares.Electrical System & Power
CAVU's electrical grid underwent a comprehensive, modern refit centered on self-sufficiency at anchor and the capacity to run high-draw appliances without a generator.
House Bank: 400Ah LiFePO4 bank comprised of four Renogy 100Ah lithium batteries (Installed 2023)
Start Battery: Group 27 AGM (Installed 2025)
Inverter/Charger: Victron Multiplus 3000W inverter/charger (2023)
Secondary Charger: Pronautic 40A charger (Universal input shore power)
DC/DC Charger: Victron Orion DC/DC charger (Keeps start battery isolated from lithium house bank)
Alternator: Balmar 105A alternator (Installed 2023, tuned to ~70A) with Wakespeed WS500 external regulator and a Balmar Alternator Protection Device (APD)
Solar Array: 760W total managed by 3x Victron MPPT solar charge controllers (500W on Bimini, 160W on Connector, 100W on Dodger)
System Monitoring: Victron Cerbo GX with touch display and a Victron BMV-712 battery monitor, fully integrated into the NMEA2000 network
System Voltage: 12V system (120V shore power with 30A connection)
Electronics & Navigation
The fully integrated electronics suite is built on a NMEA2000 backbone for complete vessel visibility.
Chartplotter: B&G Vulcan 9
Radar: B&G Halo 20+ pulse compression radar (2024)
Autopilot: B&G NAC-3 autopilot driving an oversized B&G T2 hydraulic ram (2021) for robust steering in heavy seas. Fully integrates with chartplotter.
Windvane: Cape Horn Windvane self-steering gear (Provides power-free steering on long passages)
AIS: Simrad NAIS-500 AIS transponder with a dedicated antenna splitter (2019)
Multi-Data Sensors: Airmar DST810 Triducer (Depth, log, water speed, and temperature)
Wind Instruments: Raymarine ST60 Wind
Heading & Feedback: B&G Precision 9 compass and a rudder position sensor
VHF Radio: B&G V50 fixed mount VHF with two B&G H50 wireless handsets
Satellite Communications: Iridium Go
Internet: Starlink Gen 2
Audio: Boss Bluetooth stereo system
TV: N/A
Accommodations
Layout: Main Salon, forward V-Berth, and an aft Quarter Berth
Total Berths: 7
Double Berths: 2 (V-Berth and Quarter Berth)
Single Berths: 3 (Two salon settee berths, one pilot berth)
Headroom: Over 6 ft throughout the master cabin and main salon
Interior Details
The interior layout maximizes comfort both at anchor and underway. The forward V-berth serves as the primary double with excellent ventilation and storage beneath. The main salon features two settee berths (the starboard settee extends to create a larger sleeping surface) and a dedicated single pilot berth above the port settee, which provides heavily damped, secure sleeping while at sea. The secure aft quarter berth is tucked closely to the companionway, making it ideal for the active watch captain.Galley
Location: Starboard side at the bottom of the companionway
Stove/Oven: Gimballed Force 10 3-burner propane stove and oven (Installed 2021)
Propane Storage: 2x propane tanks with a dedicated solenoid control valve switch located in the galley
Sink: Stainless steel double sink
Refrigeration: 7 cu. ft. Ozefridge 12V compressor refrigerator (Installed 2024). Features a highly efficient dual-cooling setup that is both air-cooled and fresh water-cooled via the vessel's water tanks (ideal for tropical climates)
Freezer: N/A
Microwave: N/A
Dishwasher: N/A
Bathroom & Plumbing
Number of Heads: 1 (Wet head design)
Toilet Type: Manual Jabsco Twist 'n Lock saltwater flush toilet (Pump replaced 2025; spare joker and flapper valves on board)
Showers: 1 integrated shower in the head, plus 1 hot/cold cockpit shower
Holding Tank: 19 Gallon tank located under the V-berth (New tank and hoses 2023). Features a Y-valve and a 12V diaphragm pump for direct overboard discharge at sea or deck pump-out at a marina.
Water Capacity: 100 Gallons total across 2 new tanks installed in 2023 (25 Gallon port tank, 55 Gallon starboard tank, plus secondary capacity)
Watermaker: Rainman 37 Gallon-per-hour portable unit, permanently installed aboard with a custom control panel for tank selection and an automated fresh-water flush system. Can run directly off the lithium bank/inverter or shore power.
Hot Water System: 12 Gallon tank heated via two sources: an engine heat exchanger underway, or an electric heating element via shore power/inverter.
Mast, Rigging & Sails
Mast/Boom Construction: Aluminum mast and boom
Standing Rigging: Completely replaced in December 2025 with new wire and premium Stalok swageless end fittings. Turnbuckles are 7 years old.
Running Rigging: 7 years old (2019) in good condition
Spinnaker Pole: Yes, deck-mounted
Mainsail: Fully battened mainsail with a slab/slab-reefing system (New 2023)
Mainsail Track: Tides Marine Strong Track system (2023)
Stackpack: Custom mainsail stackpack system (New 2025)
Headsail: 135% Genoa (New 2023)
Headsail Furler: Profurl LCI32 headstay furler (Disassembled with new bushings installed 2025)
Downwind Sails: Asymmetrical Spinnaker with an ATN dousing sock
Winches: 3 Self-tailing winches in the cockpit, separate non-self-tailing spinnaker winches, plus additional utility winches on the mast and boom. No electric winches.
Ground Tackle
Primary Anchor: 20 kg (45 lbs) Rocna anchor (New 2023), intentionally oversized for secure holding
Primary Rode: 250 ft of 5/16" G4 high-test chain (New 2023) spliced to an additional 200 ft of 5/8" nylon line
Windlass: Maxwell RC8 horizontal electric windlass (Installed 2019, motor fully serviced December 2025)
Chain Stopper: Maxwell chain stopper (2019)
Controls: Triple-station control options (Bow switches, wireless remote, or cockpit toggle switch)
Safety Equipment
Life Raft: 6-person life raft mounted on the cabin top (Note: Expired 2024)
EPIRB: Yes
Flares: Yes
Life Jackets: Yes
Harnesses: Yes, includes jacklines
Drogue: Yes, stowed under the navigation desk
Life Ring / Throwbox: Throwable cushion
Bilge Pumps: 1 Manual pump located in the cockpit, 1 automatic electric bilge pump located in the keel sump
Fire Extinguishers: Yes
Fire Blanket: Yes, located in galley area
Bosun's Chair: Yes
Accessories & Tender
Tender: Achilles HB300FX RIB (2019) fitted with custom chaps made in 2025
Outboard Motor: Torqeedo 1003 electric outboard (Note: Needs a new battery and occasionally displays an error code)
Outboard Lift: Stainless steel outboard engine lift crane
Canvas: Dodger and Bimini providing excellent cockpit shade, with an intermediate connector canvas
Washdown: Saltwater deck washdown system at the bow
Cockpit Comfort: Full cockpit cushions
General Gear: Mooring lines, fenders, boat hook
Davits: No
Swim Ladder: Yes
Detailed Refit & Maintenance Summary
2025: New standing rigging wire and Stalok fittings; new engine heat exchanger; new engine raw water pump; Maxwell windlass motor service; Profurl furler overhaul; custom mainsail stackpack.
2024: Chainplate knee reinforcement completed using epoxy and 1708 biaxial cloth; new B&G Halo 20+ radar; new Ozefridge 12V cooling system.
2023: All-new TruDesign composite thru-hulls and seacocks throughout; new rudder and custom pintles sourced from Tartan; all-new plastic tanks (fuel, holding, dual freshwater) and all-new sanitation/plumbing hoses; new 135% Genoa and fully battened mainsail with Tides Strong Track; full Victron lithium conversion (Renogy banks, Multiplus, Cerbo GX, MPPTs, 760W solar, Balmar 105A alternator & Wakespeed regulator); Marinaire 6k BTU air conditioning.
2021: Force 10 3-burner propane stove/oven; B&G NAC-3 autopilot with T2 ram; engine fuel injection pump rebuilt/replaced.
2019: Maxwell RC8 windlass; Rainman 37gph watermaker; Simrad NAIS-500 AIS; Achilles HB300FX RIB tender; running rigging.
History & DisclosuresAccident History
While in a harbor in Mexico, the vessel wrapped a loose net around the running gear, causing damage to the propeller and the stern tube hole. The entire assembly from the transmission back was removed for professional attention. The stern tube repairs were fiberglassed, the propeller shaft was checked for straightness (confirmed true), and the propeller was sent to PYI for complete factory servicing. All repairs were fully documented and the vessel has been in excellent running condition with zero alignment or vibration issues since.Known Minor Defects
A small section of cosmetic/core delamination exists on the cabin top inside the forward V-berth.
There is a minor, stable engine oil leak at the bell housing plate/sump gasket. It is monitored, requires minimal top-offs, and does not alter engine performance.
The Torqeedo outboard battery requires replacement.
The 6-person liferaft is due for recertification (expired 2024).
