Legacy 12: Tartan Legacy Yachts’ First Mark II Series Motor Yacht Built by Seattle Yachts

The all-new Legacy 12 marks the debut of the Mark II Series from Tartan Legacy Yachts. Built by Seattle Yachts’ Marine Manufacturing Group (MMG) and scheduled for launch in late 2024, the Legacy 12 is a compact, capable motor yacht designed for coastal cruising, island hopping and extended cruising routes such as the Great Loop.

Following Tartan Legacy Yachts’ acquisition by Seattle Yachts’ MMG in the spring of 2020, production plans changed. While the Legacy 12 was originally intended to be built at the Tartan facility in Fairport, Ohio, final construction moved to MMG’s yard in Anacortes, Washington. That facility already produces larger Northern Marine trawlers, and it brings that yard’s build expertise to the new Mark II Series.

Design and Construction

At 38 feet 10 inches overall length (LOA) with a 12-foot 6-inch beam, the Legacy 12 is engineered as a practical, efficient motor yacht for owners who want comfortable performance without excessive size. The hull uses a moderate deep-V form to provide a confident ride in a variety of sea conditions. Construction employs infused vinylester fiberglass laminate reinforced with carbon fiber and Kevlar, a combination that balances stiffness, strength and weight efficiency for improved durability and handling.

Layout and Accommodation

The Legacy 12 adopts a galley-up layout on the helm deck, prioritizing social space and a comfortable environment for watchkeeping and entertaining. The helm deck cockpit is arranged to maximize usability and includes options such as a built-in BBQ, icemaker and sink, making it straightforward to prepare meals underway or while at anchor. A cockpit dining area features an adjustable table and storage beneath the seating to keep gear stowed and organized.

Below decks the design focuses on a private owner’s cabin forward, with a dedicated reading and lounging area to port and a head compartment with a separate shower stall to starboard. The owner’s cabin can be fully enclosed with sliding doors for privacy. For owners with different needs, the lounging area can be configured as a twin-berth cabin instead, offering flexible sleeping arrangements for guests or family. On deck, the bow is fitted with a sunpad for lounging and enjoying open-water cruising.

Power, Performance and Options

Standard propulsion for the Legacy 12 is twin 300-hp outboards from Yamaha or Mercury, delivering a practical balance of efficiency and cruise speed. With this standard package the boat cruises around 30 knots and reaches a top speed near 35 knots. Owners seeking higher performance can opt for twin 400-hp outboards, which increase cruise speed to about 35 knots and raise top speed to roughly 45 knots, or choose alternative diesel outboard installations such as twin 300-hp diesel outboards. These options allow buyers to tailor the yacht’s performance to their cruising style and local waters.

Owner-specified extras expand comfort and capability: a dishwasher and watermaker support extended trips and liveaboard use, while a Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizer is available to reduce roll and improve onboard comfort at anchor or underway. Other optional equipment packages are offered to match individual preferences for electronics, finishes and systems.

Build Location and Delivery

The Legacy 12 will be completed and launched from Seattle Yachts’ MMG facility in Anacortes, Washington. Building the Mark II Series at this yard allows Tartan Legacy Yachts to leverage MMG’s skilled workforce and production resources, positioning the Legacy 12 as a thoughtfully engineered small motor yacht for owners focused on cruising versatility, refined construction and modern systems.