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Sailboat Specifications

Tanzer 26

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Transom Hung Rudder

Designed by Johann Tanzer · Built by Tanzer Industries Ltd. (Can) · First built 1974

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Tanzer 26 sailboat — on the water
Photo: Ahunt / CC0
LOA 26.33 ft  ·  Beam 8.67 ft  ·  Displacement 4,350.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 282.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Transom Hung Rudder
About the Tanzer 26 Sailboat

Canadian designer Johann Tanzer created this popular 26-footer as an affordable entry into serious sailing, and nearly 1,000 hulls were produced during its eleven-year production run from 1974 to 1985. Built by Tanzer Industries in fiberglass, this masthead sloop established itself as a versatile performer equally suited to weekend coastal cruising and competitive club racing. The design features a moderate fin keel with transom-hung rudder configuration that provides responsive handling while maintaining stability. With a displacement of 4,350 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, the Tanzer 26 offers reassuring stability for newer sailors without sacrificing performance. The 282 square feet of sail area generates solid light-air performance, while the boat's modest beam keeps it easily trailerable. Notable for its well-balanced helm and forgiving sailing characteristics, the Tanzer 26 became particularly popular in the Great Lakes region and throughout Canada. The design strikes an appealing balance between cruising comfort and racing capability, making it an excellent choice for sailors seeking their first "real" sailboat or those wanting a manageable weekender. Its enduring popularity in the used boat market speaks to the design's fundamental soundness and versatility.

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Known Issues View all 9 issues →
High
The foredeck and side decks are cored with balsa on many examples. Chainplate and stanchion base fasteners frequently allow water intrusion into the balsa core, causing wet, soft, or delaminated deck areas around these fittings.
High
The cast iron fin keel is attached with mild steel keel bolts that corrode significantly over time. Rust staining in the bilge sump near the keel stub is a common indicator. Keel bolt condition should be a priority survey item as replacement is costly and the bolts are not accessible without removing interior joinery.
High
The keel-to-hull interface can develop stress cracking in the gelcoat and laminate around the keel sump, particularly on boats that have taken the ground or been trailered repeatedly. Inspect internally and externally for cracking or flex in this area.
+ 6 more issues — see full list →
Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 26.33 ft / 8.03 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 8.67 ft / 2.64 m
Max Draft 3.83 ft / 1.17 m
Displacement 4,350.00 lb / 1,973 kg
Ballast 1,950.00 lb / 885 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 282.00 ft² / 26.20 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Johann Tanzer
Builder Tanzer Industries Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1974
Last Built 1985
Number Built 960
Associations Tanzer 26
Related Sailboats Py 26 Paceship · Ranger 26 Mull · First 26 Beneteau · Columbia 26 · Marieholm 26
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tanzer 26's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Tanzer 26 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.98. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Tanzer 26's comfort ratio?

The Tanzer 26 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 16. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Tanzer 26 safe for offshore sailing?

The Tanzer 26 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.13. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Tanzer 26?

The theoretical hull speed of the Tanzer 26 is 6.36 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Tanzer 26 weigh?

The Tanzer 26 has a displacement of 4,350.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.33 ft.

Who designed the Tanzer 26?

The Tanzer 26 was designed by Johann Tanzer, first built in 1974.