26 ft tanzer sailboat

This pocket cruiser and popular club racer is built for speed and comfort

Opinions vary widely when talk turns to the Tanzer 26, the Canadian-built masthead sloop that was popular in 1970s and 1980s. Some sailors contend the recreational sailboat offers just about everything you might want in a small package—simple rigging, rugged construction, ample room below deck, cruising capability and, surprisingly, speed. Detractors say the boat lacks style and is more akin to a plastic bleach bottle with an unpleasing squatty profile. 

Designed by Johann Tanzer, the boat enjoyed a 10-year production run starting in 1975 at the Tanzer Industries Vaudreuil plant in Dorion, Quebec. With 960 T26s built, the company went out of production in May 1986 when Tanzer Industries filed for bankruptcy. 

During those two decades, the company also built 2,270 Tanzer 22s, its most successful model, which emerged as a popular club racer. Tanzer first found success in 1958 with its Flying Scot and over the years the company churned out approximately 8,000 boats in several lengths, up to 34 feet. 

According to T26 owners, the boat offers qualities that will appeal to cruising families as well as racing skippers. As the Tanzer 26 website puts it, “She provides both speed and responsiveness that is quite unusual for a production boat. But she is not just a fast sailboat that wins races. Her expansive and comfortable interior as well as forgiving nature make her a safe and easily handled cruising boat for the family.” 

First impressions

When discussing the merits of form versus function, the Tanzer 26 could easily be lumped in with the latter. Not the prettiest girl at the dance, the compact pocket cruiser nonetheless has many admirers. It’s a boat absent of traditional sheer, graceful overhangs, or even the openness of a race boat. In two words, the Tanzer 26 is practical and affordable, and that’s what attracts so many sailors. 

Construction

Although the majority of Tanzer boats were built at the home base near Montreal, others were produced in Edenton, North Carolina, and Arlington, Washington, during the height of the company’s success.  

The T26 hull is constructed as a single unit in hand-laid fiberglass with alternate layers of woven roving and mat. Additional layers are applied in high-stress areas. The deck, cabintop and cockpit are also constructed as a single unit, reinforced by sandwich construction to help ensure a rigid, insulated, non-flexing deck.

Latter models featured longer exterior handrails, nonskid deck, and a portal configuration with a single, long window on each side of the cabintrunk, replacing the former array of three or four portals per side.

The boat has a fiberglass hull, fin keel with a draft of 3 feet, 10 inches and transom-hung rudder. Tanzer offered a shoal-draft model as a factory option with a keel draft of 2 feet, 8 inches.

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The Tanzer 26 is a 26.33ft masthead sloop designed by Johann Tanzer and built in fiberglass by Tanzer Industries Ltd. between 1974 and 1985.

960 units have been built..

The Tanzer 26 is a light sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

Tanzer 26 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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Review of Tanzer 26

Basic specs.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Tanzer 26 is 2.12, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.4 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Tanzer 26 is about 121 kg/cm, alternatively 679 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 121 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 679 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

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If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

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TANZER 26 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of TANZER 26. Built by Tanzer Industries Ltd. and designed by undefined, the boat was first built in 1974. It has a hull type of Fin w/transom hung rudder and LOA is 8.03. Its sail area/displacement ratio 16.98. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

TANZER 26 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about TANZER 26 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, contributions, who builds tanzer 26.

TANZER 26 is built by Tanzer Industries Ltd..

When was TANZER 26 first built?

TANZER 26 was first built in 1974.

How long is TANZER 26?

TANZER 26 is 6.86 m in length.

What is mast height on TANZER 26?

TANZER 26 has a mast height of 7.7 m.

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• Sailboat Guide

Tanzer Industries Ltd.

Founded by Johann Tanzer, Tanzer Industries Ltd. was one of the largest sailboat manufacturer in Canada for more than 20 years. The Tanzer line ranged from 16 to 35 feet. The most successful model was the TANZER 22 with more than 2200 built. But other models including the 26 were also built in large numbers. In it’s heyday Tanzer built boats on both coasts of the U.S., but the factory at Dorion, Que., turned out the bulk of the roughly 8,000 Tanzers built. The company was forced into bankruptcy in May of 1986.

Associations

• Quarter Ton Class
• Tanzer 16 Class Association
• Flying Scott (USA)
• C&C Design
• Dick Carter
• Gordon K. (Sandy) Douglass
• Johann Tanzer
• Johan Tanzer
• Johnson/Melges Boat Works
• Joubert-Nivelt
• Raymond Hunt (C.R. Hunt & Assoc.)
• William Shaw

20 sailboats built by Tanzer Industries Ltd.

Flying Scot

Overnighter 16

Tanzer 22 cb.

Constellation 16

Tanzer 10.5

Tanzer 22 T/4

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Welcome to the Tanzer 26 website

Bienvenue sur la page Tanzer 26

"Puissance" Adam Howie's T26 sailing on Grand Lake, Fredricton, New Brunswick. Photo by Jamie Howie

Last Update: 5 avril 2021

since 2018-07-15

Disclaimer: Note that this website is an individual initiative, and it is not affiliated with any business, organization, or association involved with the T26. It should also be noted that while the information provided at this site and all its subsidiary pages is believed to be correct and up to date (as of January, 2015), this site and all its subsidiary pages are not explicitly or implicitly warranted or represented to be free of errors, omissions, or inaccuracies, nor is the information at this site and all its subsidiary pages explicitly or implicitly warranted or represented to be suitable or fit for a particular purpose, or for use in relation to any kind of boating or sailing activity. In other words, like most everything else on the web, use the information provided at this site entirely at your own risk.

© Carter Brown, Jonathan Roy & Julien Bertrand 2000 - 2015 . Individuals are welcomed to download and reproduce material from this site for their personal (non-commercial) use. This site located at URL:  http://www.tanzer-26.com/index.html

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Engineering:Tanzer 26

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The Tanzer 26 is a Canadian sailboat , intended for racing, day sailing and cruising. It was designed by Johann Tanzer and first built in 1974. The design is out of production. [1] [2] [3] [4]

• 1 Production
• 3 Operational history
• 5 References
• 6 External links

Production of the boat was commenced in 1974 by Tanzer Industries of Dorion, Quebec and 960 boats were completed by the time production ended in 1985. The company entered bankruptcy in May 1986. [1] [5]

The Tanzer 26 is a small recreational keelboat , built predominantly of fibreglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, a transom-hung rudder and a fixed fin keel . It displaces 4,350 lb (1,973 kg) and carries 1,950 lb (885 kg) of ballast. The hinged mast is mounted on the cabin top. [1] [2] [3]

The boat was built with a standard keel that gives a draft of 3.83 ft (1.17 m). Most examples built were powered by an outboard motor , but an inboard-mounted Japan ese-built Yanmar Diesel engine was optional. [1]

The accommodations include a forward cabin with a "V" berth with a hatch for ventilation and a folding door for privacy. The main cabin has a settee double berth and a quarter berth. The head is on the port side of the cabin and has a ventilator, with the galley on the starboard side. There is a folding table as well, that stows against the bulkhead. [3]

The cockpit is self-draining and can seat six or more adults, with a sail locker and outboard motor fuel tank locker. An anchor locker is mounted forward. The mainsheet traveller is mounted to the bridge deck and jib sheet tracks are installed on the side toe rails. [3]

The boat has a PHRF racing average handicap of 216. It has a hull speed of 6.36 kn (11.78 km/h). [2]

Operational history

In a review Michael McGoldrick wrote, "These boats have a reputation as a good club racer, but they are equally well known a comfortable cruising boats that can easily accommodate an average size family. The Tanzer 26 is supported by an active network of owners, and they have even come up with a new rudder design to improve the boats' handling characteristics. Boats built in the 1980's (starting a little before hull # 300) have the newer window configuration and improved forward hatch. People sailing in shallow waters will be happy to note that the Tanzer 26 has a draft of 3 feet, 10 inches, which isn't all that deep for a 26 footer with a fin keel." [6]

In his description of the design, Richard M. Sherwood wrote, "This is a combination boat, for racing or cruising. The cockpit is large, so she is also a day sailer, with capacity for six or more. With a fairly high ballast/displacement ratio, she can be expected to be stiff." [3]

• List of sailing boat types

Similar sailboats

• Beneteau First 26
• Beneteau First 265
• C&C 26 Wave
• Contessa 26
• Discovery 7.9
• Grampian 26
• Herreshoff H-26
• Hunter 26.5
• MacGregor 26
• Paceship PY 26
• Parker Dawson 26
• Sandstream 26
• ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Browning, Randy (2016). "Tanzer 26 sailboat specifications and details" . sailboatdata.com . https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/tanzer-26 . Retrieved 6 July 2016 .  
• ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 InterVisionSoft LLC (2016). "Sailboat Specifications for Tanzer 26" . Sailing Joy . http://www.sailingjoy.com/sailboat_specs/sailboat_specs/view/380/tanzer-26 . Retrieved 6 July 2016 .  
• ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Sherwood, Richard M.: A Field Guide to Sailboats of North America, Second Edition , pages 182-183. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1994. ISBN :0-395-65239-1
• ↑ McArthur, Bruce (2022). "Johann Tanzer 1927 - 2016" . sailboatdata.com . https://sailboatdata.com/designer/tanzer-johann .  
• ↑ McArthur, Bruce (2022). "Tanzer Industries Ltd. 1966 - 1986" . sailboatdata.com . https://sailboatdata.com/builder/tanzer-industries-ltd .  
• ↑ McGoldrick, Michael (2018). "Tanzer 26" . Sail Quest . http://sailquest.com/market/models/tanzer26.htm . Retrieved 24 July 2018 .  

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Home > Find Your Sail > Search by Make and Model > Tanzer > Tanzer 26

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Building Lasting Relationships Through Quality and Precision

At Precision Sails, our primary goal is to design sails to fit your Tanzer 26 like a glove. With that said, we can do an even better job of helping you make informed decisions if we have an understanding of what makes your Tanzer 26 unique. We have done our research and gathered information that will not only help us, but help you learn more about your boat. This information includes: features, primary uses, measurements, rig specifications, and the history of the T26.

Impressive Even After Four Decades

Rig specifications.

These are the specifications provided by the designers, but even from the factory, these boats may not be identical. The reason for this is that the sail industry often contracts manufacturing to different sources in order to achieve economies of scale. What this means is – your Tanzer 26 may be more unique than you initially thought.

It’s important to note that boats are also frequently customized, so if you suspect that work has been done on yours, it’s best to take your own measurements. When ordering a sail, we will advise you if using the manufacturer’s specifications is appropriate, or if we require you to complete our own measurement forms.

I: 30.15 ft / 9.19 m

J: 10.58 ft / 3.22 m

P: 25.25 ft / 7.70 m

E: 10.25 ft / 3.12 m

Performance

Recognized for its adaptable performance, the Tanzer 26 has great stability and responsiveness on the water making it a great choice for anyone looking to either race or cruise. The simple rigging design allows for ease of use with just 2 people on board and is often sought after for people that sail solo. Not only is it a fast boat, achieving speeds greater than 6 kn (11 km/h), the Tanzer 26 also provides a forgiving nature for smooth sailing with the family.

Construction and Features

The Tanzer 26 is a keelboat that’s built with a fiberglass hull and wood trim. The design features a masthead sloop rig, transom-hung rudder, and a fixed fin keel to provide stability. The sailboat balances weight and performance with 4,350 lb (1,973 kg) of displacement and 1,950 lb (885 kg) of ballast.

Versatile power options include a commonly utilized outboard motor, with an inboard-mounted Yanmar Diesel engine as an alternative. The most outstanding feature of the Tanzer 26 is the standard keel which has a draft of just 3.83 ft (1.17 m) making the keelboat not too deep for a 26-footer with a fin keel.

Notable features include:

• Fiberglass construction
• Excels in both racing and cruising
• Has a foldable table that can be stowed against the bulkhead
• Self-draining cockpit
• Hull speed of 6.36 kn (11.78 km/h)
• Seating capability of 6 adults

Starting in 1975, Johann Tanzer of Tanzer Industries enjoyed a 10-year production run of the new Tanzer 26. A total of 960 of the Canadian-built masthead sloops were built during this time before unfortunately filing for bankruptcy in May of 1986. The Tanzer 26 prioritized functionality over form, distinguishing itself with a practical design. Despite the lack of looks and openness of a race boat, many sailors appreciate the simplicity and affordability of the Tanzer 26, making it a popular choice within the sailing community.

The Tanzer 26 is built for both cruising and racing, featuring a masthead sloop rig to combine speed and responsiveness. The sail plan includes a mainsail and a high aspect ratio jib that’s attached to a lightweight aluminum mast and boom to maintain responsiveness even in challenging wind conditions. While the factory designed sail plan is a great option, your Tanzer 26 may have been modified or the area that you are sailing in will face different challenges than the boat was initially designed for. We recommend talking to a Sail Consultant about your upcoming sailing plans or if you suspect any modifications have been made. This way, we will be able to tailor a design and quote for your specific needs.

Although the Tanzer 26 had a short run, it left a mark in the sailing community as it was known for its practical design and performance. As the small boat was built for speed and comfort, it is often praised for its rugged construction, simple rigging, and having ample room below deck while providing a surprising amount of speed. Along with the performance characteristics in racing, the Tanzer 26 was a suitable choice for cruising with a family thanks to its responsiveness and forgiving nature.

Recommended Sails For Your Tanzer 26

We would love to help you enhance your sailing experience on your Tanzer 26. That’s why we have put together a list of expertly curated sail recommendations just for you. You can find more information about each sail and what makes our sails stand out by following the links to our education page.

You need a mainsail designed to give you the greatest mileage out of your vessel. Precision Sails’ custom designed mainsails come with all the standard options needed to get sailing right away, and custom options to optimize handling, performance, and shape.

Jibs, genoas, yankee cut, staysails, or working jibs, we do it all. No matter what headsail you need for you sailboat, Precision Sails’ team of sail designers will work with you to ensure your new head sail fits and performs for you. Our headsails come complete with all standard options required for the best performance and durability. Learn more about our available headsail options and customization here.

Downwind and Light Wind Sails

Sail downwind easily with your choice of our downwind and light wind sail options. We custom design and tailor every sail for your needs. Explore our symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnakers and code zeros, including what options are available for each.

Request a Tanzer 26 Quote

Looking to buy a new headsail or mainsail for your Tanzer 26? Request a free quote from Precision Sails for a new custom sail. Our team will work with you to design the perfect sail for you.