Tanzer 26

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

History

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.

Sail Plan

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.

Overview

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.