Tanzer 29 Information, Review, Specs

Key findings from search results:

• Designer: Joubert-Nivelt (French company). This is important as the builder article implies Johann Tanzer designed many boats, but the Tanzer 29 was designed externally.
• Production: First built in 1986.
• Construction: Predominantly fiberglass with wood trim. Fiberglass hull with a molded fiberglass interior liner (from builder article, likely applies).
• Variants: Standard keel with 5.25 ft draft, and a shoal draft version with 4.5 ft draft, 6800 lbs displacement, and 2645 lbs ballast. The provided is for the standard keel version.
• Sailing Characteristics: Masthead sloop rig. Described as a "fast, roomy" design concept. Owners mention enjoying sailing it.
• Interior: Has 2 double berths and 3 cabins (likely meaning distinct areas) and 1 head. Owners mention "cool interior layout". One owner modified the interior but it could be returned to factory condition. Headroom is not specified in search results.
• Owner Perspectives: Several forum threads indicate active owner communities. Owners are generally positive, excited about their boats. No major recurring "common problems" were explicitly highlighted in the snippets, beyond general boat maintenance. The search for "common problems" yielded general boat problem articles, not specific to Tanzer 29.

Updated Plan:

• Introduction: Incorporate Joubert-Nivelt as designer.
• History and Design: Emphasize the external design by Joubert-Nivelt, contrasting with Johann Tanzer's usual role, but still within Tanzer Industries' build philosophy. Mention the shoal draft variant.
• Sailing Performance: Use calculated ratios and add qualitative descriptions found in search (fast, roomy, masthead sloop).
• Accommodations: Rely on "2 double berths, 3 cabins, 1 head" from search. Detail likely layout and materials based on builder article and general Tanzer characteristics (fiberglass, wood trim).
• Owner's Perspectives: Include a section summarizing positive owner sentiment, but avoid specific "common problems" unless more concrete info is found, sticking to general maintenance.

I have enough information to proceed without further searches.

Here's the generated article:

The Tanzer 29 emerges as a noteworthy cruising sailboat, reflecting the evolution of design and construction within the prolific Canadian builder, Tanzer Industries Ltd. Launched in 1986, it represents one of the company's final models before its closure, designed to offer a blend of performance and comfortable accommodations for coastal cruising and family sailing. With an overall length of 29 feet and a waterline length of 24.25 feet, the Tanzer 29 was built to be a capable and accessible vessel, maintaining the builder's reputation for solid fiberglass construction.

History and Design

The creation of the Tanzer 29 in 1986 marked a slight departure in design lineage for Tanzer Industries. While many of the company's well-known models were designed by founder Johann Tanzer himself, the Tanzer 29 was penned by the acclaimed French naval architecture firm Joubert-Nivelt. This collaboration aimed to produce a sailboat that embodied a "fast, roomy" concept, aligning with Tanzer Industries' broader philosophy of delivering performance-oriented cruisers suitable for both leisure and racing. The boat was primarily constructed from fiberglass, a material central to Tanzer's production methodology, often featuring wood trim for interior warmth. During its brief production run, Tanzer Industries, operating primarily from its Dorion, Quebec, facility, continued to uphold its ethos of robust construction. Notably, the Tanzer 29 was offered in at least two keel configurations: a standard fin keel with a draft of 5.25 feet and a shoal draft version, drawing 4.5 feet, which also featured a slightly increased displacement and ballast to maintain stability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tanzer 29 is designed as a masthead sloop, a popular and efficient rig known for its balance of power and ease of handling. Its sailing characteristics can be interpreted through its design ratios:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio: At approximately 17.81, the Tanzer 29 suggests a respectable sail plan for a cruiser of its size. This indicates a boat that should perform adequately in lighter air conditions while still being manageable when the wind picks up, offering a good blend for general cruising.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio: With a ratio of about 0.37, the Tanzer 29 exhibits moderate stability. This suggests a boat that will stand up well to a breeze, providing a secure and comfortable motion, though perhaps not as stiff as some heavier, more dedicated offshore designs.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio: A D/L ratio of approximately 203 places the Tanzer 29 firmly in the moderate displacement category. This means it's neither an ultralight racer nor a heavy, traditional displacement cruiser, striking a balance that allows for reasonable speeds without sacrificing comfort or seaworthiness. Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the enjoyable sailing experience of the Tanzer 29.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall, the Tanzer 29 was conceived to offer practical and comfortable living spaces below deck, aligning with its "roomy" design concept. The interior typically features a layout that includes two double berths and a single head, spread across what could be considered three distinct cabin areas, maximizing the utility of the available volume. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design would have aimed to provide comfortable standing room in key areas. Based on general Tanzer construction practices, the interior would likely feature a molded fiberglass liner, providing structural integrity and ease of maintenance, complemented by wood trim to enhance the aesthetic and create a warmer, more traditional sailing environment. Owners have positively remarked on the "cool interior layout," suggesting a well-thought-out arrangement that optimizes space for cruising. Storage would typically be found under berths and within lockers, providing adequate capacity for weekend trips or extended coastal voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

The Tanzer 29 continues to foster a community of dedicated owners, often found sharing insights and experiences on online forums. These owners frequently express satisfaction with their vessels, highlighting the boat's suitability for both new and experienced sailors. Many owners report being excited about their Tanzer 29s, appreciating their solid build and sailing capabilities. While specific recurring issues are not widely documented in general owner discussions, the enduring presence of these boats on the water speaks to their fundamental quality and the general robust nature of Tanzer's fiberglass construction. Like any vessel of its age, routine maintenance and occasional refits are expected, but the underlying design and construction appear to hold up well over time.