Tanzer 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Tanzer 31's story begins in 1984, emerging from the design talents of George Cuthbertson, rather than Tanzer's founder Johann Tanzer, who typically designed many of the company's other models. The collaboration with Cuthbertson aimed to create a boat that would be both a competitive club racer and a comfortable cruising platform, a common goal for designs of that era seeking broad market appeal. Tanzer Industries, under Johann Tanzer's vision, had established itself as one of Canada's largest sailboat manufacturers, renowned for producing family-friendly sailboats of solid design and fiberglass construction. The Tanzer 31, with its robust fiberglass hull and fin keel with spade rudder, reflected this ethos. Production of the Tanzer 31 commenced in 1984 and likely concluded around May 1986, coinciding with the bankruptcy of Tanzer Industries, making it one of the company's final models. While the standard model featured a maximum draft of 5.25 feet, a shoal draft version was also available, drawing 4.0 feet with a slightly increased displacement of 8700 lbs and 3700 lbs of ballast, offering greater accessibility to shallower waters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tanzer 31's design characteristics translate into a capable and responsive sailing experience. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.0, the Tanzer 31 suggests respectable performance, particularly in lighter air, while maintaining a balanced profile for a cruising boat. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of roughly 0.40 indicates good inherent stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and providing a stable platform for both sailing and comfort at anchor. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 237 places the Tanzer 31 firmly in the moderate displacement cruiser category, suggesting a balance between light performance and the solid motion of a heavier vessel. The boat is equipped with a masthead sloop rig, a straightforward and efficient sail plan for a vessel of its size, which provides a generous sail area for good performance. Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Tanzer 31 as having a well-balanced and very comfortable helm, even in heavy weather, indicating that the boat handles predictably and stands up well to its sail plan in challenging conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Below deck, the Tanzer 31 offers a practical layout designed for cruising comfort, boasting a generous maximum headroom of 6.33 feet. The main cabin typically features an L-shaped settee to port, providing ample seating for a crew or family, complemented by a shorter, loveseat-sized settee to starboard. While detailed interior diagrams are not widely available in public domain search results, consistent with Tanzer's general design philosophy for its production sailboats, the interior likely incorporates a V-berth forward, a functional galley, and a head compartment. Tanzer boats were known for their fiberglass hull construction paired with molded fiberglass interior liners, a method that contributed to their durability and ease of maintenance. The overall finish would have prioritized functionality and robustness, characteristic of well-built Canadian cruisers of the era. The boat's design also included a water capacity of 35 gallons, supporting its cruising aspirations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners generally hold a positive view of the Tanzer 31, often praising its solid construction and reliable sailing characteristics. Many comment that these boats have held up remarkably well over the years and do not present significant recurring issues, a testament to their build quality. The Tanzer 31 is frequently regarded as a good choice for those seeking a capable and well-built boat for family sailing, light racing, or comfortable cruising. Owners often highlight its good sailing performance and comfortable accommodations as key strengths, aligning with George Cuthbertson's initial design goals. The enduring quality of Tanzer boats, including the 31, has fostered a strong community of owners who continue to maintain and appreciate these classic Canadian-built vessels.