Tanzer 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Tanzer 27 is a significant departure from its predecessor, the Tanzer 26. While the 26 was known for its upright stability and predictable (if somewhat pedestrian) tracking, the 27 features a more aggressive fin keel and a balanced spade rudder. This configuration gives the boat a much tighter turning radius and more "snap" when coming through the wind.

With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio typically hovering around 17.5, the 27 is sufficiently powered to perform in the light airs of the Great Lakes and the Chesapeake, where many were sold. Owners often report that the boat feels "stiffer" than contemporary Catalinas or Hunters of the same era, likely due to a relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40%. This weight distribution allows the boat to carry its canvas longer into a freshening breeze before requiring a reef. According to historical technical summaries from the Tanzer 22 Class Association, Johann Tanzer’s later designs prioritized a balance between racing agility and the "forgiving" nature required for family cruising.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tanzer 27 was arguably its strongest selling point in 1984. It was one of the first boats in this size class to successfully integrate a walk-through transom and an aft-cabin arrangement. By pushing the engine forward or utilizing a compact drive system, Tanzer created a dedicated double berth tucked under the cockpit sole, a feature that significantly increased the privacy and utility of the vessel compared to the open-cabin layouts of the Tanzer 22 or 26.

The main salon utilizes the boat’s 9' 6" beam effectively, offering a central drop-leaf table flanked by two settees. The galley is typically located to starboard, featuring a deep sink and a two-burner stove. Headroom is generous for a 27-footer, reaching approximately 6' 1" in the main cabin, which minimizes the "basement" feel often associated with smaller cruisers. In terms of variations, while the hull remained consistent, some models were outfitted with more teak joinery than others, depending on whether the unit was destined for the "deluxe" cruising market or a more utilitarian fleet.

The Tanzer 27’s siblings include the legendary Tanzer 26, which shared a similar spirit but featured a traditional transom and less internal volume, and the Tanzer 29, a larger contemporary that shared the 27's more modern styling and "euro-transom" design elements.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Tanzer 27 should focus their inspection on the specific construction methods used during the mid-80s "transition" period at the Dorion factory.

1. Deck Core Saturation: Like many production boats of this era, Tanzer used balsa-cored decks. Moisture often ingress through stanchion bases or the handrails on the coachroof. Check for "springy" spots or localized delamination, particularly around the chainplates.
2. The "Tanzer Smile": This is a common term for a crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, it can indicate that the keel bolts require tightening or that the sealant has failed, potentially leading to weeping into the bilge.
3. Rudder Post Play: The spade rudder on the 27 is a high-performance feature but lacks the protection of a skeg. Inspect the rudder bearings for excessive play and check the blade itself for signs of osmotic blistering or internal water retention.
4. Hull-to-Deck Joint: The 27 uses an outward-turning flange joined with a mechanical rub-rail. Over time, docking impacts can loosen the fasteners, leading to leaks that manifest inside the cabinetry or the aft cabin.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for Tanzer technical data is the Tanzer 22 Class Association, which, despite its name, serves as the de facto archive for all Johann Tanzer designs. While there is no dedicated "Tanzer 27 Association" due to the model's limited production run, the Tanzer Owners Group on various nautical social platforms provides a wealth of shared knowledge regarding engine replacement (typically Yanmar or Universal diesels) and rigging specifications.

The Verdict

The Tanzer 27 is an overlooked gem of the Canadian boat-building industry, offering a "big boat" feel and modern features in a compact, manageable package. It represents the pinnacle of Johann Tanzer’s design evolution, though its rarity means buyers must be diligent in their search.

Pros:

• Innovative Layout: The aft-cabin and walk-through transom were years ahead of the competition in 1985.
• Build Quality: Solid fiberglass hull construction that follows the rugged Tanzer tradition.
• Performance: A capable light-air performer that remains stiff and stable when the wind picks up.

Cons:

• Limited Availability: Rare production numbers make finding one in good condition difficult.
• Legacy Support: Because the company folded shortly after its release, specific replacement parts (like custom toerails or molded liners) can be difficult to source.
• Deck Maintenance: Common balsa-core issues require vigilant maintenance of deck hardware bedding.