Tanzer 31 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Tanzer 31 is characterized by its stiffness and predictable tracking, largely due to a respectable ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 40%. With a displacement of roughly 8,200 lbs and a lead fin keel, the boat handles chop with more authority than the lighter Tanzer 26. The masthead sloop rig is relatively conservative but provides ample power for light-air cruising, especially when equipped with a 150% genoa.

The hull features a moderate beam of 10' 6", which allows for a comfortable ride at a 15-to-20-degree heel without excessive rounding up. Unlike the smaller Tanzers which can feel "twitchy" in gusty conditions, the 31 settles into a groove quickly. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) sits in the 17–18 range, placing it firmly in the category of a performance cruiser; it is fast enough to be competitive in club racing but stable enough for a shorthanded couple to manage in a blow. Detailed performance specifications and the original sail plan can often be cross-referenced through historical data archived by the Tanzer 22 Class Association, which maintains technical records for several models in the Tanzer lineage.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tanzer 31 was a significant selling point, designed to compete with the "condo-maran" style of the early 1980s French imports. The layout is remarkably modern for its era, featuring a private aft cabin tucked under the cockpit—a rarity for a 31-footer at that time. This "owner's cabin" configuration provided a level of privacy that the open-plan Tanzer 22 or 26 could not match.

The main salon is centered around a folding teak table with settees that double as sea berths. The galley is generally located to starboard, equipped with a deep stainless steel sink, an icebox (often converted to refrigeration in later years), and a two-burner stove. Perhaps the most notable interior improvement over earlier models is the head and shower arrangement, which is moved aft to maximize the width of the hull. This allowed for a much larger V-berth forward, unobstructed by a mid-ship head. While most units were built with the standard fin keel, a few variants were produced with a shallower draft to accommodate cruising in areas like the Chesapeake Bay or the Bahamas.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Tanzer 31 with a focus on structural maintenance common to fiberglass boats of the 1980s. While Tanzer hulls are generally considered overbuilt, the deck is a balsa-cored sandwich construction that is susceptible to moisture ingress.

• Deck Delamination: Pay close attention to the areas around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. Spongy sections or brown "tea-staining" near hardware often indicate a compromised core.
• Keel Bolts: The Tanzer 31 uses a lead keel bolted to a fiberglass sump. Inspect the keel-to-hull joint (the "smile") for any signs of movement or weeping, which may require torquing or replacing the stainless steel bolts.
• Rudder Post Wear: The spade rudder assembly can develop "play" over time. Check the bushings for excessive movement, as a loose rudder can vibrate significantly under power.
• Engine Maintenance: Most 31s were fitted with Universal or Yanmar diesel engines. While reliable, the original raw-water cooling systems should be inspected for scale buildup and the exhaust risers checked for corrosion.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Tanzer 22 Class Association, which, despite its name, acts as the de facto repository for manuals and technical advice for all Johann Tanzer designs. Owners also frequently collaborate through regional sailing clubs in Quebec and the Great Lakes, where the 31 remains a popular sight. For technical manuals and historical brochures, the Tanzer 16 Association occasionally hosts crossover technical documents relevant to the builder’s 1980s-era construction methods.

The Verdict

The Tanzer 31 is a robust, well-proportioned cruiser that offers a high degree of comfort for its size. It represents a "sweet spot" in the used market for sailors graduating from daysailers to coastal cruisers.

Pros:

• Exceptional Layout: The inclusion of an aft cabin and a walk-through transom makes it feel larger than 31 feet.
• Stiff Performance: The lead keel and high ballast ratio provide a secure feel in heavy weather.
• Canadian Build Quality: Solid hull construction that has aged better than many of its contemporary mass-production rivals.

Cons:

• Deck Core Vulnerability: Common balsa-core issues require diligent inspection of all through-deck fittings.
• Limited Production: Fewer units were built compared to the Tanzer 22 or 26, making parts like specific fiberglass liners or molded trim harder to source.
• Draft: The standard fin keel may be too deep for some gunkholing environments.