Home/ Boats/ Tanzer Industries Ltd. (Can)/ Tanzer 27/ Known Issues
Known Issues

Tanzer 27 Known Issues

Common problems, survey red flags, and what to inspect before buying a Tanzer 27.

+ Add to Compare

These are the most commonly reported problems on the Tanzer 27, compiled from surveys, owner reports, and marine forums. Use this list as a pre-purchase inspection checklist — especially the high-severity items.

7
Known Issues
3 High 4 Medium
Accommodations
Medium
The chainplates on the Tanzer 27 are interior-mounted and pass through the deck with minimal bedding. Leaks at the chainplate deck penetrations are a chronic issue and frequently lead to staining, soft wood backing plates, and potential hidden rot in the liner beneath.
Hull/Deck
Medium
The deck-to-hull joint on Tanzer 27s is an outward-flanged design secured with through-bolts and sealant. This joint is prone to weeping leaks, particularly along the toerail, which can allow water into the balsa-cored deck sections and cause core rot.
High
Tanzer used balsa core in the deck construction, and hardware installations (stanchion bases, cleats, winch pads) that were not properly backed or sealed have allowed water infiltration leading to soft spots and delaminated core, especially around the cockpit coaming and side decks.
Medium
The transom-hung rudder pintles and gudgeons, being exposed hardware on an aluminum or bronze fitting, are subject to corrosion and wear. Slop in the rudder hangings is common on older examples and can indicate worn or corroded pintles requiring replacement.
Medium
Tanzer Industries used a relatively thin hull laminate schedule on the 27, and the mast compression post area beneath the keel stepped mast should be inspected for cracking, deflection, or soft laminate from years of compression loading.
Keel
High
The fin keel on the Tanzer 27 is encapsulated lead or cast iron depending on production run, and the keel-to-hull joint is known to develop stress cracking at the fillet. Inspect carefully for any movement, cracking, or weeping rust stains indicating water intrusion around the keel stub.
Rigging
High
The chainplate backing structure relies on tabbed-in fiberglass knees rather than through-bolted structural members. On older boats these tabbed connections can delaminate from the hull liner, compromising rig support — inspect by removing interior trim panels at the chainplate locations.
Know of an issue we're missing?
Help fellow sailors — share survey findings, recurring problems, or things you wish you'd known before buying.
✉️ Submit an Issue