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Tanzer 28
Designer: Johann Tanzer  ·  Builder: Tanzer Industries Ltd.  ·  First built: 1972
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About the Tanzer 28

Designed by Johann Tanzer and built by Tanzer Industries in Quebec, Canada, the Tanzer 28 is a capable and well-regarded production sailboat that earned a loyal following throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Tanzer Industries built a reputation for producing affordable, solidly constructed fiberglass sailboats, and the 28 reflects that commitment to accessible quality. Well suited to coastal cruising and daysailing, the Tanzer 28 offers a comfortable platform for couples or small families looking to explore nearshore waters with confidence. Its design strikes a practical balance between performance and livability, providing enough interior space for weekend cruising while remaining responsive and enjoyable under sail. The boat is also known to be a competitive club racer in its class, appealing to sailors who want versatility from a single hull. As with many boats from this era, the Tanzer 28 benefits from a strong community of owners, making parts, advice, and shared knowledge relatively accessible. For buyers seeking an entry into keelboat ownership or a dependable coastal cruiser with a proven track record, the Tanzer 28 remains a compelling option worth serious consideration.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.58 ft / 8.41 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.50 ft / 7.16 m
Beam 9.82 ft / 2.99 m
Max Draft 4.08 ft / 1.24 m
Displacement 6,500.00 lb / 2,948 kg
Ballast 2,400.00 lb / 1,089 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 346.00 ft² / 32.14 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Johann Tanzer
Builder Tanzer Industries Ltd.
First Built 1972
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 207
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 15.94
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 19.38
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.11
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.5
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.38
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 824.57
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 34.4
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.58
P (Mainsail Luff) 28.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.0
SA Fore 216.38
SA Main 140.0
Find a Tanzer 28 For Sale
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