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Tanzer 85
Designer: Johann Tanzer  ·  Builder: Tanzer Industries Ltd. (Can)  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Tanzer 85

Designed by Canadian boat builder Johann Tanzer, the Tanzer 85 is a compact daysailer and entry-level cruiser that reflects Tanzer's long-standing reputation for producing affordable, well-built fiberglass sailboats accessible to a wide range of sailors. Tanzer Industries, based in Quebec, earned a loyal following throughout the 1970s and 1980s by offering practical, no-frills designs that prioritized value and ease of use without sacrificing seaworthiness. The Tanzer 85 fits comfortably into the category of small recreational sailboats suited for protected coastal waters, lakes, and inland sailing. Its modest size makes it an appealing choice for beginners learning the fundamentals of sailing, as well as experienced sailors seeking a manageable, low-maintenance vessel for casual weekend outings. The boat is generally straightforward to rig and sail, making it a practical option for solo or small-crew sailing. While detailed specifications for the Tanzer 85 are limited, prospective buyers can expect the hallmark Tanzer qualities of solid construction and sensible design. Those considering this boat would be well served by an in-person inspection to assess the current condition of the hull, rigging, and sails.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.92 ft / 8.51 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.75 ft / 7.24 m
Beam 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 4.33 ft / 1.32 m
Displacement 7,400.00 lb / 3,357 kg
Ballast 3,000.00 lb / 1,361 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Johann Tanzer
Builder Tanzer Industries Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1978
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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
40.54
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
246.6
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. 4.83 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 14.33
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.60 ft / 3.54 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 339.00 ft² / 31.49 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Yanmar
Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 15 gals / 57 L
Water Capacity 15 gals / 57 L
How It Compares

vs. Aloha 28, Cc 27 Mk Iii, Islander 28

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Tanzer 85 ★
27.9 ft
Aloha 28
28.0 ft
Cc 27 Mk Iii
27.9 ft
Islander 28
27.9 ft
LWL
Tanzer 85 ★
23.8 ft
Aloha 28
24.5 ft
Cc 27 Mk Iii
22.9 ft
Islander 28
23.1 ft
Beam
Tanzer 85 ★
9.5 ft
Aloha 28
9.4 ft
Cc 27 Mk Iii
9.2 ft
Islander 28
9.8 ft
Displacement
Tanzer 85 ★
7 lbs
Aloha 28
6 lbs
Cc 27 Mk Iii
5 lbs
Islander 28
7 lbs
Ballast
Tanzer 85 ★
3 lbs
Aloha 28
3 lbs
Cc 27 Mk Iii
2 lbs
Islander 28
3 lbs
Sail Area
Tanzer 85 ★
Aloha 28
373 sq ft
Cc 27 Mk Iii
344 sq ft
Islander 28
361 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Tanzer 85 ★
Aloha 28
195 s/nm
Cc 27 Mk Iii
Islander 28
186 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Tanzer 85 ★
Aloha 28
16.8
Cc 27 Mk Iii
17.7
Islander 28
15.8
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Tanzer 85 ★
40.5 %
Aloha 28
44.4 %
Cc 27 Mk Iii
Islander 28
42.9 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Tanzer 85 ★
Aloha 28
20.6
Cc 27 Mk Iii
18.3
Islander 28
21.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Tanzer 85 ★
Aloha 28
2.00
Cc 27 Mk Iii
2.08
Islander 28
2.06
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Tanzer 85 ★
246
Aloha 28
204
Cc 27 Mk Iii
Islander 28
254
Hull Speed
Tanzer 85 ★
Aloha 28
6.6 kts
Cc 27 Mk Iii
6.4 kts
Islander 28
6.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Tanzer 85 ★
Aloha 28
2.6
Cc 27 Mk Iii
2.9
Islander 28
2.0
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