The Tanzer 16's primary use is daysailing. In fact, one version of this boat was built with a cuddy cabin. The aluminum rudder and 20 pound aluminum centerboard provide the durability desired for cruising and a spreaderless, non-tapered mast adds simplicity. The sail plan includes a main, jib or genoa and a spinaker with a chute. The boat was drawn by Johann Tanzer and built primarily by Tanzer Industries until 1985. Early on they were built under the names Costellation and Columbia 16. Currently the class association owns the molds and rights to build more, though few have been built. In North Carolina people enjoy racing these one design boats and the class takes precautions to keep the boats very uniform. These boats are enjoyed because of their simplicity.