[1][6] The Tanzer 10.5 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fibreglass, with wood trim.

The pilothouse has wrap-around windows and a helm position to starboard, with a chart table located outboard.

The main cabin is two steps down from the pilothouse and features a dinette table with seating for eight people.

[1][5] Sails include a self-tending jib, 110% and 150% genoas, as well as a poleless spinnaker of 1,300 sq ft (120 m2) intended only for cruising use.

[3] In a review Michael McGoldrick wrote, "The Tanzer 10.5 (a 34 footer) was designed with a number of very interesting and innovative features.

For example, it has a small cockpit for a 34 footer, and because of the complexities of the keel lifting mechanism, this part of the boat is prone to problems.