Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
56.00 ft
J ?
18.00 ft
P ?
48.80 ft
E ?
14.00 ft
Sail Area Breakdown
Calculated from rigging dimensions. Use these as your starting point when ordering a new suit.
| Sail | Area (ft²) | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| MainsailP × E ÷ 2 | 341.6 | 31.7 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 504.0 | 46.8 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 756.0 | 70.2 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 252.0 | 23.4 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,814.4 | 168.6 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 845.6 | 78.6 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · Dick Carter design
Performance Ratios
How the Carter 42 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
20.1
Powerful cruiser/racer — quick in light air, reef early in a blow.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
50%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — stiff and powerful.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Carter 42 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 341.6 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 756.0 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~554 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 252.0 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,814 ft²
Popular downwind upgrade — easier than symmetric for shorthanded sailing.
Optional
Replacement Cost Estimator
Get a rough price range for a new mainsail and genoa for the Carter 42 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.