Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
42.98 ft
J ?
13.12 ft
P ?
42.00 ft
E ?
16.42 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 | 344.8 | 32.0 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 281.9 | 26.2 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 422.9 | 39.3 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 141.0 | 13.1 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,015.0 | 94.3 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 626.8 | 58.2 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Van De Stadt design
Performance Ratios
How the Dehler 38 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
19.1
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
23%
Light ballast — tends to be tender; reef earlier.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Dehler 38 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 344.8 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 422.9 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~310 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 141.0 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,015 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 Dehler 38 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.