Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
50.00 ft
J ?
16.25 ft
P ?
43.25 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 | 302.8 | 28.1 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 406.3 | 37.7 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 609.4 | 56.6 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 203.1 | 18.9 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,462.5 | 135.9 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 709.0 | 65.9 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · Bruce King design
Performance Ratios
How the Ericson 38 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
19.6
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
39%
Stiff enough to carry a 150% genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Ericson 38 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 302.8 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 609.4 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~447 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 203.1 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,463 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 Ericson 38 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.