Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
30.00 ft
J ?
10.00 ft
P ?
26.42 ft
E ?
10.00 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 | 132.1 | 12.3 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 150.0 | 13.9 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 225.0 | 20.9 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 75.0 | 7.0 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 540.0 | 50.2 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 282.1 | 26.2 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · Cortland Steck design
Performance Ratios
How the Hunter 255 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
16.6
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
34.3 ft
Clears the 65 ft ICW fixed-bridge standard with room to spare.
Ballast Ratio
40%
Stiff enough to carry a 150% genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Hunter 255 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 132.1 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 225.0 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~165 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 75.0 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~540 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 Hunter 255 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.