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Sail Specifications

J28 Sails

Rigging dimensions, sail areas, and replacement sail reference for the J28 (Rodney S. Johnstone design).

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Rigging Dimensions

The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.

I ?
34.00 ft
J ?
10.50 ft
P ?
36.00 ft
E ?
13.00 ft

Sail Area Breakdown

Calculated from rigging dimensions. Use these as your starting point when ordering a new suit.

SailArea (ft²)Area (m²)
MainsailP × E ÷ 2 234.0 21.7
100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 178.5 16.6
150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail 267.8 24.9
Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut 89.3 8.3
Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J 642.6 59.7
Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle 412.5 38.3

Foretriangle Diagram

P 36.0′ E 13.0′ I 34.0′ J 10.5′ Main Foretriangle
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Rodney S. Johnstone design

Performance Ratios

How the J28 carries its sail relative to its displacement.

SA/D Ratio
16.7
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
Ballast ratio not published.

Typical Sail Inventory

What J28 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.

Mainsail 234.0 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 267.8 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~196 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 89.3 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~643 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 J28 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.

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