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Precision 185
Designer: Jim Taylor  ·  Builder: Precision Boat Works (Usa)  ·  First built: 2001
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About the Precision 185

Built from 2001 to 2019 by Precision Boat Works, this compact 18-footer represents an excellent entry point into keelboat sailing. Designer Jim Taylor created a well-balanced day sailer that combines modern hull design with practical sailing characteristics, making it particularly appealing to sailing schools and recreational sailors seeking an affordable yet capable small keelboat. The fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration with transom-hung rudder deliver responsive handling that's forgiving enough for beginners while still engaging for experienced sailors. With 181 square feet of sail area driving 880 pounds of displacement, the boat offers spirited performance in light to moderate conditions. The substantial ballast ratio provides good stability, while the moderate beam keeps the boat manageable for small crews or single-handed sailing. This fiberglass design excels in protected waters, coastal day sailing, and sailing instruction environments. The low comfort ratio of 5.57 clearly indicates this isn't intended for overnight cruising, but rather optimized for day sailing adventures. Its capsize screening value of 3.06 suggests reasonable stability for its intended use in moderate conditions. The Precision 185 earned a solid reputation as a well-built, affordable trainer that doesn't sacrifice sailing enjoyment for practicality.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$7,400 – $7,400
typical asking price
Median $7,400  ·  3 listings used
All listings
$7,400 – $7,400 3
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.42 ft / 5.61 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.67 ft / 5.08 m
Beam 7.33 ft / 2.23 m
Max Draft 3.50 ft / 1.07 m
Displacement 880.00 lb / 399 kg
Ballast 375.00 lb / 170 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 181.00 ft² / 16.82 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jim Taylor
Builder Precision Boat Works (USA)
First Built 2001
Last Built 2019
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 31.59
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 42.61
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 84.81
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 5.57
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 3.06
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.47 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 6.15
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 436.60 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 26.84
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.70 ft / 5.70 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 6.10 ft / 1.86 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 21.50 ft / 6.55 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
SA Fore 57.04 ft² / 5.30 m²
SA Main 96.75 ft² / 8.99 m²
SA Total (100%) 153.79 ft² / 14.29 m²
Est. Forestay Length 19.67 ft / 6.00 m
Mast Height (DWL) 27.25 ft / 8.31 m
Find a Precision 185 For Sale
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