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Sail Specs & Dimensions

Precision 185 Sails

Sail dimensions, sail area, rig measurements and used sails for sale — Precision 185 (Jim Taylor design).

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Rigging Dimensions

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

I ?
18.70 ft
J ?
6.10 ft
P ?
21.50 ft
E ?
9.00 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 96.8 9.0
100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 57.0 5.3
150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail 85.6 7.9
Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut 28.5 2.6
Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J 205.3 19.1
Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle 153.8 14.3

Foretriangle Diagram

P 21.5′ E 9.0′ I 18.7′ J 6.1′ Main Foretriangle
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Jim Taylor design

Performance Ratios

How the Precision 185 carries its sail relative to its displacement.

SA/D Ratio
31.6
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of sail for its weight.
Mast Height (above DWL)
27.3 ft
Clears the 65 ft ICW fixed-bridge standard with room to spare.
Ballast Ratio
43%
Stiff enough to carry a 150% genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.

Typical Sail Inventory

What Precision 185 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.

Mainsail 96.8 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 85.6 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~63 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 28.5 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~205 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 Precision 185 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.

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