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Precision 23
Designer: Jim Taylor  ·  Builder: Precision Boat Works  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Precision 23

Designed as an accessible and approachable daysailer, the Precision 23 earned a loyal following among sailors looking for a capable yet manageable trailerable sailboat. Built by Precision Boat Works in Florida, the Precision line became well regarded for producing affordable, well-finished fiberglass sailboats that appealed to beginners and experienced sailors alike who wanted a low-maintenance option for weekend sailing and light coastal cruising. The Precision 23 suits sheltered bay sailing, inland lakes, and mild coastal waters particularly well, making it a popular choice for sailors who want to explore without committing to a full keelboat lifestyle. Its trailerable nature adds significant appeal, allowing owners the flexibility to launch from different locations and avoid marina slip fees. The boat's simple rig and forgiving handling characteristics make it an excellent learning platform, while still offering enough performance to keep more seasoned sailors engaged. For those researching a first boat or a casual daysailer that balances practicality with genuine on-water enjoyment, the Precision 23 represents a sensible and time-tested option with an established community of owners behind it.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.42 ft / 7.14 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
Beam 8.50 ft / 2.59 m
Max Draft 5.33 ft / 1.62 m
Min Draft 1.92 ft / 0.59 m
Displacement 2,450.00 lb / 1,111 kg
Ballast 850.00 lb / 386 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 248.00 ft² / 23.04 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jim Taylor
Builder Precision Boat Works
First Built 1986
Last Built 2019
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
243
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
21.89
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
10.41
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
2.53
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. 5.99
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
4.26
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. 607.43
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 26.25
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.33
P (Mainsail Luff) 26.25
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.5
SA Fore 109.33
SA Main 137.81
How It Compares

vs. Hunter 235, Parker 235, Santana 2023A, Tonic 23 Jeanneau

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Precision 23 ★
23.4 ft
Hunter 235
23.5 ft
Parker 235
23.5 ft
Santana 2023A
23.3 ft
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
23.3 ft
LWL
Precision 23 ★
20.0 ft
Hunter 235
20.5 ft
Parker 235
20.9 ft
Santana 2023A
20.6 ft
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
20.3 ft
Beam
Precision 23 ★
8.5 ft
Hunter 235
8.3 ft
Parker 235
8.3 ft
Santana 2023A
8.5 ft
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
8.9 ft
Displacement
Precision 23 ★
2 lbs
Hunter 235
3 lbs
Parker 235
3 lbs
Santana 2023A
2 lbs
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
3 lbs
Ballast
Precision 23 ★
850 lbs
Hunter 235
1 lbs
Parker 235
683 lbs
Santana 2023A
1 lbs
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
1 lbs
Sail Area
Precision 23 ★
248 sq ft
Hunter 235
250 sq ft
Parker 235
270 sq ft
Santana 2023A
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
248 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Precision 23 ★
21.9
Hunter 235
16.4
Parker 235
20.6
Santana 2023A
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
16.4
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Precision 23 ★
Hunter 235
39.5 %
Parker 235
Santana 2023A
45.1 %
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
35.3 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Precision 23 ★
10.4
Hunter 235
Parker 235
12.9
Santana 2023A
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
14.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Precision 23 ★
2.53
Hunter 235
Parker 235
2.30
Santana 2023A
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
2.28
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Precision 23 ★
Hunter 235
196
Parker 235
Santana 2023A
146
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
198
Hull Speed
Precision 23 ★
6.0 kts
Hunter 235
Parker 235
6.1 kts
Santana 2023A
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
6.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Precision 23 ★
4.3
Hunter 235
Parker 235
3.5
Santana 2023A
Tonic 23 Jeanneau
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