Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
30.25 ft
J ?
10.50 ft
P ?
26.25 ft
E ?
10.75 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 | 141.1 | 13.1 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 158.8 | 14.8 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 238.2 | 22.1 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 79.4 | 7.4 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 571.7 | 53.1 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 299.9 | 27.9 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop
Performance Ratios
How the Buccaneer 285 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
18.4
Powerful cruiser/racer — quick in light air, reef early in a blow.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
27%
Light ballast — tends to be tender; reef earlier.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Buccaneer 285 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 141.1 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 238.2 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~175 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 79.4 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~572 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 Buccaneer 285 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.