Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
50.50 ft
J ?
14.17 ft
P ?
46.00 ft
E ?
15.00 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 | 345.0 | 32.1 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 357.8 | 33.2 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 536.7 | 49.9 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 178.9 | 16.6 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,288.1 | 119.7 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 702.8 | 65.3 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Gerry Douglas design
Performance Ratios
How the Catalina 386 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
19.0
Powerful cruiser/racer — quick in light air, reef early in a blow.
Mast Height (above DWL)
56.0 ft
Clears the 65 ft ICW fixed-bridge standard at normal tide.
Ballast Ratio
29%
Light ballast — tends to be tender; reef earlier.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Catalina 386 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 345.0 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 536.7 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~394 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 178.9 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,288 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 Catalina 386 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.