Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
22.92 ft
J ?
7.16 ft
P ?
19.33 ft
E ?
7.75 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 | 74.9 | 7.0 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 82.1 | 7.6 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 123.1 | 11.4 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 41.0 | 3.8 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 295.4 | 27.4 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 157.0 | 14.6 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · Lyle Hess design
Performance Ratios
How the Montgomery 17 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
19.7
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
39%
Stiff enough to carry a 150% genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Montgomery 17 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 74.9 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 123.1 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~90 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 41.0 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~295 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 Montgomery 17 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.