Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
44.08 ft
J ?
15.75 ft
P ?
38.00 ft
E ?
14.50 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 | 275.5 | 25.6 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 347.1 | 32.2 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 520.7 | 48.4 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 173.6 | 16.1 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,249.7 | 116.1 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 622.6 | 57.8 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Ketch · William Shaw design
Performance Ratios
How the Pearson 424 Ketch carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
15.3
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
48.8 ft
Clears the 65 ft ICW fixed-bridge standard with room to spare.
Ballast Ratio
36%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability underway.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Pearson 424 Ketch owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 275.5 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 520.7 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~382 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 173.6 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,250 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 Pearson 424 Ketch — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.