Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
54.00 ft
J ?
18.30 ft
P ?
48.00 ft
E ?
16.00 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 | 384.0 | 35.7 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 494.1 | 45.9 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 741.2 | 68.9 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 247.1 | 23.0 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,778.8 | 165.3 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 878.1 | 81.6 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Cutter · Doug Peterson (Unauthorized) design
Performance Ratios
How the Peterson 46 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
13.6
Heavy and modestly canvassed — a comfortable cruiser, not fast.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
—
Ballast ratio not published.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Peterson 46 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 384.0 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 741.2 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~544 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 247.1 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,779 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 Peterson 46 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.