Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
46.50 ft
J ?
16.25 ft
P ?
39.75 ft
E ?
18.50 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 | 367.7 | 34.2 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 377.8 | 35.1 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 566.7 | 52.6 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 188.9 | 17.5 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,360.1 | 126.4 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 745.5 | 69.3 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Sloop · John Brandlmayr design
Performance Ratios
How the Spencer 42 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
17.0
Moderate — comfortable coastal cruiser, not overcanvassed.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
42%
Stiff enough to carry a 150% genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Spencer 42 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 367.7 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 566.7 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~416 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 188.9 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,360 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 Spencer 42 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.