Precision 18
The Precision 18 is designed to be a lively, well-mannered sailboat rather than a floating vacation home, but the features described are noteworthy nonetheless. There is ample sitting headroom for four and a filler cushion that drops to form a 6'6" V-berth that is NOT broken up by the usual awkward mast support post. There are six-foot quarter berths port and starboard, not to mention a 48-quart cooler, provision for a portable head, and 12-volt battery. A forward hatch provides ventilation and an emergency exit, and the large companionway and four opening cabin windows contribute to the feeling of light and open space.
Carefully controlling construction weight is critical to both performance and to price, but it cannot be done at the expense of safety or structural integrity. Thus the hull liner of the Precision 18 is engineered as a structural grid, and tooled to mate precisely with the hand-laminated hull skin. The mast support beam and chain plate loads are carried by structural bulkheads and there are rugged hull stringers to distribute the stresses imposed by trailering. The external hull/deck joint is bonded both chemically and mechanically, and the flange is protected with a vinyl rub rail.
The Precision 18 has been kept small in size and price, but remains big in both feathers and performance. She promises to deliver the fun, pure and simple!
Precision 18 By the Numbers |
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| LOA | 17'5" |
| LWL | 15'5" |
| Beam | 7'5" |
| Draft Board Up | 1'6" |
| Draft Board Down | 4'3" |
| Displacement | 1,100 lbs |
| Ballast | 350 lbs |
| Sail Area | 145 sq ft |
| Mast Height above DWL | 27'0" |