Precision 18 Sailboats for Sale

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull Type

Monohull · centerboard

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

17.42' · 5.31 m

Disp.

1,100 lbs · 499 kg

First year

1984

The Precision 18 stands as a definitive example of the "maxitrailerable" philosophy, a design ethos that prioritizes ease of transport without sacrificing the structural integrity of a bluewater cruiser. Launched in the mid1980s and designed by the renowned Jim Taylor, the Precision 18 was intended to bridge the gap between flighty centerboard day sailers and heavy, cumbersome fixedkeel pocket cruisers. The hull features a sophisticated keelcenterboard configuration, where a 350pound internal lead casting provides significant righting moment, while a fiberglass centerboard allows for a shallow 1’6” draft with the board up. This design allows the boat to be launched in kneedeep water yet remain remarkably stiff in a breeze. Throughout its long production run at Precision Boat Works, the model earned a reputation for "quality builtin," a mantra of the Porter brothers who oversaw the construction of every hull to ensure they could withstand the rigors of both coastal chop and highway trailering.