Precision 23 Buyer's Guide
Shopping the used Precision 23 means taking home a Jim Taylor–designed cruising trailer-sailer built by Precision Boat Works from 1986 through 2019, a 23 foot 5 inch hull on the maximum legal trailering beam of 8 foot 6 inches. Used Precision 23s are found on the United States market and reward a buyer who values a shallow-draft centerboarder with a real cabin over a bare weekend daysailer.
Layouts on the Used Market
The used fleet shows the standard arrangement: a fixed lead-ballasted keel with an enclosed airfoil centerboard and a kick-up rudder, giving 1 foot 11 inches board-up draft for ramp work and 5 feet 4 inches down for windward grip. Below, the reinforced overhead beam removes the mast post so the saloon stays open, with facing settees, a quarter berth, and a V-berth forward where the hideaway head tucks away. The starboard-aft galley carries a two-burner stove and ice chest, and the almost seven-foot cockpit with stern perch seats and three lockers defines the outdoor living space.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Factory gear centers on Harken hardware, Lewmar ports and hatches, and a standard battery box without a battery. A chartplotter appears as a occasional owner upgrade rather than a factory fit, so most boats will need nav electronics added by the buyer. Otherwise the as-built package — manual galley pump, alcohol stove, lifelines opening at the cockpit — is largely what you sail with, and any added instrumentation should be assessed as later owner work.
What to Inspect
The builder states the Precision 23 is not intended for offshore passages, so check the centerboard trunk and rudder foil for the wear that gunkholing and beach landings invite. The deck is a PVC foam sandwich with plywood only under bolted areas, so sound the cabin-top inserts and the hull-to-deck bond line for any separation. Confirm the split backstay bridle and inboard chainplate tabs are intact, since these drive the upwind rig the design is known for.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Precision 23s are a United States market boat. Before you commit, walk through this short list:
- Verify board-up draft and centerboard pivot for free movement
- Check deck core around mast step and through-bolts for softness
- Confirm Harken hardware and lifeline gates operate cleanly
- Expect to add a chartplotter and any cruising electronics yourself
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Precision 23. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 9 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 25 | 2 | $8,250 | — |
| Jul 25 | 3 | $20,000 | +142.4% |
| Sep 25 | 3 | $16,500 | -17.5% |
| Feb 26 | 1 | $3,900 | -76.4% |
| Mar 26 | 1 | $12,500 | +220.5% |
| Apr 26 | 1 | $4,000 | -68.0% |
| May 26 | 4 | $21,500 | +437.5% |
| Jun 26 | 5 | $5,999 | -72.1% |
| Sep 26 | 2 | $11,945 | +99.1% |
Where they're listed
Precision 23 listings appear across 1 country. United States has the most listings with 14.
Country view
14 listings · 1 country| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $8,000 | 14 | 2 | 100.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
3 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker Boats 235 | 23.5' | $ 17,852 | 24 | 10 |
| Precision 23You are here | — | $ 8,000 | 14 | 2 |
| Jeanneau Tonic 23 | 23.94' | $ 11,160 | 12 | 3 |