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504data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this PRECISION 23 buyer’s report
PRECISION 23

PRECISION 23

Precision Boat Works🇺🇸· Design: Jim Taylor
$10,153 avg$5,875 – $15,000 (9 listings)1986–2019500 built
$500 – $1.4K est. annual maintenance
DaysailermonoFractional SloopVariableFull/Long

Specifications

Hull

LOA23.42 ft
LWL20 ft
Beam8.5 ft
Draft5.33 ft/ 1.92 ft min
Displacement2,450 lb
Ballast849.9 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.0 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height26.25 ft
Jforetriangle base8.33 ft
Pmainsail luff26.25 ft
Emainsail foot10.5 ft
FLforestay8.3 ft
Mainsail258.2 sq ft
Jib (100%)109.3 sq ft
Spinnaker185.9 sq ft

About the PRECISION 23

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Jim Taylor and built by Precision Boat Works (USA) from 1986–2019, the Precision 23 is a compact fractional sloop with 500 hulls produced. Its lightweight displacement of 2450.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 21.89 reflect a design prioritizing performance and ease of handling over heavy cruising comfort.

Best for:
This boat is ideal for coastal cruisers, weekend warriors, and single-handers who value easy trailering and responsive sailing. Its fractional rig and moderate beam of 8.5 ft make it manageable for smaller crews or solo sailors seeking a fun, agile day-sailer with overnight capability.
Bluewater capability:
With a low displacement of 2450.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.53, the Precision 23 is not suited for extended bluewater passages due to its light construction and limited storage. It is best reserved for protected coastal waters and short offshore trips where quick return to shore is feasible.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Catalina 22 and O'Day 23, which share similar lengths and target the same entry-level cruising market. However, the Precision 23 distinguishes itself with a lighter displacement and a more performance-oriented fractional rig compared to the heavier, masthead-rigged alternatives.

Performance

Comfort10.4
Capsize2.53
SA/Disp21.9
Disp/Len137
Bal/Disp34.7

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 9 listings
Low
$6,216
Estimated Value
$6,604
High
$9,712
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

16 listings · boat years 19872017 · median $11,500

$0$20k$40kmedian $11,5001990199520002005201020152001 Precision 23 Sold · $12,500 · Kansas, US1994 Precision 23 · $8,000 · Iowa, US1996 Precision 23 · $8,500 · Maryland, US2017 Precision Precision 23 · $28,000 · Wisconsin, US2000 Precision 23 · $8,000 · Florida, US2016 Precision 23.5 · $39,500 · Iowa, US2000 Precision P23 · $15,000 · Minnesota, US1990 Precision Precision 23 · $8,900 · New Hampshire, GB1989 Precision 23 · $5,875 · Pennsylvania, US1990 Precision P23 · $12,500 · Florida, US2001 Precision 23 Precision · $16,900 · Minnesota, US1989 Precision Precision 23 · $11,500 · Outside United States1988 Presicion 23 · $4,500 · Maryland, US1990 Precision 23 · $7,000 · Florida, US2000 Precision P23 · $14,000 · Illinois, US1987 Precision Precision-23 · $8,500 · Pennsylvania, USAsking price (USD)Boat model year

Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 23.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$500 – $1.4K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Articles & Reviews

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

27 reported issues across 9 systems for the PRECISION 23, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

7 critical11 major9 minor
Structural5Deck5Keel4Rigging4Engine3Rudder2Hull2Electrical1Plumbing1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a PRECISION 23? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • All 27 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Which engine powers your PRECISION 23?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Westerbeke, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the PRECISION 23

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…