INDEX
A. Precision Boat Works
B. Designer
C. Sales
D. Used Boats
E. Outboard Engines
F. Factory Options
G. Dealer Options
H. Past Production Boats
I. Miscellaneous Tech Questions
J. Maintenance
K. Trailers
A. Precision Boat Works
Who is Precision?
Precision is owned by Bill and Richard Porter, founded in 1978,
now in business for nearly 39 years they have thrived in an industry
that has seen over 100 direct competitors of theirs cease to exist.
Their long term success is based on building a product that is designed
by a professional sailboat designer and boats that are built to
last and provide you with a sailboat that you and your family
will enjoy to use. And you will experience the exclusive pride of
ownership that is inherent by owning a new renowned Precision Sailboat!
Where is the Factory?
Located in Palmetto, FL. just north of Sarasota, FL. and just south
of St. Petersburg, FL.
Are factory visits possible?
Yes, all we ask is that if you are serious about buying a new Precision,
please give us a call at least a week in advance so we that we may
schedule your visit. Brief tour takes about 45 minutes and you will
see many features that we offer that no other small sailboat builder
in the U.S. offers. But please.....................ask your closest
Precision dealer to make the appointment for you and we always appreciate
a call in advance. We are not open on weekends.
We have not seen any advertising on Precision?
From time to time we run small ads in such publications as Sail,
Sailing, Sailing World and some regional publications. Other companies
may run more advertising but we prefer to spend more money on our
boats, features, benefits and gear, which provides you and your
investment in a new boat far better value and enjoyment in your
new boat vs. than your money going to help pay for a full color
ad in the magazines. You end up with better value, and better gear
with our smaller ad budgets.
Do you sell boats at the Factory?
No..........we only market our boats through authorized Precision
dealers. That way you have a close local contact not only to assist
you with the buying process but with local sailing knowledge and
expertise. And they are there for after sales service and questions,
all things that just cannot be done correctly over the phone or
by internet. They also rig the boat when it is new, install your
specific dealer installed options that you require and they provide
new boat orientation to you so that your first time sailing experience
with your new Precision is pleasurable.
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B. Designer
Do you use a naval architect?
Yes...............Mr. Jim Taylor. And glad you asked as most other
small sailboat builders do not use a designer!! Would you buy an
airplane from someone who has not designed or has limited experience
in designing an airplane? No. Would you buy a house not designed
by a trained home design professional? No way. Yet some sailors
buy sailboats designed by people with little or no naval design
knowledge or very few of their designs in use, Sounds odd, yet it
happens.
Is this important?
As you compare features and benefits of our boats verses others,
make sure you include the skill level and list of designer accomplishments
as part of your research. Do not take no for an answer from the
dealer or other builder, insist that they furnish you with their
designers information and list of other builds. For more info
on Mr. Jim Taylor, click on: JIM
TAYLOR There are few things in life more frustrating that a
sailboat that just does not sail well and/or is uncomfortable to
sail or use. By using Jim Taylor for all of our designs, coupled
with our nearly 30 years of building experience, you will not suffer
these indignities with Precision Sailboats. There is a difference!
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C. Sales
Do you have dealers near me?
All you have to do is fill out the information request form and
we will make sure that your requested Precision information is sent
to you by the dealer nearest to your location, and you will also
receive the location of the dealer nearest to you that has the boats
in stock that you are interested in. It is important you see our
boats in person where possible to fully realize our significant
features and benefits that are unique to our Precisions and are
just not found in any other small sailboat on the market. As you
visit your dealer, make sure to inform them that you have an interest
in a new Precision and they will help to make you familiar with
our unique features. And for more reasons as to why you should demand
all of our very important features and benefits in a new boat
for your families use, please do not hesitate to call our sales
office after you have visited the dealer, we are always happy to
assist you.
You build only boats under 30 feet?
Yes, many other of our competitors build much larger boats as well,
for nearly 30 years we specialize in the smaller boats. That way
you are ensured of our full attention to your particular size of
boat. With other builders, if you need factory assistance for any
reason, you will be last in line for questions/comments/factory
help as the big boat owner is going to get their attention first.
Not with us, small boats are all we do..............you have our
complete attention! Ask our dealers which company is easier to do
business with and more attentive to the dealers and small boat buyers
needs. Precision.
Pricing?
U.S. suggested list price is in our web site, go to the home page
and click on BOATS, then to the model(s) that you have an interested
in, prices are in those pages.
Other Costs?
Yes, as with most all new sailboats, you have to keep in mind that
prices are subject to change without notice. Our boats are priced
F.O.B. Palmetto, FL., and do not include truck transportation to
your closest dealer, dealer prep/new owner orientation (commissioning)
bottom paint, ground tackle, safety gear, outboard engine, state
or local taxes and registration. You will need to consult with
your Precision dealer on all these items to come up with a true
sail-away cost. Note: these are items that, for the most part, need
to be added to any new sailboat being purchased, regardless of brand.
Make sure you add the costing all of these items to any other brand
or size being compared so that you have a truthful "apples
to apples" pricing comparison.
Precisions seem to cost more?
We may in fact cost a bit more than brand X or Y. But......................we
typically have a physically larger boat per length, especially in
the dinghy range but more importantly, we have sound design skills
employed (see Jim Taylor) and many features and benefits just
not offered on the other brands. In our larger boats, we use lead
ballast and fiberglass easy to use and maintain centerboards,
for one example. Others may build to low price, not performance
or comfort. We have added these many advantages to make your sailing
experience far more pleasurable and as we are different and offer
more, you may find the cost to be a bit more. But if you buy a lesser
priced boat without good design and all of our features, you may
find your new brand X or Y boat to be a disappointment both in sailing
traits, seating comfort, safety and pride of ownership. So if you
save $1,000.00 with the purchase of brand X or Y, (for example)
and you end up disliking the boat and do not use it...........did
you save the $1,000.00? Or................did you waste the entire
investment in brand X or Y? And then keep in mind we have features
that others simply do not offer at any cost so you will gain more
features and benefits with our boats as well.
Precision sailboat re-sale value?
Precisions in general seem to have added re-sale value as a well
designed and constructed boat tends to "age" better.
That is, given routine and customary maintenance, Precisions continue
to look good over the years and will return more of your original
investment. But keep in mind, as will all boats, condition is everything
in re-sale value, a well maintained boat will always return you
more money down the road if you have performed the basic maintenance
procedures.
Is it possible to finance a new Precision?
Yes, sailboats have historically been very easy to finance. Some
banks will loan up to 90% of the purchase price as sailboat loans
have a very low rate of default and most quality sailboats enjoy
decent re-sale value. Ask your dealer about their loan resources
and then compare those to what your personal local bank can do for
you. Some are using home equity lines for their sailboat loans.
But in general, getting a sailboat loan is very easy and quick to
do, simply ask your local dealer for details.
New boat warranty details?
Contact your nearest authorized Precision Dealer for full details
but in brief, One and Five. First year is that your new boat will
be free from all manufacturing defects and materials as offered
with the new Precision as built from the factory. Typically any
new boat "bugs", while rare, are discovered as your dealer
"commissions" (AKA, rigging or dealer prep) your new boat
prior to you going through the new boat orientation process with
them. And for Five years, with few restrictions, your new boat is
warranted to be free of major structural defects in both materials
and workmanship.
Who would administer any warranty requests?
The selling dealer is your contact for any warranty questions or
requests. They know the boat as they performed the dealer preparation
prior to delivery to you; they were the one that completed the new
boat delivery orientation with you so they are familiar with you
and your new boat. They are also the location where any pre-approved
warranty work would be performed if ever needed. Happy to report
our warranty requests are very rare!
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D. Used Boats
Used boats cost less?
Sure..........like a used car may cost less than a new car, a used
boat may initially cost less than a new boat. But, most people buying
their first or second sailboat really need the comfort and peace
of mind that a new boat provides in the way of new equipment, dealer
assistance and new boat warranty. As they are new to the sport,
and are not interested in learning how to be a boat repairmen, the
new boat
allows you to be on the water enjoying sailing with their family
.............not learning how to fix a boat.
Are used boats reliable?
As with used cars, again, you may occasionally find a bargain here
and there but usually any used sailboat of any brand may be in
need of new sails, new standing rigging, new interior cabin cushions,
new running rigging, significant trailer repair, and all centerboards/swing
keels/rudder may need attention. If you have a good background in
basic engineering, understand the function of sailing hardware,
are good with tools and have all those tools along with the cash
budget to replace or repair many, many items on a sailboat, or have
the ability to pay the boatyard to effect those repairs, a used
boat may fit your needs. Also know that it is one thing to repair
a boat to functionality, but make sure you know how to affect the
repairs to make it safe at sea for your family as well. And just
know that a used boat is that........................Used..............and
you will have work to do and money to spend to fix up that old boat.
Most people today, especially those with limited time and repair
skills/tools, would rather just go sailing with their family, and
not take the time to learn how to be a boat restorer or mechanic.
Remember, that sails, running rigging, standing rigging, etc. are
similar to worn out tires on an automobile. If you have a several
year old BMW and it just does not handle well in the rain with worn
out tires...............you know with new tires it is a whole different
handling car. Same with sailboats, keep the "wear" equipment
properly maintained and replaced as necessary to fully realize
the maximum performance and safety capabilities of the boat. To
obtain the best sailing traits out of our boats, you need to have
good equipment supporting the great hull designs that Jim Taylor
has provided.
But if you enjoy working on technical items, have all the necessary
tools willing to research and learn about how sailboat hardware
and fittings work, and have a good knowledge of fiberglass structural
and cosmetic repair and really want more of a work project versus
spending time on the water sailing with your family, a used boat
may be a fun project for you.
Where are used Precisions found?
The best place to find a used Precision is at an Authorized Precision
Boat Works dealer. And they are in the best position to advise you
as to the current condition of all items the need to be examined
to ensure proper and safe operation of a used boat. And they have
not only the experience and skill level to advise you as to the
condition, they have the sources for you to locate any new parts
or labor to repair
necessary to make the old used boat function correctly and safely.
Some people will also see boats for sale from an owner direct.
Please do keep in mind that if you do locate a boat from the owner
directly, that owner should be able to take on the role that a sailboat
dealer performs. They should be able to show you things they would
repair/replace if they were to keep the boat, and they should also
be able to advise where to find new parts or pieces. And in both
instances, dealer and/or private party sale, make sure that either
party provides you with used boat
orientation so that you are familiar with the correct operation
of boat, trailer, and/or outboard engine. That responsibility of
the selling party is important and you would be well advised to
hire a sailing instructor from you local sailing school to spend
an afternoon with you and your family to ensure fun and safe
operation of your used boat.
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E. Outboard Engines
What size outboard engine for my new Precision?
Due to the many manufacturers of engine models available and wide
variations of wind/water conditions nationwide, it is best that
you consult with your dealer to discuss your needs. In general,
think in terms of 4 stroke engines, long shaft engine, and keep
your engine selection as light and small as you can but still
ensure that you have the torque and horsepower to satisfy your
requirements. Larger than necessary heavy outboard engines only
cause the balance of the boat to be incorrect. As with all sailboats,
keep the ends (fore and aft) as light as possible to keep the
boat sailing on its designed lines.
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F. Factory Options
What options do you offer from the factory?
As the boats are very well equipped with standard equipment, all
of our available factory options are listed in each boats information
area of our web site. As we are a production builder, we do not
offer any custom options but you and your dealer can better discuss
and select other gear you need for your dealers installation. Have
fun customizing your new boat along with your dealer, it is really
a very enjoyable process!
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G. Dealer Options
What dealer options may be available?
Our standard boat is well equipped but there are items that you
and your dealer will want to discuss in order to equip the boat
to suit your particular needs as those needs vary greatly from region
to region and from owner to owner. Some items to discuss are U.S.
Coast Guard safety gear, dock lines, anchor and rode, outboard
engine, covers, etc.
Are different colors available for the
hull?
Due the considerable amount of extra caution and maintenance required
for colored hulls, virtually all owners keep the boats in the white
gel coat. But if you do think you would like a different color of
hull and stripes, consult with your Precision dealer and get their
recommendations for a local paint shop that can properly prep and
apply LPU paints..................those paints are fairly robust
and do have decent
resistance to sun fading. But do be aware that they all require
more maintenance than just the occasional wash and wax that gel
coat requires.
Do your smaller sailing dinghies have
hiking straps?
No, we do not offer them as a factory option due to the wide variety
of hiking strap materials and design to suit your particular sailing
needs; straps are best installed at the owner or dealer end. Most
small cruising sailing dinghies do not have them and unless you
or your family needs them for performance competition, you may find
that they get in the way. But.............easy to do after the fact
with dealer input.
How do I install spinnaker gear?
Spinnaker gear can basically be installed on virtually all sailboats
and your dealer or sailmaker can advise you as the basic baseline
hardware requirements are all very similar, just different sized
hardware. As with most custom options, due to the wide variety of
spinnaker sail designs, hardware, sheets, guys, pole and gear layout
design to suit your particular sailing needs, you are always best
to work with your sailboat dealer/rigger and/or sailmaker to ensure
that you investigate all possibilities
to suit your particular spinnaker and gear wants and needs.
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H. Past Production Boats
Do you have information on the older smaller
boats?
Yes, click on P-13-14-16 (opens another page) to see the PDF page
on the Precision 13/14/16. Some parts are still available (not sails)
or adaptable from current production boats but call our parts dept.
for information for P-13/14/16 parts.
Information on the P-27 and P-28?
Yes, click on either P-27
PDF or P-28
PDF to see the information on these boats. The 27 and 28 are
wonderful boats but we have just become too busy with our many other
models to have the physical room to manufacture these units in our
production facility. Most parts are still available but they are
special order items and as such there may be long lead times for
replacement items.
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I. Miscellaneous Tech Questions
What is a topping lift?
The topping lift is a line from the masthead to the outboard of
the boom. It is used to hold up the boom during reefing as well
as used to hold the boom up while the mainsail is being lowered
as well as hold up the boom when the boat is at rest. It is standard
on our P-18/21/23. Topping lifts are typically not found on sailing
dinghies, including our P-15/P-165 and P-185.
What is a mainsail bolt rope?
Bolt rope is virtually that, a rope (or the like) sewn into the
luff of the mainsail and that is inserted into the mast tunnel and
then keeps the sail captive in the mast tunnel during use. Typically
found on sailing dinghies and on larger race boats but the use varies
greatly.
What are main sail slugs used for?
They are short "slugs" usually found on larger boats,
P-18/21/23 for example. They make reefing and lowering the larger
mainsails on these types of boats easier, and makes for easier flaking
of the mainsail over the boom prior to installing the optional acrylic
mainsail cover.
Jib or Genoa Furling
For the 15 and 185, we offer the Harken dinghy furling equipment,
as with most boats of this size, we use a wire luff jib which
replaces the more common head stay used on hank on jibs. On the
larger boats, P-165/18/21/23, we offer optional furling systems
that install over the headstay, CDI and Schaefer, for example.
Centerboard Controls
Unlike other brands, our boats fiberglass centerboards are easily
controlled by simple piece of Dacron line in the cockpit. No winches
frayed and corrode wire cables here, simple line controls that
even a small child can use easily and safely.
General Boat Dimensions
All basic dimensions are in our web site on each models description
page.
Bottom paint & Barrier coat
Due to many different types of use of our boats, as well as the
many different types of water and water conditions nationwide,
consult with your Precision dealer or local marine paint supplier
to select the correct paints and correct application procedure
for your particular areas use.
Parts
Most of the parts used to manufacture your new boat are available
from Precision or from your Precision dealer. Parts pages are
in our web site, top of the home page has navigation buttons.
Note that dealer or previous owner installed options are not available
from Precision and you will want to consult with the person you
purchased the boat from to source these non-factory optional equipment.
Basically, if you do not see the parts listing in our web site,
we do not have that part available.
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J. Maintenance
Where do I learn more about keeping my
boat in good operation condition?
Multiple areas............talk to your friends that own boats, your
local sailboat dealer as well as a considerable number of websites
online have an enormous amount of material to read and most link
to other resources. Also, many suppliers of maintenance products
have application and recommendation data available online.
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K. Trailers
What brand of trailers is available for a new Precision?
Over the years, we have had trailers built by Performance Trailers,
Magic Tilt and Road King. Our current models are manufactured by
Magic Tilt. and are custom built to suit each particular model.
We carefully match the hull support, keel or centerboard support,
weight balance as well as many other factors so your trailering
experience is pleasant and trouble free. Each new Precision that
is ordered with our optional trailers is custom adjusted at our
factory prior to shipping so you know the fit is correct. Always
purchase a correctly engineered and properly adjusted trailer, anything
less and/or under engineered trailer may cause damage to your boat
and also cause the trailering process to be dangerous when going
down the road. A trailer is the last place you want to look for
low price!
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