Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 11, 2026

Precision 165

The Precision 165 is a recreational keelboat built by Precision Boat Works in Palmetto, Florida, United States from 1995 until 2018.

Last revised
Jul 11, 2026
Read time
≈ 3 min
Length
592 w
Citations
16
Source
Precision 165
Development
DesignerJim Taylor
LocationUnited States
Year1995
BuilderPrecision Boat Works
RoleCruiser
NamePrecision 165
Boat
Displacement750 lb (340 kg)
Draft1.75 ft (0.53 m)
Hull
Typemonohull
Constructionfiberglass
LOA16.42 ft (5.00 m)
LWL15.25 ft (4.65 m)
Beam7.16 ft (2.18 m)
Engine typeoutboard motor
Hull appendages
Keel/board typefin keel with bulb and end-plates
Ballast250 lb (113 kg)
Ruddertransom-mounted rudder
Rig
Rig typeBermuda rig
I foretriangle height18.25 ft (5.56 m)
J foretriangle base5.40 ft (1.65 m)
P mainsail luff18.40 ft (5.61 m)
E mainsail foot8.40 ft (2.56 m)
Sails
Sailplanfractional rigged sloop
Mainsail area77.28 sq ft (7.180 m2)
Jib/genoa area49.28 sq ft (4.578 m2)
Total sail area126.56 sq ft (11.758 m2)

The Precision 165 is a recreational keelboat built by Precision Boat Works in Palmetto, Florida, United States from 1995 until 2018.12345678

Design

The fiberglass hull has a raked stem, a slightly reverse transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed shoal draft keel with a weighted lead bulb and endplates. It has foam flotation, making it unsinkable.789

It has a fractional sloop rig with three stays and no spreaders.

The design has sleeping accommodation for two people, with two straight settee berths in the main cabin. Cabin headroom is 42 in (107 cm).78

It has a hull speed of 5.2 kn (9.6 km/h).8

Reception

In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote, "Designer Jim Taylor was one of the leading designers of America’s Cup boats in the 1990s. He has plenty of technical expertise, a good eye for what looks right in a small boat design, and has drawn a number of successful pocket cruisers. For some time he has been the designer of record for Precision Boatworks. The Precision 165 is the smallest cruising boat in the company's line. Best features: The P165 has a bigger beam, heavier ballast, and a fixed lead keel with 'end-plate effect' bulb compared with her peers' centerboards, plus the largest SA/D and lowest D/L in the comp[etitor] group. These differences help to make this boat relatively stiff and fast in a breeze. A simple three-stay rig (with no spreaders) makes rigging at the ramp easier and faster. Relatively short overhangs contribute for more manageable storage, especially in a one-car garage. Quality Harken blocks, vang sheeting arrangement, and a forward hatch are all nice features. Worst features: Fixed keel is less convenient at the launching ramp."8

In a 2002 review naval architect Robert Perry concluded of the design, "entry-level boats, like entry-level guitars, must perform well enough to teach beginners the potential joys of playing. The Precision 165 would be a great way to get started in the sport of sailing."9

References

References

  1. McArthur, Bruce (2021). "Precision Boat Works". sailboatdata.com. Retrieved 7 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  2. Precision Boat Works (2021). "Precision 165". precisionboatworks.com. Archived from the original on 5 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  3. Precision Boat Works (2020). "Precision Boats Information". precisionboatworks.com. Archived from the original on 12 July 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  4. "Precision Boat Works ceases production". Trade Only Today. 3 August 2018. Archived from the original on 3 August 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  5. Precision Boat Works (2 August 2018). "Precision Boat Works Is Moving" (PDF). Press Release. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  6. McArthur, Bruce (2021). "Jim Taylor". sailboatdata.com. Retrieved 7 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. McArthur, Bruce (2021). "Precision 165 sailboat". sailboatdata.com. Retrieved 7 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  8. Henkel, Steve: The Sailor's Book of Small Cruising Sailboats, page 54. International Marine/McGraw-Hill, 2010. ISBN 978-0-07-163652-0
  9. Perry, Bob (27 February 2002). "Precision 165: Bob Perry Design Review". boats.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
External links