What does Everyone Think of J/40's.

LyleRussell · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006

I have the chance to buy a J/40 for a good price. She has good electronics, acceptable sails and at first glance looks well kept. I am planning to sail the Chesapeake Bay, and every July August take her offshore up to Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod. I am not a racer although I like to sail efficiently.

What does everyone think of the boat?

LyleRussell · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006

Also she has a Volvo engine. Any opinions on it?

LyleRussell · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006

Yes I saw the two reviews.

sailingfool · #4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006

Lyle,

The J/40 is something of a high end boat. My advice is to post the question on the forum at www.sailinganarchy.com and I'm sure you will get a variety of well-informed and/or passionate comments.

jared · #5 (**permalink**) 05-04-2006

No firsthand knowledge, but if you call jboats directly at 401-846-8410 they will send you out an information package that typically contains articles and reviews, not just sales brochures, shedding a lot of light on a boat. Very nice folks to deal with.

devildad · #6 (**permalink**) 05-04-2006

The J40 is a fantastic boat, before you buy I am sure you will have it surveyed and sea trail tested. A friend took his from Chesepeake to St Martins for the winter for the past few years. Good luck.
Michael B

LyleRussell · #7 (**permalink**) 05-05-2006

Thanx for the comments. I checked out SailingAnarchy. They are well named. I have seen forum's like that before. I'm not sure I want to be part of that.

The boat is a 1988, the oldest boat I have looked at recently. She has the original engine but lots of cruising goodies. There is not much mention of maintenance replacements. So I am ambivalent at the moment.

I will certainly get the best surveyor I can find. In the Chessie I hear the folks to get is Hartranft. (sp?) Is that correct?

Any recommendations of other surveyor's.

gstraub · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2006

I used Dave Manning for "half" a survey once. He was very detailed. He comes off a bit grouchy, but he is a nice guy. When I find my next boat to survey, I am going to use him again.

Gerhard

magnusmurphy · #9 (**permalink**) 05-08-2006

Jeff and Raine Williams completed a 6 year circumnavigation on their J40 about a year ago. Jeff often writes for Cruising World and Ocean Navigator.

I know that they were very happy with their boat and believed it to be an ideal boat for their trip.

M Murphy

LyleRussell · #10 (**permalink**) 05-08-2006

What do folks think of Volvo engines?