Boats that compare to a j/30

[GreatWhite]

I am looking at a late 70s j/30. I like the j/30 because the length is perfect, my slip can't go longer. I want a boat I can cruise the lake with my family. I want to club race and we have a lot of light air in the summer when most of the regattas are and I want a boat that does well in light air. The idea price would be about $15,000 us or less althought the j/30 tends to be more

Can anyone else think of a similar boat that I should consider that will fit these parameters.

Thank you in advance!!!

[Faster]

Not sure what area you're in, but the Aloha 30 is another frac rigged lightweight boat (Ron Holland design), the Laser 28 (Farr) is a bit smaller but also of the frac/light school. Both could provide the things you seek - though perhaps slightly above your "ideal" budget.

[blt2ski]

You might also look at the J29, Jeanneau Arcadia or Attalia too. Beneteau first 28/30 are a couple of others that might work.

Marty

[GreatWhite]

The J/29 as I understand it is a similar boat to the j/30 with a lower cabin top and no inboard diesel (lighter)

As I have the family cruising requirement I think the j/30 would be closer to what I was looking for but the other I will look into.

Thank you for the suggestions!!

[Faster]

Originally Posted by GreatWhite

The J/29 as I understand it is a similar boat to the j/30 with a lower cabin top and no inboard diesel (lighter)

Yes, the J29 is a lower freeboard version of the J30 hull, different deck and was offered in a masthead and a frac version. Not really a family cruiser, esp compared to her predecessor.

[sailingfool]

Check out the S2 9.1, S2 9.1 Meter North American One Design Class Association, an excellent performer with better build quality than the J, may be a little more $$.

[JohnRPollard]

Would you consider a Tartan 30?

One of the things I like about the T30 is that some of them were configured with twin (port/starboard) quarterberths, which I think is a nice arrangement for family sailing.

[t22cayuga]

J/30 isn't really known as a light air boat, but all things are relative. It depends on what kind of boats you're racing against. They get killed by lighter boats with higher SA/D ratios in very light air. They do well in 15 and above. But they have a pretty unbalanced rudder and in those conditions it can take a strong driver or two hands on the tiller to keep tracking. I suspect that any J/30 you find under $15k will be in need of some recoring, particularly around the transom and starboard rear quarter, and deck around the chainplates. I really like the J/30 interior.

You can get a great Tartan 30 for $15k, and they are very nice boats. However, in my area you wouldn't find anyone to race against in that rating band (~168), except J/24's, which are a totally different type of boat. I was looking for something similar to your needs and ended up with a Laser 28.

[NOLAsailing]

t22 is right on. The J/30 is a fantastic boat, though, and the right one can be huge bang for the buck. I race and cruise mine.

The S2 9.1 is a similar hull, as sailing fool says.

[seabreeze_97]

Pearson Flyer. Though only made for a couple years, there's always a couple out there for sale. Like the article says, it has "Undeniable appeal."