what is a "J Boat"?

[barrars]

What are people talking about when they say "J Boats"?

Is a SanJuan 24 (SJ 24) considered a J boat?

Thanks

On a side note - I've been making trips to look at boats to buy. I found a pretty Catalina 22 but i noticed the exterior of the hull had spots that I could push in on with noticeable depression. Does this mean its thin and light or is this the classic "soft spot" you all talk about?

Thanks again!

[JohnRPollard]

J-Boats is a brand of boats, like Catalina, Hunter, Beneteau etc.

The Johnstone family are the designers/owners. Hence the "J" designation.

I should add that J-Boats is a bit different from Catalina, Hunter, etc, in that they contract for the construction of their boats. Many models have been built by TPI in Rhode Island (and its successor company), but certain models are built in various places around the world under license.

The SJ24 is not a J-boat.

See: J-Boats

P.S. That sounds like a pretty bad soft spot on the Catalina 22.

[MarkCK]

There was also a class of boats the were raced in the America's Cups back in the day that were referred to as J class boats. Often they are referred to as the New York J's. They have no relation to the builder of J boats.

[barrars]

Originally Posted by MarkCK

There was also a class of boats the were raced in the America's Cups back in the day that were referred to as J class boats. Often they are referred to as the New York J's. They have no relation to the builder of J boats.

Ahh yea I read about the class and that was a bit confusing. Thanks for informing me guys!

[AllThumbs]

don't buy that catalina

[barrars]

well Ive been reading more and apparently c22s have a cosmetic liner. The soft spot was on the freeboard space on the back quarters. I didn't check below the waterline.

But i'm still researching it. Problem is its a beautiful day for a sail in Portland and I don't have a boat!

[MarkCK]

There will be a lot of beautiful days in Portland. They will all be spoiled if you get in a hurry and buy a boat that is a lemon. Although I cant really tell you if this C22 is a lemon or not.

[barrars]

If you know anyone in potrland that knows their C22s give me a call, 503.473.5327

Thanks,
Scott

[rgscpat]

Only a few handfuls of the gigantic (typically over 120' loa and more than 80' lwl) J Class yachts were built around the 1930s and only a few of the originals survive.

So, when people say J boats they almost invariable mean the Johnstone boats, which are designated with a J followed by a slash and a number that represents each model's nominal length in feet or meters; i.e., the 24-foot J/24 versus the 26-foot J/80, for example.

[jephotog]

If you can find an original J boat for $2500 buy it. Otherwise the J boats for Johnstone Brothers are pretty awesome boats in the racer/cruiser class with the emphasis on racer.

Starting with the J-24. They made j-22s j-30s, J35s, all of which i have raced and think they are great racing boats that are fairly comfortable to cruise as well with the exception of the 22. Now the boats are rated in meters but are still awesome racer/cruisers with the idea of ease of sailing up to their rating with some comfort when it comes to cruising. To get an idea of how cool the J boats are for day sailing and racing look at videos of the J-80 and see how many are being sailed all over the world. They are really fun boats.

Do not buy a boat with a questionable hull, like the C22. There are a lot of solid boats in that range without buying one with a soft hull.