J/80 - Opinions Needed

I have never been a fan of the J-80. IMHO , of all of the ''sprit series'' the J-80 has seemed to be the least well conceived and designed. I know that they have a following but I have never enjoyed sailing the J-80.

I would like to suggest a couple alternatives here. First of all, I would suggest a J-27. These are substantially less expensive than the the J-80. J-27''s can often be found under $15,000 where as the J-80''s typically sell for over $25,000 on up. The J-27 is rated a little slower than the J-80. I raced on a J-27 for a number of years and we generally finished ahead of the J-80''s whose one design fleet started with the MORC fleet that we raced in. Sailed with a non-overlapping jib like the J-80 uses the J-27 would be a nice daysailor. That said, I would say that neither boat is really children friendly. Both boats are a real handful when things pick up.

Another similar but slightly slower boat is the Colgate 26. These were designed for use at sailing schools and are a little bit more manageable.

A boat that I am very familiar with (I have owned mine for the past 13 years. She is currently for sale) is the Laser 28. While you are not looking for as much accomodations as you might find on the Laser these are well constructed and fast boats (somewhere between the speed of a J-80 and a Colgate 26). Price wise the Laser falls closer in price to the J-27 than the J-80 or Colgate. Of the bunch the Laser is probably the most child friendly and more suited to the kind of day outings that we used to take when I was growing up as a kid on Long Island Sound. I frequently single-hand my Laser 28 and find that they are great for that purpose. Please don''t get me wrong here. As much as I would love to sell my Laser 28, that is not the reason that I have included the Laser 28 in this list.)

I think that it is wonderful that you are introducing your kids to sailing at a young age.Good luck in your search.

Regards
Jeff

I had the same criteria as you when I was looking for a boat. I am primarily a daysailor and have small children. I sail on Lake Michigan, so I wanted a safe boat that my wife and children would be comfortable on. I looked at the J80. It is a nice boat, and fast, but it is very expensive (over $40k new) and it does not have a very comfortable cockpit for cruising.
The boat I chose is the Colgate 26. It is great for daysailing. The cockpit is about 13'' long. There is a ton of room if you just want to stretch out or take out 7 or 8 people. It has alot of nice saftey features: Positive flotation. One was recently hit broadside by a 40'' motorboat going at a high rate of speed. The boat was nearly split in two, but still did not sink. It has an open transom, which at first my wife did not like, but the forward part of the cockpit is somewhat separated from the last 3-4'' of cockpit by the main travler. The open transom is a nice saftey feature: if someone should fall overboard, it is easy to get them back in.
The cabin is very small, but does have a large v-berth and 2 large quarterberths. There is not alot of headroom. There is space for a portapottie. Like you, a large cabin was not my priority.
The boat is fast. Jeff is under the impression that the J80 is faster. Not true unless you count the J80''s large assymetrical spiniker. If you just sail the two boats with main and jib, the Colgate will keep up and frequently beat the J80. I have confirmed this with the Naval Accadamy--they bought a bunch of Colgates, and occasionally sail against J80s. I am amazed everytime I go out sailing how many boats I fly past. It is a real treat since my last boat was a big slow tub.
The Colgate is a great looking boat. When I first got it some people thought it was a J80--they look similar. They are about the same size and displacement.
Now for the price. Big difference between the J80 and Colgate. Starting price is about $27k. That includes almost everything (sails--including spiniker, electrical system--battery, solar charger, Harken roller furling, winch handles etc etc etc). All that you need to buy is sailcover, cushions, anchor and outboard. I got a trailer also.
If you have any questions about the boat email me at [email protected]
There is a comprehensive web site at www.colgate26.com All the pricing and equipment list is there. I''m sure that Steve Colgate would talk to you about the boat.
It really is a nice boat and I''m having alot of fun with it.
Rob
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Rob,

I totally agree with you on cockpit size. Most of the boats on my short list have relatively large ones:

New or Used:
Alerion Express 28 - It is very beautiful and very expensive classic-looking boat, the one boat on the list that my wife would love.
Colgate 26 - The price is reasonable and it looks good.
J/80 - Still top of my list except for the damned price.
Sonar 23 - I learned to sail in this boat, not sexy but it is a good boat and it is fun to sail.

Used (I found two through this message string):
J/27 - For my needs and price range, this is the only other J that fits the bill.
Laser 28 - From what I can tell this boat is very similar to the J/27.
Unknown - A fractional sloop of approximately 25 feet. The huge cockpit has wood seats and a wood floor. There seems to be room underneath only for storage. It is doubtful that they are still made. A marina near my house has two of them docked. But I haven''t been able to get an I.D. on them.

John

Old thread - but totally relevant question today.

j80s are:
- much cheaper now
- still have some one design
- can transport (Charleston Race Week looks fun)

Whats not to like?

Jeff? Your comments page one did not have much specifics, although most everything I have read from you is quite detailed on why you have views on particular boats so I like your opinions.

What is lacking? I thought the J80 from a design spec is one of the better J boats - light almost uldb, planeable etc. Less tubby bow section (more or less j27 hull)

I know that is not everyones thing and makes it more of a handful but whats not to like?

Sit on deck, big cockpit - good things for racing maybe not so good for cruising ..

Please provide more feedback.

I understand there have been a couple suspect keel separation and the need for a serious survey in this area.

Also anyone chime in on production run differences.

Thanks.

sailingdog said:

I'd point out that many of the things make it a good racing boat are things that make it poorly suited for use as a cruising boat, especially if you are short-handed.

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Yes, I realize that is often the case. However, some race features are nice for family day sailing
1) open transom for kids to go in and out of water,
2) open/big cockpit for lounging
3) less sharp corners
4) I find cockpit 'seats' a hazard for small kids

the tenderness can be dealt with to some extent
and leading lines aft or not is always a choice depending on crew

Slugs vs bolt rope,
anchor location,
engine in vs out,
furling vs non - gotta choose one or the other

Anyways it would be for wed races, a couple longer ones and day sailing

I am finally accepting that I need something bigger/slower for cruising/overnighting.