j32 sailboat review

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• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: July 31, 2002

For any sailor, it’s always fun checking out a new J/Boat. The reason is simple — they’re a joy to sail. Sure, depending on the model, the crusty cruiser may yearn for more teak and displacement, and the fickle racer might be more swayed by this week’s hot one-design. But anyone who gets a jolt out of hoisting a sail, sheeting it in and grabbing the helm will find something to like in just about any J.

Still, it was with more than the usual sense of anticipation that I stepped aboard the cruising oriented J/32. I’ve spent good chunks of the last two years living aboard a 1975 C&C 33 with, give or take an inch or two, the same length overall — in my case 32’6″. I like the way my boat sails. My wife and I are quite comfortable aboard, and obviously it has become the focal point of our on-the-water experience. So I was anxious to compare the difference two decades had made in “state-of-the-art” production boats of similar size and — because we use our boat strictly for cruising — purpose.

The J/32 is the first design from young Alan Johnstone, the son of founding J/Boat designer Rod Johnstone. Alan says he got many of the ideas for the 32-footer after a cruise with his wife aboard a 40-foot J/120, a sporty racer/cruiser with an emphasis on performance. One of his big goals was to make an all-around boat even easier than that one for a couple to sail.

From the helmsman’s station alongside the big 48-inch Edson wheel and pedestal, everything (Lewmar two-speed self-tailing winches, Sailtec hydraulic backstay adjuster, Harken traveler and 6:1 mainsheet system — with coarse and fine trim!) is a simple twist or turn away. Moving forward, the efficiency theme continues. The cockpit seems plucked from a much larger boat; another set of Lewmar self-tailers and “Superlock” clutches is stationed on the coach roof for halyards and reefing lines. Lazy jacks, a Hall Quik-Vang on the boom and a Schaefer 1100 headsail furling system are all standard.

The difference between the circa ’70s rig and the J/32 approach is vast (as are the sailing characteristics). Gone are the days of high-aspect rigs with short booms and wimpy mainsails. The J/32 employs a low aspect, double-spreader fractional rig stationed fairly well forward, making for a relatively small foretriangle and easily managed headsails. The mainsail is big and roachy, and unlike my boat’s it provides plenty of drive without a jib. Once the headsail is unfurled, however, the J/32 really comes into her own. Our test boat, equipped with a 140 percent genoa, easily topped 6 knots close-hauled in 11 knots of true breeze.

For off-the-wind work, an optional spinnaker hardware package includes all the gear necessary to fly a cruising chute tacked to the stemhead fitting and to set and douse it using a spinnaker sock. No poles, guys or fuss — and again, an easy 6-plus-knots in moderate air on a beam to broad reach.

Like the cockpit, the belowdecks layout appears startlingly roomy. Freed from the overhang constraints of the old IOR rule, the J/32 employs a waterline length of 28’8″ — a full 2 1/2 feet longer than my once beloved antique. Add another six inches of beam, to 11 feet, and standing headroom for a six-plus-footer, and suddenly it’s apparent that the greater interior volume is not an illusion.

The accommodation plan is laid out for a couple, and the space has been used wisely. The forward cabin features a 6’6″ V-berth, with a good-size hanging locker. In the central saloon, the opposing 6’4″ settees make good sea berths. The starboard settee slides open to make a second double. The head, with wet locker, and a standing nav table are to port; an L-shaped galley, with two-burner Force 10 propane stove and six-cubic-foot icebox is to starboard. There is no aft cabin. Instead, the designer has opted for a dedicated, walk-in storage locker aft of the galley. It’s a sensational idea for a two-person layout, and extremely rare on a production vessel of this size.

The J/32 is built to a high standard by TPI Composites utilizing the SCRIMP resin infusion technique over a balsa core. It comes with a 10-year hull warranty against blistering. Though it’s a boat that would probably be classified as a coastal cruiser because of its LOA, nonetheless with oversize chain plates, a surprising 10,000 pounds of displacement and a deep, six-foot-draft bulb keel (a 4’8″ shoal-draft version is also available), it definitely has offshore capabilities. In fact during last year’s Boat Of The Year testing, California-based judge Bill Lee said he’d love to sail one to Hawaii.

The boat is powered by a Yanmar 27-horsepower diesel turning a 16-inch Martec two-blade folding propeller. With a 27-gallon fuel tank, the builder says a cruising range of 300 miles can be expected. On our test run, the boat made an easy 6.3 knots at 2,000 rpms, and was responsive and maneuverable in forward and reverse.

Along with the options listed above, this versatile cruiser is also available with a shore power package, a “systems group” that includes a second 50-gallon water tank and cockpit shower, a windlass, a carbon fiber mast and a quarter berth in lieu of the storage area. Base price for the J/32 is $117,500; with a reasonably tricked-out version, expect to pay between $120,000 and $130,000.

As one who has often wandered the docks muttering that nothing new has occurred in the sailboat market in the last 20 years, I walked off the J/32 ready to eat my words, my hat, or whatever else was offered. Young couples or retired ones looking for a boat that’s a blast to sail and still full of creature comfort should put this one on their shopping lists.

#####J/32 Specifications

LOA: 32′ 5″ (9.88 m.) LWL: 29′ 0″ (8.84 m.) BEAM: 11′ 0″ (3.35 m.) DRAFT (deep): 6′ 0″ (1.83 m.) DRAFT (shoal: 4′ 9″ (1.45 m.) BALLAST: 3,850 lbs (1,746 kgs.) DSPL: 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kgs.) SA (100%): 518 sq.ft. (48.12 sq.m.) Mast above water: 48’6″ (14.8 m.) Ballast/Disp: .39 Disp/Length: 183 SA/Disp: 17.9 Fuel: 27 gal. (102 ltr.) Water: 50 gal. (189 ltr.) Holding: 29 gal. (110 ltr.) Auxiliary: Yanmar 3GM-30 27-hp diesel Cabin headroom: 6’3″ (1.9 m.) Designer: R. Alan Johnstone Base Price: $117,500

J/Boats Inc. 557 Thames St. Newport, RI 02840 Phone (401) 846-8410 Fax (401) 846-4723

• More: 2001 - 2010 , 31 - 40 ft , Bluewater Cruising , J/Boats , keelboat , monohull , racer / cruiser , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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• Sailboat Reviews

Alan Johnstone’s first design for J Boats is a roomy performance cruiser that suffers only from a lack of organized stowage.

Having spent recent years building performance-oriented “sprit boats,” including a recent 45-footer designed for competition in the Admiral’s Cup, J Boats did an about face in 1996 with the introduction of a new cruising boat. Though the boat shares the pedigree of its racing cousins, the new entry is more traditionally shaped and has a good deal of space below.

The Company J Boats was founded in 1977 by marketer Bob and designer Rod Johnstone. Its first boat was the one-design J/24, which now numbers more than 5,200. A succession of 28′ to 35′ designs expanded the company’s line.

In 1988, the brothers began reshaping the management of J Boats. Four of their sons joined the company in various management roles. During the next 10 years two departed, leaving Jeff Johnstone in the president’s seat and Alan Johnstone as vice-president, overseeing project management. Along the way, Alan, like Rod, pursued an interest in yacht design by enrolling in the Westlawn School of Yacht Design.

Though Jeff and Alan now manage day-to-day affairs, Bob and Rod continue as active participants in the company.

Design The design of the J/32 can be partially attributed to the shortcomings of the company’s successful “sprit boats,” all of which are designed for one-design racing. They have long cockpits and low profiles, and are equipped with retractable bowsprits that replace conventional spinnaker poles. The boats are fast and fun to sail, but most owners find them unsuitable for weekending, at least compared to more traditional boats.

To distinguish its models, models that fly conventional headsails from a tack on the bow are designated by names equivalent to length on the deck—the J/32 is a 32-footer. Sprit boats are assigned metric equivalents. For example, the J/80 is 26.3′.

The genesis of the J/32 occurred when Alan Johnstone and his wife sailed a J/105, a 34-footer, on a weekend getaway and discovered the same shortcomings mentioned by would-be weekenders.

“We had a fast, comfortable trip from Newport to Block Island,” he said. “When we couldn’t find a slip or mooring, we anchored in the harbor. The wind was blowing about 18 knots, but we were comfortable stretched out in the cockpit. Then it began to rain, so we went below, which was okay for the first couple of hours. However, we discovered that the quarters below were rather confining after a long period of time. And there’s little headroom so we couldn’t stretch our legs.”

Consequently, he and his wife began playing “what if?” They imagined the changes that would make the boat more suitable for cruising.

Upon his return to the office, Alan queried Rod about the possibility of undertaking his first design, and was encouraged to pursue development of the first cruising boat the company would offer since the J/42 in 1996.

“The criteria we established,” said Alan, “was that the boat should sail well and handle well. It was targeted to younger families with children as an entry level boat, and for older sailors who may have tired of bigger boats and want to step down in size.”

Alan designed a shapely hull that is pleasing from all angles. Overhangs are virtually undetectable; the bow is plum and the stern relatively square. Viewed from abeam, the sheer is relatively flat; the height of the coach-roof does not detract from its appearance, despite having 6′ 3″ of headroom below. Johnstone boasts that the boat has more volume below than any J Boat smaller than 40′.

“We first considered a swim platform on the stern but decided that 2′ of additional space for the cockpit was more important,” he said.

The swim platform was replaced by a ladder, which we think makes sense.

To simplify sailhandling, the J/32 has a 7/8 fractional rig with a small foretriangle. The J measurement is only 11′, so shorthanded sailing will be simplified, a trend we’ve noticed among other manufacturers as well. The mainsail carries 356 sq. ft. of canvas; total sail area is 518 sq. ft.

The sail area/displacement ratio is 18, and the displacement/length ratio 183, both of which suggest good performance. Using New England PHRF ratings, the J/32 with an asymmetrical spinnaker rates 120, compared to the C&C 33-2, which rates 132, the Catalina 320 at 159 and the Pearson 323 at 174. The sheeting angle for the jib is only 11.4°, which will produce high pointing angles.

Construction J Boats are constructed at TPI’s plant in Warren, Rhode Island using the Seeman Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process (SCRIMP), a vacuum-assisted closed system that increases the glass-to-resin ratio, while reducing the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) that enter the environment.

The process produces such light and strong hulls that it is now used in a variety of nautical, industrial and military applications, ranging from wind generators to hot tubs.

The method is not infallible, however, as we learned in talking with one J/32 owner. His boat was damaged during a collision and during the repair process a 4″ void was discovered under the gelcoat at the rounded edge of the hull-deck joint, approximately 6″ aft of the headstay.

TPI’s manager of customer service, Richard Moody, told us that a void of that nature could occur on the top of the mold, usually at a corner, and that such a flaw does not affect the structural integrity of the boat.

“After spraying gelcoat to the mold, we apply two layers of chopped fiber to the hull,” he said. “It is possible for areas in corners to be resin-rich, which can create the void.”

The owner reported the fix to be uncomplicated, with no residual blemishes on the hull.

The structure of the J/32 is engineered and built to exceed the Offshore Yacht Service guidelines of the ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), which defines types of materials and the fabrication process of structural components that include the bottom, side, deck and deckhouse, bulkheads, rudder and keel.

Hull construction begins with a layer of NPG isopthalic gelcoat to produce a high gloss finish that TPI says inhibits water penetration more effectively than other products. The company provides a 10-year warranty against blistering.

The hull laminate consists of two outer plies of mat with vinylester resin followed by three or four plies of glass fabric consisting of mat/biaxial cloth/mat combinations sewn together. They sandwich 3/4″ thick AL-600 balsa core.

Eight additional layers of biaxial reinforcement are laid in the keel area and on centerline in the bow and stern. Additional reinforcement is also used on flanges, through-hull locations, the strut mount, and the shaft and rudder. When completed, total thickness of the hull at the bottom is more than 1″.

The deck laminate mirrors the hull lay-up except that SCRIMP layers are molded using polyester resin.

The hull-deck joint is an overlapping flange bonded with a combination of 3M 5200 and Plexus adhesive. Deck hardware is through-bolted and sealed with Sikaflex. Because the main bulkhead supports the chainplates, mast bearing beam and keel support grid, it is solid fiberglass in load-bearing areas; it is bonded to the hull using non-woven biaxial glass fabrics. Owners report no flexing of this joint.

A keel stub area is molded to the hull using multiple plies of fiberglass and fiberglass stringers in the stub. The keel, which is cast with J-shaped bolts in the lead, is sealed in epoxy and through-bolted to the stub.

TPI’s methods produce strong, lightweight hulls that, when built properly, represent the state-of-the-art in fiberglass boatbuilding.

Deck Layout We think cruisers will like the deck layout for two important reasons: All of the hardware necessary to sail the boat is at the fingertips, and movement about the deck is easy, even with a dodger mounted over the companionway.

Walkways forward are nearly a foot wide, and jib sheet controls are mounted out of the way on a 3″ high toerail or inboard on Harken T- track. The bow pulpit is open forward, which facilitates sail trim and will not interfere with anchoring. Stainless steel handrails on the cabin top are high enough to provide security when moving in a seaway.

Light and ventilation belowdecks are provided by several hatches and ports; a Lewmar 60 Ocean model is over the forward cabin, a Lewmar Ocean 40 is mounted over the saloon, two fixed ports are on each side of the cabin, and two opening ports are in the cockpit bulkhead and in the forepeak. Though opening side ports are optional, we think they are vital.

Primary winches are Lewmar 40 STC two-speed self-tailers, and halyard winches are Lewmar 16 STC self-tailers, which worked efficiently on our test boat. Halyards are led aft through port and starboard Harken sheave organizers to Lewmar Superlock double stoppers located near the companionway.

The mainsheet is close at hand to skipper or crew; controls are a Harken 6:1 tackle system with Harken fiddle blocks and a single ratchet with becket and cam. The system is anchored by a double-ended Harken traveler.

We were impressed that this mainsheet arrangement, despite being located in the cockpit, does not interfere with crew comfort and still allows the helmsman to ease the sheet quickly.

Additional mainsail control is provided by a Hall Quik-Vang.

A 40″ Edson stainless steel wheel allows the helmsman to see headsail shape from either rail. However, we’re not sold on wheel steering on a boat this size. We think a tiller provides better feel, improved steering from the weather side, and is less obtrusive, but we also realize that the public prefers wheel steering.

The cockpit seats measure 50″ long x 19″ wide and are comfortable.

Both a Schaefer 1100 furler and a Thurston dodger are on the boat’s list of standard equipment.

With the exception of a carbon fiber mast, a $10,000 option, the only option needed to enhance performance is the spinnaker hardware package, which lists for $945, less sails.

We think most sailors will find this boat’s systems well-conceived and functional, whether sailing shorthanded or fully crewed.

Accommodations The 11′ beam and 6′ 2″ headroom make for a spacious interior, especially compared to other 32-footers. The finish work shows excellent attention to detail, including the teak and holly sole and teak ceiling battens. Gelcoat surfaces are smooth and shiny, chainplates attached to the bulkhead are polished, and cushions are well upholstered with heavy fabric.

Beyond that, there’s nothing particularly remarkable about the layout or accommodations, though we did find a few nits to pick.

The saloon has two 6′ 4″ settee/berths covered with 4″ closed-cell foam cushions. The dining table folds upright on the bulkhead when not in use, and the fastener holding it is flimsy.

There are pigeonhole stowage areas behind the settees, and narrow, 9″ wide shelves mounted on the hull. The space below the starboard settee holds a 50-gallon water tank. There is storage under the port settee, unless it is filled with an auxiliary tank, as was our test boat.

The navigation station is an off-white counter top measuring 23″ x 27″. Below the table is open stowage. We think this area is a candidate for reorganization because above and outboard of the shelves are the boat’s batteries, which will be difficult to monitor and require strength and agility to remove. Also, there’s no seating at the nav table, except by kneeling on the settee and facing aft, which would be uncomfortable. One owner has retrofitted a swing-out seat, which has two drawbacks: It blocks the passageway and has no knee room. Another owner is considering a removable, floor-mounted chair, but doesn’t know where to stow it.

Immediately aft of the nav station is the head, a one-piece molded unit copied from larger J Boats. It is equipped with a shower and a large, open hanging locker, sink, cup holder, mirror and small medicine cabinet behind the sink. The head is a Raritan PH-II with holding tank and overboard discharge system.

The galley is L-shaped with adequate space and equipment to satisfy the needs of most short-term cruisers. A two-burner Force 10 stove with oven and broiler is located outboard and aft, and there is space for meal preparation on a 41″ x 18″ countertop over a 6 cubic foot icebox. This is a large space for a boat this size; however, the cook will have to remove necessary items from the ice box before commencing.

The single-basin stainless steel sink measures 29″ x 13″ x 10″ deep. Stowage for pots and pans is below the stove. Behind a smoked Lexan cover are two 48″ shelves.

Additional stowage is accessed through a removable panel in the galley or from the cockpit lazarette. This 46″ high and 44″ wide area extends to the stern and is subdivided by what Johnstone calls a bisecting bulkhead running fore and aft. Because it has no hanging poles, shelves or bins, it has the potential to resemble Fibber McGee’s closet. Johnstone explained that the company decided to leave the area open so that individual skippers could organize it to suit their needs.

The forward stateroom has a 76″ V-berth, 24″ wide at the foot, enclosed by a solid wood door.

There are 9″ wide shelves on both sides, a hanging locker, and a small vanity. Stowage below the berth is divided into two compartments. Optional equipment includes a sink and teak battens on the hull sides.

The engine is located below the companionway steps, which are teak mounted on a stainless steel frame. There is also access to the engine from a removable panel in the head.

The engine is easily accessible but changing the oil on the 3-cylinder, 27-hp. Yanmar diesel through the dip stick could get messy. There is a drip pan but little clearance.

Performance During our test sail we found the J/32 to have the same performance characteristics of her predecessors, and may be easier to steer. Our test boat was provided by an owner who had her outfitted for cruising and was loaded with personal possessions, and full fuel and water tanks.

We tested her in relatively flat water and true wind speeds ranging from 8-12 knots.

Our first impression is that she is buoyant and lively, and responds quickly to the breeze by moving forward, rather than sideways. The entire test was conducted with a full mainsail and 120% roller furling genoa.

Sailing to weather we initially sailed to within 50°-55° of the true wind at 6-6.5 knots with a neutral helm. When we added backstay tension by cranking the Sailtec hydraulic backstay tensioner, her point improved by 5° and we gained 1/4 knot of boatspeed. She has a seakindly motion, and we like the way she knifed through the small chop.

We think the sailor who enjoys trimming sails to maximize speed will enjoy tinkering with the mainsheet, jib and traveler positions. A hanked-on jib would improve pointing, but will require manual sail changes.

Off-the-wind performance was equally good. Sailing at 120° in 8 knots of wind, boatspeed hit 7 knots.

We also discovered that her sailing groove is relatively wide, and that average sailors will find her easy to balance on all points of sail.

Under power, the J/32 reached 6 knots at three-quarters throttle, it backed in a straight line, and turned 360° within a boat length.

Conclusion We think Alan Johnstone hit the target he was aiming for. She’s a legitimate performance cruiser with spacious accommodations.

The J/32 is built to high standards using modern construction. The workmanship, with both fiberglass and wood materials, is of high quality.

Among her warts are the navigation station design and allocation of stowage areas. One owner told us that he had more usable stowage on his San Juan 28 than on the J/32. We also were told that a stainless steel swim ladder was showing signs of corrosion after only one season, and that the ladder is attached to the stern rail by a bungie cord rather than a proper fastening.

Standard equipment includes full engine instrumentation, a Martec two-bladed folding propeller, hot and cold pressure water system, hydraulic backstay adjuster, furler, cockpit dodger and Yanmar engine.

Sailors who can afford this boat can expect to be passing lots of other boats while under sail. Performance has a price, however. The J/32 is priced at $120,900, fob Warren, Rhode Island; the Catalina 320 is priced at $85,000.

Contact- J Boats, Inc., Box 90, 557 Thames St., Newport, RI 02840; 401/846-8410.

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Sailing Performance & Other Features of the J32

Posted by Durkee Richards | Boat Reviews

One man, one woman, one J/32

Anatomy of a j/32.

When we began looking for a boat, we had in mind something in the 30- to 35-foot range with a fractional rig that would sail well with a modest-sized jib. This was what first attracted our attention to the then newly introduced J/32. It has a 7/8 fractional rig with a relatively small J-dimension of 11.0 feet on an overall length of 32.4 feet. This means the mast is stepped relatively far forward and the mainsail provides most of the drive. Even with a 150 percent genoa, my wife, Mary Jeanne, can sheet home the jib in any breeze where it is reasonable to carry such a sail.

Sailing performance

I find this boat a delight to sail. It’s very responsive and easily handled by a retirement-aged couple. Our J/32 is relatively stiff, stays on her feet well, and exhibits excellent static and dynamic stability. Weather helm builds slowly as the wind increases and gives plenty of warning about the need to reduce sail.

This boat seems to have been carefully designed to be sailed by a single watch-stander, something I find essential for extended coastal cruising as a couple. The following features contribute to this:

• The boom-end sheeting and traveler controls for the main are easily handled from the helm.
• The primary winches can be reached and used with one hand still on the wheel.
• The halyards are brought aft to line clutches atop the coachroof.
• A responsive and powerful rudder allows one to quickly bear away from close-hauled, if necessary, without having to first ease the main. (I well remember a heavy-air night race in the Strait of Juan de Fuca aboard a 35-foot passagemaker where we could not bear away to round the weather mark until someone released the mainsheet from its winch.)
• The hydraulic backstay adjuster enables quick changes in mast bend to flatten the middle and upper mainsail as desired.
• Single-line reefing with a winch and line clutches at the edge of the coachroof make it possible to tuck two reefs into the main without leaving the cockpit.
• If further sail reductions are needed, the jib can be furled and the boat will sail nicely under main alone (like the J/30 reviewed in Good Old Boat in March 2007). With a second crew on deck, I generally choose to partially furl the jib first, which requires stepping outside the cockpit to move the jib fairlead cars forward.

Cruising attributes

Down below: The interior is surprisingly spacious for a 32-foot vessel and has a light, airy feel about it. The V-berth is generously sized with good stowage for extended cruises. The settees make comfortable sea berths, particularly with leecloths rigged. The starboard settee makes into a double, but this feature is best used by a pair who are good friends. We believe that the first owner of our boat chose wisely to forgo the quarter berth option and keep the starboard locker for gear stowage instead. We can still sleep five for a while without it.

The fold-up dining table contributes to the sense of a spacious, open main cabin. This choice would not work for a passagemaker where the table must be stout enough to hang on to, or fall against, at sea, but it does work well for coastal cruising. Eight opening portlights and three hatches assure good ventilation and the two dorades provide fresh air when under way in foul weather.

Crew coming below find easy access to the head compartment, which includes a convenient hanging space for wet gear. The galley is compact, but has sufficient space to serve its purpose. (We do plan to add a fold-out workshelf.)

Cockpit: The cockpit is very comfortable for two, and reasonable for four. The cockpit seat cushions are a welcome addition when cruising. The dodger and side curtains contribute to crew comfort, especially on a long travel day in foul weather. The dodger does not interfere with sail handling but can hinder forward visibility when docking for drivers less than 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Decks: The sidedecks are relatively wide and allow easy access forward. The foredeck provides plenty of room for handling ground tackle. We keep our primary anchor on the anchor roller and the secondary anchor (a 22-pound Bruce) in the anchor locker, which is quite spacious. Even with a windlass mounted on a shelf inside the locker, there is still room for two rodes: 400 feet of 1/2-inch Brait and 300 feet of 1/2-inch three-strand.

Tankage: Standard tankage for a J/32 is 50 gallons of potable water with an option for a second 50-gallon tank (plus six more in the hot water tank), 27 gallons of diesel for the 27-hp Yanmar 3GM30, and a 20-gallon holding tank. The propane locker holds one 10-pound aluminum tank to supply the Force 10 two-burner stove (with oven). These supplies give us all the range we need for our cruising style.

Racing impressions

We race our J/32 in club events and are reasonably competitive. However, some of the design features that make her a delight to cruise do compromise racing performance. Among them are the spacious interior and V-berth. This results in a fuller bow than a racing model and the half-angle of the bow is larger than that for the racing Js. Because of this and the higher displacement/length ratio, a J/32 does not point quite as well as a racing J/Boat or racing designs from other companies, and needs more wind to reach hull speed.

The relatively small foretriangle that first attracted our attention to the J/32 has a negative impact on downwind performance against most other boats in our fleet. Because of the small J-dimension and the fractional rig, the standard spinnaker is also relatively small. Once we turn downwind and set the chute, we are adding proportionally less sail area than the masthead rigs, which also all step their masts relatively farther aft. In theory, this is all taken into account in our PHRF rating. However, we find that the reduced horsepower downwind means that we must have an excellent upwind leg in order to save our time on the competitors.

Bottom line: Coastal cruising is our first love. This boat fits us very well and gives us the confidence to explore remote anchorages far up the coast. We can enjoy the camaraderie of club racing as well. But if racing were our primary passion, we would opt for one-design racing in one of the racing Js.

This is a supplement to the article printed in Good Old Boat magazine, July 2010.

About The Author

Durkee Richards

Durkee Richards’ sailing adventures began in high school with the Sea Scouts on the Columbia River. Later, he and his wife, Mary, chartered boats on Lake Superior until they bought their J/32, Sirius, and retired to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. They have since sailed Sirius more than 20,000 nautical miles exploring the coast of British Columbia to Haida Gwaii and the west coast of Vancouver Island.

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New Boat Review: J/32 An ideal cruising boat for couples and small families

It’s always great to sail with an enthusiastic new boat owner. The excitement, sometimes the nervousness of owning a new boat and the correctness of decisions often long pondered are in the air. Mac and Kris Baird with their new J/32 have good reason to be excited about their choice.

Mac and Kris, native Minnesotans who lived for five years in Wabasha, Minnesota just south of Lake Pepin have been boat owners and sailors for over 30 years. Before going out east to the Syracuse, New York area they had owned several boats culminating in a thirty foot Tartan on Lake Pepin. On Lake Ontario they purchased a J/40 which they kept at Sacket's Harbor, New York. They sold the J/40 when they returned to the Twin Cities three years ago. They went boatless prior to buying the new J/32 from Brian Jepsen at Hooper’s Yachts in Afton, Minnesota.

The Bairds have "boated down" to the J/32. "I always liked the builder’s quality and performance in the J/40," said Mac. "What I was looking for in the J/32 was a smaller, easier package for a couple to manage with plenty of room, all the new technical advances and performance." The Baird’s added all the option packages, some extra teak down below and the carbon fiber mast and boom package. Mac also loves blue boats which led to a paint job by a Rhode Island painter who regularly paints custom J color jobs.

The J/32 was designed by Alan Johnstone, the son of the legendary Rod Johnstone who has designed all other J/Boats beginning with the J/24 over 20 years ago. The J/32 is a cruising boat for a couple or a family of four (it sleeps five with the optional settee berth). All modern J/Boats, race or cruise, are designed to be sailed with a short-handed crew. For example, the new forty footer could be raced with a crew of four including using the asymmetrical spinnaker. The best kept secret in the sailing industry is that J/Boats also builds some great cruising boats. The J/32 is very easy to handle.

The Test Sail

The helm on the J/32 is remarkably sensitive using the forty inch "destroyer" wheel. It’s so well balanced that it is easy to oversteer the boat until you get used to it. With the asymmetrical spinnaker up in about 11.5 knots of wind the boat didn’t heel much nor did it give any hint of "hard to handle" even at sixty degrees apparent wind angle. My race boat would at least give me a hint or two that rounding up would soon be a possibility in a puff. I was not the only one impressed with the ease of sailing and the incredible "feel" of the J/32. Duke and Mary Richards of Stillwater who were aboard for the test sail were very impressed. They thought it was easier than an extensive list of other boats they had looked at to double-hand.

Why this boat heels so little, sails so well and with such ease is slightly complex when related to a sound bite. It starts with the design which uses a 29 foot waterline on a 32 foot hull. Then you have TPI building the boat using their patented SCRIMP process. This system pulls triple the normal vacuum bagging levels to draw air out of cored hull and deck laminates and resin into every void, all in a single production step. Even the entire J/32 keel structural grid cures with the hull as a primary bonded component. The net results of this technology are high strength, light weight and void free hull and deck laminates. The traditional hand lay-up and the chopper gun construction techniques are heavier and inferior according to TPI and many others. The weight saved is then added back at the lowest center of gravity, the keel, in the form of a lead bulb shaped as an inverted wedge with a tapered tail aft. To complete the weight picture, the Baird’s put a carbon fiber mast and boom on the boat which saves an additional 100 lbs aloft. The net result is the boat sails on its feet, the most efficient way to sail.

One of the best attributes of the J/32 according to Bill Hooper is that a customer does not have to upgrade stock hardware when buying the boat. I found the self-tailing winches, the traveler, the mainsheet and the stock hydraulic backstay to be just what an experienced customer would order. I agree with Bill on this important point. We had six people in the roomy, comfortable cockpit. Two more would max it out. The cockpit has two very large lazarettes for stowing gear and a vented, gasketed one made for the propane tank. Each is rimmed on the interior with a draining lip which prevents water from going into the bilge when washing down, etc. The helm seat is comfortable and the visibility is good both through the dodger and to the jib and main.

The side decks on the J/32 are wide and easy for going forward. The double lifelines, stainless steel handrail and open bow pulpit are very functional and safe. The anchor locker is self-contained and drains overboard rather than into the bilge. In general the deck is uncluttered and easy to manage.

The L-shaped galley to starboard is very workable with a molded, deep sink integral to a Granicoat counter top. It includes hot & cold pressure water, a large well insulated icebox, 2-burner Force-10 LPG range, and dedicated trash storage with flip lid access. Open the door aft and you have access to the very large stowage area under the starboard side of the cockpit.

The navigation table is large enough with a hinged-top, large drawer, tool cabinet below and complete DC electrical center.

As you walk forward, the trim doubles as hand-holds. Tankage is under the settees. The floor boards all pull up for access. Engine access below the companionway ladder, in the starboard storage room and from the port lazarette is excellent. The substantial structural bulkhead supports the shroud chainplates. This bulkhead was changed to teak by the Baird’s. Forward is the owner’s double V-berth stateroom which also has 6’3" headroom. The stateroom has a 2 drawer bureau, vanity with sink and mirror and a hanging locker large enough to store a permanent "on-board" wardrobe. There is also substantial storage under the berth.

The head/shower/wet hanging locker compartment is on the port side of the companionway aft. According to J/Boats the one-piece molded unit is copied from units installed in over 100 plus J/40s & J/42s. The unit incorporates a shower sump with dedicated pump and strainer system. I found the unit to be good sized for a 32 footer. The Bairds installed additional cockpit showers.

Ventilation is provided by two dorade intakes, as many as eight opening ports, three deck hatches and the large dodger-protected companionway hatch. With the addition of an autopilot the companionway and dodger function as a soft-topped pilot house when passage-making in bad weather.

Seventy-five to ninety percent of all sailboats sold are used, I asked myself and in this case the Bairds what makes this new boat purchase make sense? The J/32 answer is clearer than most. You’re getting ten virtually worry free years on the hull with the transferable blister warranty. You’re getting a boat which sails much bigger, faster and most importantly easier than the comparable used boat. It would be somewhere between difficult and impossible to modify a used hull to get matching specifications. The expense would be significant. You’re getting a modern interior and a state of the art cruising rig. You’re getting a boat you can be proud of for years to come. The ideal cruising boat for many years has been the classic 40 foot sloop. For many, this may no longer be true. When a 32 footer feels like a 40 footer you’re going to sail with a smile. Bring along a great conversationalist and a well stocked library, there’s not much to do!

Thom Burns publishes Northern Breezes and Sailing Breezes.

Bill Hooper owns Hooper's Yachts in Afton, Minnesota.

For more information:

Hooper's Yachts: 651-436-8795

J/Boats: 401-846-8410

All contents are copyright (c) 1998 - 2003 by Northern Breezes, Inc. All information contained within is deemed reliable but carries no guarantees. Reproduction of any part or whole of this publication in any form by mechanical or electronic means, including information retrieval is prohibited except by consent of the publisher.

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J/32 reviews and more

SAIL Magazine Review

Edited by Charles Mason Delivering a new level of performance is a tall order, especially for a first design. But, Al Johnstone learned the trade well from his father, Rod, and the J/32, the first J Boat with Al’s name on it, promises to be a valued addition to the J Boats family. The boat is fast and easy for two people to sail. Construction of both hull and deck utilizes the SCRIMP® resin infusion system; the laminate schedules include unidirectional, biaxial, and triaxial fibers. Baltek balsa core is used in both the hull and deck; a floor grid is fused directly to the hull to create additional strength. READ MORE SAIL J/32 REVIEW HERE

Robinson Family Cruise- J/32 #1 by Robbie Robinson Dark green, marbled leather, red bound, the log book sat on the shelf above the port settee. “Feel free to christen it,” said the note from Al Johnstone. We were taking the J/32, hull number 1 and Al’s first full-blown design for J/Boats, from Newport, RI to McMichael’s Yacht Yard in Mamaroneck, NY. Like everything else aboard WHISTLER, the book was shiny and new. Somehow I never brought myself to make the first mark on its blank pages. They taught me in nautical scribe school that log style writing did not produce great reading, but WHISTLER and our cruise/delivery aboard her were exceptional enough that maybe I can just tell you… READ MORE OF THE ROBINSON FAMILY CRUISE HERE

Interview with Tom Linskey- J/32 #57

By Dana Paxton Subscribing to the theory that “smaller is better,” Tom Linskey and his wife Harriet purchased their J/32 “Independence” to serve as the next vessel in a long line of cruising boats that have taken the Linskeys to exotic and fascinating places around the world. Tom, describe a little of your sailing background? TL: My wife and I grew up on a bunch of dinghies and my Dad had a couple of race boats. Independence was a Yankee 38 Sparkman & Stephens design. We started with two Coronado 25s. I guess… READ MORE OF THE LINSKEY INTERVIEW HERE

Practical Sailor- New Boat Review: J/32

Reprinted Article from Practical Sailor Magazine Alan Johnstone’s first design for J Boats is a roomy performance cruiser that suffers only from a lack of organized stowage. Having spent recent years building performance-oriented “sprit boats,” including a recent 45-footer designed for competition in the Admiral’s Cup, J Boats did an about face in 1996 with the introduction of a new cruising boat. Though the boat shares the pedigree of its racing cousins, the new entry is more traditionally shaped and has a good deal of space below.   Go to PRACTICAL SAILOR to find and read the review .

Cruising World Herb McCormick For any sailor, it’s always fun checking out a new J/Boat. The reason is simple — they’re a joy to sail. Sure, depending on the model, the crusty cruiser may yearn for more teak and displacement, and the fickle racer might be more swayed by this week’s hot one-design. But anyone who gets a jolt out of hoisting a sail, sheeting it in and grabbing the helm will find something to like in just about any J. https://www.cruisingworld.com/sailboats/j-32

Boats.com Bob Perry I like the J/32. To begin with, its stubby proportions and styling make it cute as hell, while it offers an interesting mix of performance and comfort features. In a world where the enjoyment of cruising is often seen as a function of the boat’s size and complexity, I am attracted to this compact, well-thought-out and simple boat. The hull has a nicely subtle spring in the sheer, which is punctuated by the short but shapely ends. It’s a snappy looking hull that is all waterline and has a D/L of 183. With an 11-foot beam, the 32 is a bit beamy; but that’s the only compromise to cruising comfort that I can see (and you do get some stability with that beam so it’s really not a one-sided compromise). The keel shows a sweep of 21 degrees to the leading edge. That’s not enough to shed kelp, but if you can keep the kelp off, it is a more effective shape for performance. There are two keels with either 5 feet 11 inches or 4 feet 9 inches of draft. https://www.boats.com/reviews/well-thought-out-cruiser/#.W5q6GOhKjIU

ANATOMY OF A J/32

A fast, easily handled cruiser/racer by durkee richards.

This is a supplement to the article printed in  Good Old Boat  magazine, July 2010. When we began looking for a boat, we had in mind something in the 30- to 35-foot range with a fractional rig that would sail well with a modest-sized jib. This was what first attracted our attention to the then newly introduced J/32. It has a 7/8 fractional rig with a relatively small J-dimension of 11.0 feet on an overall length of 32.4 feet. This means the mast is stepped relatively far forward and the mainsail provides most of the drive. Even with a 150 percent genoa, my wife, Mary Jeanne, can sheet home the jib in any breeze where it is reasonable to carry such a sail. http://www.goodoldboat.com/reader_services/more_online/J32.php

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• Sailboat Guide

J/32 is a 32 ′ 4 ″ / 9.9 m monohull sailboat designed by Rod Johnstone and built by J Boats between 1996 and 2003.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Shoal draft version: draft = 4.75’/1.45m.

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Best 30-32 ft performance cruiser - REPOST

• Thread starter Skipper
• Start date Jan 15, 2014
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

I remembered this thread today http://forums.lancer.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=123967&page=2 It's from a couple years ago, but I thought I might update it. Not that anyone would be wide-eyed with interest. At one point, I had stated that I was looking for a boat that would be "exceptional in 5-10 knot wind speed but designed and built to go offshore" Most responders declared that such a boat didn't exist, and one poster even said, "I'd sure like to know if you can ever find something like that." (hence my re-post) Well, I found it. A couple years ago, but still. It's a late-model Bristol 29.9 tall rig. Shockingly fast, even faster vs wind speed than my old Capri 26, which was quicker to accelerate but not as fast. I beat most boats sailing on the same tack\direction as me. The boat was designed as an offshore racer\cruiser. The original model was low on sail area, and not ultimately suited for speed in light winds. However, the tall rig initiates heel easier, and of course adds sail area. Her bottom and keel are a compromise, but her speed doesn't show it, and she tracks well with a cutaway full keel and skeg rudder. I can't find a consistent PHRF for the tall rig version, for there were only 7 built, and I'm guessing most of them don't race formally. Mine doesn't. The build quality is stunning, and the boat has dozens of features improved over the previous model, or ones that didn't exist at all on the older ones. Many of the improvements were apparently based on Practical sailor's (and others') review of the boat, for the noted shortcomings had been fixed. There is adequate single-hand tankage at 63 gal water, 20 gal fuel, etc., loads of storage, and offshore-design factory upgrades. Anyway, I could go on forever. Suffice to say I found it.  

Attachments

PHRF shows an average handicap number of 189. with tall rig.  

TLW said: PHRF shows an average handicap number of 189. with tall rig. Click to expand

Another option. We recently sold a Tartan 372. We wanted a smaller boat that would sail better and still have the capability of extended cruising. Just about any discussion of boats that sail well always includes J Boats. We eventually settled on a J/32. J Boats considers it an Offshore Cruiser, and after sailing it from Maine back to the Great Lakes I can't argue with that. PHRF is around 120. Our J carries 100 gallons of water and 24 gallons of diesel. No quarter berth so lots more storage. Design and build quality is much better than the Tartan. The boat has a collision bulkhead. You can trim the main and headsail while driving. Plumbing and other systems are accessible on the boat. Very functional interior with no artsy-fartsy angles and curves. They made 85 of them so you still have a chance of finding one, just not ours! http://www.jboats.com/j32-performance  

Barnacle Bill

Bristols are great boats and so are J's.  

Sailor Sue said: We recently sold a Tartan 372. We wanted a smaller boat that would sail better and still have the capability of extended cruising. Just about any discussion of boats that sail well always includes J Boats. We eventually settled on a J/32. J Boats considers it an Offshore Cruiser, and after sailing it from Maine back to the Great Lakes I can't argue with that. PHRF is around 120. Our J carries 100 gallons of water and 24 gallons of diesel. No quarter berth so lots more storage. Design and build quality is much better than the Tartan. The boat has a collision bulkhead. You can trim the main and headsail while driving. Plumbing and other systems are accessible on the boat. Very functional interior with no artsy-fartsy angles and curves. They made 85 of them so you still have a chance of finding one, just not ours! http://www.jboats.com/j32-performance Click to expand

Warren Milberg

Everything about sailboats involves tradeoffs....and making sure you make the ones best for you and your circumstances. Sounds like both of these sailors did.  

While a fan of J boats, I would not consider them cruisers. They are pretty short on comforts, especially in the 30 ft range. What constitutes "comfort" is, of course, very subjective. To me, the J boats in this range are more like camping.  

higgs said: While a fan of J boats, I would not consider them cruisers. They are pretty short on comforts, especially in the 30 ft range. What constitutes "comfort" is, of course, very subjective. To me, the J boats in this range are more like camping. Click to expand

Jackdaw said: Hmmm. Everyone will have their own definition of 'performance', but I can't get yours. Your 30 foot Bristol shares a PHRF number with a bunch of very ordinary 22 foot boats. As for J's, here is the 'camping' interior of a J/30 that will run circles (no disrespect intended) around you. . Click to expand

Sandy Stone

Somewhere in the middle in terms of performance, and probably lower in price than either, lies my old boat - a Pearson 32. (If you like plastic classics)  

Well... According to US sailing PHRF data available to members, the average 30 footer of that vintage gets a 9 second deduction for a tall rig on the Chesapeake. The standard 29.9 rates a 210 there, slow mostly because of the light air and the rather low SA/D ratio of the standard boat. Most areas rate the boat (on average) around 200. The Chesapeake rating for the 29.9 TR is 189, which is almost the exact same rating it gets in the other 2 places it has been raced (Port Authur & Texoma) where is rated 190. That Chessy rating is based on the sailing performance of an actual boat. That also correlates with the typical 9 second credit for a tall rig in your area. I'd say the rating is fair. Boats get good PHRF numbers mainly by their ability to go to windward. Boat speed aside, there is no way the Bristol can point with a J, and that is represented in the numbers, which don't lie.  

Jackdaw said: Well... That also correlates with the typical 9 second credit for a tall rig in your area. I'd say the rating is fair. Boats get good PHRF numbers mainly by their ability to go to windward. Boat speed aside, there is no way the Bristol can point with a J, and that is represented in the numbers, which don't lie. Click to expand

Skipper said: True. Not a great windward sailor. Fabulous to about 50-45 degrees, then just adequate to about 40 with a lot of adjusting and finesse, then it stalls completely. Can do a little better with the working jib, which I can lead the sheets inboard of the shrouds without furling and muckering up the luff shape. But then I lose light air speed at other points of sail vs the big genoa. Not racing quality. But I'm not racing. I wanted the boat speed; for fun, usability in light Chesapeake wind, and offshore travel expedience. This, combined with the minimal examples of boats for analysis, is why I didn't put stock in the ratings I found regarding my requirements. Since I'm not racing, the choice really was not a compromise. It was a perfect combination of addressing my wants. Click to expand

Jackdaw said: Then its clear that you picked the right boat for yourself, and the Bristols are very well made. Its interesting to look at the nature of 'Tall Rigs'. Most came about as an option from the builder after a particular boat was found wanting for power in light air venues. It's amazing how many of these requests to builders came from their dealers in the Chesapeake! Click to expand

Good solid fast cruisers.... Among the great suggestions of boats like the J-30, I would add the S2 30 (Grand Slam model) and the Olson 911S. Also the Ericson 30-2, 30+, or the E-32-3 or the E-32-200 series. Loren  

it is a proven fact that everybodys boat is the best. the difference being that some skippers blow harder than others. I just choose to enjoy mine. that's why I bought it  

When I posted the PHRF number immediately after the first post, I bit my tongue not to comment further. I did know, however, that the rest would follow and it certainly has been entertaining. On a slightly related matter I would mention that PHRF numbers are supposed to be divisible by 3 - 1/20 of a minute. The mention of a number of 190, in Tacoma I believe, is either in error or the result of a local club unaware of how the system works. Sometimes a club will average numbers from several other areas, but should be aware of the system.  

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J/32 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of J/32. Built by J Boats and designed by Alan Johnstone, the boat was first built in 1996. It has a hull type of Fin w/bulb & spade rudder and LOA is 9.94. Its sail area/displacement ratio 17.92. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Yanmar, runs on Diesel.

J/32 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about J/32 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, accomodations, contributions, who designed the j/32.

J/32 was designed by Alan Johnstone.

Who builds J/32?

J/32 is built by J Boats.

When was J/32 first built?

J/32 was first built in 1996.

How long is J/32?

J/32 is 8.78 m in length.

What is mast height on J/32?

J/32 has a mast height of 11.73 m.

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J30 suitable for SingleHanded cruising?

• Add to quote

Hi, I am currently sorting through tons of sailboat website and manufacturers.In my personal choice for a singlehanded island cruiser/liveaboard I keep being drawn to the famous J series.I like the J35 but think the J30 to be a little easier to handle for a single sailor.(Am I correct in my thinking here?) How does a J30 handle in heavy weather? I recently read Jeff''s posting on all the various models for the 30 foot type boat,it was mentioned about the J30''s lack of cockpit area if I remember.Could someone tell more about J Boats.I seem to really have my heart set on these somewhat affordable(used)boats. It was mentioned in another post here that J boats are seen in the islands. Basically I need to know is this a truley correct choice for a singlehanded sailor.I plan to spend 6 mos out of the year on my boat,island hopping. I will keep researching and will be glad for any input from peolpe who have sailed/lived on a J Boat. Thanks, JerryO  

I forgot one other thing in my post.My second choice for a single handed liveaboard is a Sabre 28.Its also a fine looking vessel and reasonably priced for an older one. Thanks again, JerryO  

I looked closely at the J-30 when I ws shopping for my Laser 28. I had sailed on them and had actually started negotiations on one. I do a lot of single-handing and in the end I concluded that they were not my idea of an ideal single-hander. While the cockpit was compact and the control lines mostly run aft I found them to require very high efforts and not being all that forgiving. One major fault in my book was the tendency toward a lee helm (this may be tuned out of the J-30''s these days since I haven''t driven one in the current tuning) I also did not like the distance from the helm to the head. When I did this same investigation 13 years ago,I ended up buying a Laser 28. I can''t say that they are an ideal boat for everyone. They tend to require a bit more finesse than some other boats but they are pretty easy to dial in once you have sailed them for a bit and once dialed in they are great single-handers. I am not trying to sell you my boat, although she is for sale, but I would suggest that the Laser 28''s would be a good alternative to consider. My best suggestion is to try to get a chance to sail a J-30 and see what you think. While I thought they could be singlehanded I thought they were less than ideal. Good luck Jeff Good hunting.  

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