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  • Sailboat Guide

J/30 is a 29 ′ 9 ″ / 9.1 m monohull sailboat designed by Rod Johnstone and built by J Boats between 1979 and 1986.

Drawing of J/30

  • 2 / 9 Sea Bright, NJ, US 1983 J/30 $8,750 USD View
  • 3 / 9 Sea Bright, NJ, US 1983 J/30 $8,750 USD View
  • 4 / 9 Sea Bright, NJ, US 1983 J/30 $8,750 USD View
  • 5 / 9 Sea Bright, NJ, US 1983 J/30 $8,750 USD View
  • 6 / 9 Sea Bright, NJ, US 1983 J/30 $8,750 USD View
  • 7 / 9 Sea Bright, NJ, US 1983 J/30 $8,750 USD View
  • 8 / 9 Sea Bright, NJ, US 1983 J/30 $8,750 USD View
  • 9 / 9 Sea Bright, NJ, US 1983 J/30 $8,750 USD View

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)

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1983 J Boats J/30 cover photo

  • About Sailboat Guide

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The J30 is a 29.83ft fractional sloop designed by Johnstone and built in fiberglass by J Boats between 1979 and 1986.

554 units have been built..

The J30 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a good performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

J30 sailboat under sail

J30 for sale elsewhere on the web:

j30 sailboat specifications

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j30 sailboat specifications

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  • By Bill Brockway
  • Updated: February 8, 2002

j30 sailboat specifications

Designed by Rod Johnstone in 1978, the J/30 was in production from 1979 through 1986, with 545 hulls built. The average selling price is $28,000. It takes a crew of seven to race the boat.

The J/30 is noted for heavy-air performance. It holds its own in moderate and light air as well, but really excels when it’s windier. The boat has several cruising amenities (standing headroom, enclosed head, large icebox, and hot water) for those who want to dual-purpose.

Many J/30s suffer from core rot due to water penetration around the chainplates, which could cost as much as $3,000 to professionally repair. New laminated racing sails should be approximately $9,000, but one-design class rules stipulate a Dacron main, reducing the cost.

J/30 http://www.J30.org Typical monthly costs: $852 Annual budget range: $2,000 to $12,000 PHRF 135 to 144 LOA 29’11” LWL 25′ Beam 11’2″ Draft 5’3″ Disp. 6,700 lbs. SA 460 sq. ft.

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J/30 Detailed Review

https://images.harbormoor.com/originals/a0a60282-539e-4a14-8bcb-f085ce93c2bd

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/30. Built by J Boats and designed by Rod Johnstone, the boat was first built in 1979. It has a hull type of Fin w/transom hung rudder and LOA is 9.09. Its sail area/displacement ratio 19.47. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on Diesel.

J/30 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/30 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, contributions, who designed the j/30.

J/30 was designed by Rod Johnstone.

Who builds J/30?

J/30 is built by J Boats.

When was J/30 first built?

J/30 was first built in 1979.

How long is J/30?

J/30 is 7.62 m in length.

What is mast height on J/30?

J/30 has a mast height of 11.58 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

  • Dealerships

Every detail about the J-30 has been engineered for exploration – designed to take you wherever you want to go.

j30 sailboat specifications

Explore the design of the J-30 BLACK VISION, a finely-tuned balance of form and function.

j30 sailboat specifications

Distinctive looks

The design of JAKTAR J-30 BLACK VISION does more than just stand out from the crowd: we set our own course, and head for uncharted waters. The result is an uncompromising boat, with every element tuned for stability and performance in all conditions.

j30 sailboat specifications

Every detail considered

The interior of the J-30 BLACK VISION is designed with scrupulous attention to detail.

Exceptional engineering

j30 sailboat specifications

Capabilities

See what’s possible with the J-30 BLACK VISION: built for speed, stability, and high load capacity.

j30 sailboat specifications

Built for speed

The J-30 has a unique hull shape designed for performance at high speed. We started with strengthened aluminum, and finely tuned the boat’s center of gravity for optimum performance at speeds of up to 50 knots.

j30 sailboat specifications

Stable in rough conditions

The unique hull of the J-30 gives the boat stability, no matter the wave direction. So you can stay comfortable, whichever way the waves roll.

j30 sailboat specifications

High load capacity

Designed with plenty of storage space and a high load capacity, you can store enough gear, food and water supplies onboard the J-30 for multi-day off-grid adventures. All without compromising the balance of the boat – or its performance.

j30 sailboat specifications

Versatility

From a few hours’ boating in high summer to a multi-day expedition into the winter wilderness, the J-30 is designed for a whole range of activities and lifestyles.

Deep sides for safe fishing

The J-30’s aft cockpit has waist-deep sides and plenty of space for spinning rods – keeping you stable and secure while you catch your dinner.

Easy to cook any food

Being on an adventure doesn’t mean you can’t make good food. The J-30’s fully-equipped kitchen space means you can cook a freshly-caught fish, serve it with a cold glass of wine, and reflect on the day’s adventure.

j30 sailboat specifications

Take it anywhere

A reinforced hull and low height makes the J-30 as happy dropping anchor in hidden coves as it is gliding under bridges on its way into the marina. It fits on a trailer too, so you can tow it to any forgotten corner of the map that catches your eye.

Add any gear

Fix kayaks or mountain bikes to the roof. Store all your fishing gear. Stow solar batteries for extra power. The J-30’s aluminum construction makes it endlessly adaptable – bolt things on, strip things out, do whatever you need for the adventure.

Just open the smart door to head off to the bow

The front gas-lifted door allows you to easily go to the bow area whenever you need, would it be loading or unloading your gear or quick disembarking to explore a wild white sand beach.

j30 sailboat specifications

The J-30 is built to endure, using marine-grade aluminum and anti-corrosion paint that will last for years to come.

Fully-welded aluminum

The J-30 is built from fully-welded marine-grade aluminum, for the ideal balance of strength and low weight. Every weld is carefully engineered to give the J-30 an exceptionally strong hull, while keeping the weight as low as possible.

j30 sailboat specifications

Vertical sides

The J-30’s vertical sides give it excellent stability and improved handling in all conditions.

j30 sailboat specifications

Anti-corrosion paint

Most aluminum boats are unpainted, which leaves them exposed to the elements. We use high-quality ocean-ready paint to reduce corrosion, and keep the boat looking good as new for decades to come.

j30 sailboat specifications

With enough space to sleep 4 people, plus a hot shower and a kitchen space to keep everyone happy and fed.

Cozy space for four

The J-30 will happily sleep four people in deep comfort – with beds and storage enough for a multi-day trip.

j30 sailboat specifications

Hot showers included

The J-30 has a proper loo and a hot shower. So you can stay comfortable, even in the wild.

j30 sailboat specifications

Space to cook

Home Stylish galley Find in galley option everything you could only dream of cooking onboard: would it be a lovely dinner or morning espresso! Two storage compartments are ready to keep your lovely cookware. A spacious stainless steel uploading fridge will always keep your food and drink chilled and fresh. "A sink with a smart telescope faucet and gas stow gently covered with the meganite flat lids" making up a comfortable working surface.

j30 sailboat specifications

Safety on the water is essential: the J-30 comes with grab rails everywhere you need them, and all the safety kit you’d expect.

j30 sailboat specifications

The aft cockpit has deep sides, to keep everyone in the boat whatever the sea is doing.

j30 sailboat specifications

Heavy duty grab rails

Welded aluminum grab rails mean you can always get a firm grip as you move around the boat.

j30 sailboat specifications

Angles of safety

The J-30 has a vanishing stability point of 70 degrees – making it extremely difficult to capsize.

j30 sailboat specifications

Design details

Carefully considered features for a better experience on board.

Spacious aft cockpit

There’s plenty of room in the aft cockpit for everyone to move around safely – and the boat’s center of gravity keeps it stable, no matter where your passengers are in the boat.

j30 sailboat specifications

Panoramic visibility

Get exceptional visibility from the cockpit, with panoramic glassing that makes it easy to see in all directions. Essential when you’re navigating the backwaters of the Far North.

j30 sailboat specifications

Easy access to the bow deck

Push a button and Jaktar’s gas-springed wing door opens from the cockpit to the bow deck – making it easy to load and unload your gear in wild places without a pier.

Technical data

Overall length (excl. Engine)

Weight (excl. Engine)

Fuel capacity

Deadrise (stern/bow)

Classification

Max speed range

Outboard engines

2х225–2х400 hp

j30 sailboat specifications

Standard equipment

Full reverse chine bottom design

Welded offshore motor bracket with integral bottom sheet & full width swim platform

Ventilation System

Long and spacious under floor storage

Roof black painted welded rails

Side sofas with storage compartment option

Back To Highlights

General Features

Front cabin, helm station, electric and electronic systems, safety and comfort.

j30 sailboat specifications

Extra equipment

Atlas II Radar mast

Audio system

Ergo style kitchen module

Full size head

Flush mounted compact 16L freezer/fridge

MORE EQUIPMENT

j30 sailboat specifications

• Audio Entertainment system, incl. 4 x speakers • Control Unit For Fusion System

j30 sailboat specifications

Navigation System

• Chartplotter Twin RAYMARINE AXIOM RV 12 • Echo sounder, bottom scanner • RAYMARINE Radar Quantum II • Raymarine VHF

j30 sailboat specifications

More Equipment

• Cockpit shelf led lights. (Storage compartments led lights) • LED ambient lights, pilothouse • Underwater lights • LED search light w. remote control • LED aft cockpit flood light

j30 sailboat specifications

Pre-rigging

• Twin Mercury Verado V8 with power steering, Activ Trim and VesselView link smart craft features

Bow thruster Side-Power SE40 w.joystick control

j30 sailboat specifications

Aft cockpit folding 2х bench set with removable table

Other options

• Windlass • 1000 stainless 60w/AFT installation • DELTA style stainless anchor • Stainless roller • 30 meters of chain • Front boarding ladder • 280 AH Service battery • Two 100 Ah engine batteries • 100 Ah bow thruster battery • Shore Power 230V with 40Ah charger • 20L 12/220 volt insulated hot water boiler • Automatic pressure pump • Allows to have hot water in the kitchen module or/and shower • Livewell in the aft storage • Cushions for aft bench with back rests • Fishing rod holders

j30 sailboat specifications

• Fishing rod holders

ATLAS II Radar mast with folding system

j30 sailboat specifications

• 70 liter stainless uploading Vitrifrigo fridge. • Elca designed a hot/cold water sliding faucet. • Stainless steel sink. • CAN black glass surface designed one burner gas stove. • Big sliding drawer for cookware. Small fork/spoons drawer

j30 sailboat specifications

Windlass option

• Windlass • 1000 stainless 60w/AFT installation • DELTA style stainless anchor • Stainless roller • 30 meters of chain • Front boarding ladder

j30 sailboat specifications

Aft cockpit folding 2х bench set

Removable table with the telescopic leg

Cushion for aft bench with back rests

j30 sailboat specifications

Livewell in the aft storage

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j30 sailboat specifications

IMAGES

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  3. 1981 J Boats J30 sailboat for sale in Texas

    j30 sailboat specifications

  4. 1981 J Boats J30 sailboat for sale in Texas

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    j30 sailboat specifications

  6. 1984 J Boats J/30 J30 J-30 J 30 Sail Boat For Sale

    j30 sailboat specifications

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COMMENTS

  1. J/30

    A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted as the dividing line between so-called slow and fast multihulls.

  2. Tech Specs

    J/24 Technical specifications & dimensions- including layouts, sailplan and hull profile. ... J30; Articles & Reviews; Tech Specs; Request Info : Dimensions: ... 3.51: SA/Dspl: 19: 19: Dspl/L: 200: 200: J/Sailing Models Current Models Classic J/Models Sailing Calendar. About J/Boats History Year by Year Review. The J/ Difference #1 Performance ...

  3. J30

    J WORLD sailing school is also a great resource and can help you sharpen your racing skills. Introduced: 1979 Built to: Hull #546. Last Model Year: 1987 Builder: Tillotson Pearson, Inc. J/30 is a high performance family cruising and racing sailboat with large cabin for six people-- go sailing anywhere in comfort!

  4. J/30

    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. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds. LWL: Waterline length in feet; 199.99 <100: ultralight. 100-200: light. 200-300: moderate. 300-400: heavy

  5. J30 Official Specifications

    Line Drawing of the J/30 Click on image to see a larger version. J/30 Specifications. LOA: 29.92' LWL: 25.00' Beam: 11.18' Draft: 5.25' Sail Area

  6. J/30 Sailing Review

    Wallace told Bob Johnstone afterward, "The J/30 is the best goddamned sailboat in the world for its Intended purpose. Only once did I get rolled down by a huge wave. And I've got coffee stains on the cabin overhead to show that it was 120 degrees." Long-term sales confirmed the J/30's market attraction.

  7. J/30

    The J/30 is a racer/cruiser sailing keelboat developed and built by J/Boats to provide more comfort for coastal cruising while maintaining a high level of sailing performance to make for a competitive racer.. Although the majority of boats are located on the United States east coast, there are fleets across the country and J/30's can be found around the world.

  8. J30

    The J30 is a 29.83ft fractional sloop designed by Johnstone and built in fiberglass by J Boats between 1979 and 1986. 554 units have been built. The J30 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a good performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

  9. J/30

    Designed by Rod Johnstone in 1978, the J/30 was in production from 1979 through 1986, with 545 hulls built. The average selling price is $28,000. It takes a crew of seven to race the boat. The J ...

  10. J30

    A key to making fast boats easier to sail than slow boats is the "fractional rig". By making the mainsail larger and jibs smaller, a 12-year-old can lift, hoist, and trim the #1 genoa of a J/30. In fact the jibs on a J/30 are smaller than those on a C&C 26, Sabre 28, Pearson 28, Cal 27, Newport 28 or Hunter 27.

  11. J/30 Cruising Review

    General. Obviously, the J/30 has ample space for distance cruising. We added an extra water tank next to the standard one, boosting our supply to 40 gallons. We sailed just about all the time, so the 14 gallons of diesel proved adequate. The addition of an engine-hour meter took the guesswork out of fuel consumption.

  12. J/30 Sail Data

    Details. LWL 25.00' Beam 11.18' Draft 5.25' Displacement 7,000 lbs. Keel (lead) 2,100 lbs. Complete Sail Plan Data for the J/30 Sail Data. Sailrite offers free rig and sail dimensions with featured products and canvas kits that fit the boat.

  13. J/30 Fastnet Storm

    The story of two J/30's caught in the middle of yachting's worst disaster as reported by phone to Bob Johnstone. "J/30 hull number 10 was shipped to Westerly Marine to serve as a model as they began production in the U.K.. She was named JUGGERNAUT and entered in the Fastnet Race skippered by Andy Cassel and crewed by Tim Levett, project ...

  14. J Boats

    The story begins in 1975. Rod, then an ad salesman for the sailing trade magazine, Soundings, and an active one-design sailor decided to build a sailboat he had been designing since completing a Westlawn School of Yacht Design correspondence course in the 60's. With $400-worth of fiberglass and wood, some rigging and hardware left over from a Soling of Bob's, he built the 24′ x 9′ wide ...

  15. J/30: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine

    J/30 Detailed Review. 1 of 2. 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/30. Built by J Boats and designed by Rod Johnstone, the boat was first built in 1979. It has a hull type of Fin w/transom hung rudder and LOA is 9.09.

  16. By-laws, Rules, Specifications

    Rules and Specifications The following rules and specifications shall govern J/30 events until modified, altered, added to, or repealed by the J/30 Class Association Board of Governors, effective 1/1/2013. J/30 events include all J/30 one-design races. One-design racing is defined as races with a J/30 start or races which score J/30s separately.

  17. J/30 Used Boat Review

    Over the next ten years Tillotson-Pearson, the J/30 builder, turned out more than 575 boats. Now, more than 17 years after the first J/30 was launched and seven years after the last new boat was built, the J/30 remains a popular one-design offshore boat. For many owners, their J/30 also doubles as a family cruiser and day sailer.

  18. Official Specifications

    By-laws, Rules, Specifications; History; Contact Us! Calendar; Fleets. Directory; Districts; Teams; Forum; Info. Official Specifications; PHRF Rating; J/30 @ JBoats.com; Why Own a J/30? Articles of Interest. J/30 Rigging Information; J/30 Spreader Brackets; J/30 Rig Tuning; J/30 Crew Assignments; Cruising Your Racing J/30; J/30 Trailering ...

  19. J/30 Class Association

    NOR & Registration: 2014 J/30 SNE Region Open Regatta - 19/20 Jul. 02/15/14 02:59 AM. by Rhapsody #348. Chesapeake District. Discussion for subjects unique from Atlantic City, NJ, to the North Carolina state line. Moderated by: Bruce Irvin. Last Post 11/04/19 03:47 PM, by Brad Swearingen. 54.

  20. J30

    J-30 Every detail about the J-30 has been engineered for exploration - designed to take you wherever you want to go. Extra Equipment Overview Standard Equipment Technical Data Design Design Explore the design of the J-30 BLACK VISION, a finely-tuned balance of form and function. Learn More Distinctive looks The design of JAKTAR J-30 BLACK...

  21. Tech Specs

    J/24 Technical specifications & dimensions- including layouts, sailplan and hull profile.

  22. J/35

    Sailboat Specifications Definitions Hull Type: Fin w/spade rudder: Rigging Type: Masthead Sloop: LOA: 35.50 ft / 10.82 m ... 1997), states that a boat with a BN of less than 1.3 will be slow in light winds. A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and ...