weight of j80 sailboat

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J/80's main features

J/80's main dimensions, j/80's rig and sails, j/80's performances, j/80's auxiliary engine, j/80's accommodations and layout.

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• Sailboat Reviews

Looking for a fast sprit boat? The J/80 cant keep up with a Melges 24, but we think for racing and family fun, its a more well rounded boat. And its less expensive.

We imagine Rod and Bob Johnstone of J/ Boats faced a dilemma back in 1991 when they prepared to introduce a new line of boats. Among the several boats they were building at that time was the J/35, one of the most popular and successful boats on the racing scene.

The J/105 would be the first production keel boat rigged with a retractable bowsprit, conceived to in- crease performance by offering cruisers a user-friendly method of flying asymmetrical spinnakers. It, too, would measure almost 35 feet. So to give it a separate identity, they chose a metric name, vogue in the 1990s (10.5 meters equals 34.49).

Five years after introduction of the J/105, the company has sold more than 400 sprit boats in sizes ranging from 26-50 feet, and several look-alikes have been introduced by competitors. New cruising boats are being offered with optional bowsprit arrangements; one line even has an articulating bowsprit. Theres no doubt: The concept has spawned a generation of so-called sport boats like the Ultimate 20 (October 15, 1995) and the Melges 24 (May 1, 1995), both sprightly, trailerable pocket rockets.

The history of J/Boats dates to 1976, when Rod John- stone designed the groundbreaking J/24, a fast, easy- to-sail racer that attracted sailors frustrated with the vagaries of MORC and PHRF handicapping systems. Rod formed the company with brother Bob, who came aboard to handle marketing. They hired Everett Pearson of Tillotson-Pearson, now TPI Composites, to construct the boats. In the ensuing 20 years, more than 5,200 J/24s were produced, and the fleet became the second largest one-design keel boat class in the world, behind the Star class. By the early 1990s, the company was a fixture in the boatbuilding business.

Following the successful launch of the J/105, the company unveiled the J/80, which is carving a niche in the marketplace with a broad customer base. Measuring 26 3, it is a versatile performer designed to have market appeal among those entering the performance arena for the first time, dinghy sailors stepping up to a keel boat, big boat racers seeking a simpler method of going around the buoys, and daysailors.

At a glance, the boats low profile and soft chine are aesthetically appealing. A spacious 12 cockpit offers plenty of room for a four-person race crew, and its decks are uncluttered by ankle-knocking hardware. More than 170 boats have been built since hull #1 was launched in April, 1993.

Construction

During his four decades of boatbuilding, Everett Pear- son has constructed more than 16,000 fiberglass hulls. The J/Boats are constructed at TPIs plant using the Seeman Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process (SCRIMP), a vacuum-assisted closed system designed to increase the integrity of hulls while reducing the amount of volatile organic compounds that enter the environment and workplace. The system has also been employed in the construction of 65 blades for wind machines, and in fabricating therapy pools (SwimEx) used by professional football teams.

The SCRIMP method was developed by Bill See- man, a Gulf Coast fiberglass expert, who worked with Baltek, a manufacturer of end-grain balsa used as core material in hulls and decks. During the 1980s, at the same time Seeman was exploring new methods of laminating composite panels, Baltek was experi- menting with various methods of developing a core product engineered for vacuum-bagging.

When Seeman was commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1990 to fabricate balsa-cored panels for a special project, he selected Balteks AL600 as the core because it contained a newly developed precoated copolymer that acted as a tie coat, strengthening the interlaminary bonds while reducing the amount of resin required. Baltek engineers continued to tinker with chemical formulations, eventually introducing the current generation of pre-coated balsa, AL600/10, which reduced cost of the balsa by a third. It is a key component in the SCRIMP process.

Coincidentally, Pearson was on a parallel track, pursuing attempts to develop a similar system when he discovered Seemans. During a visit to Seemans plant in Mississippi he was so was so taken with the process that he immediately purchased manufacturing rights and began building SCRIMPed boats, including the line of J/Boats. That was 1993.

Alan Johnstone of J/Boats sees several additional advantages to the new system.

It produces laminates with glass/resin ratios that are within one percent of specifications, he says. It also reduces labor cost because of increased efficiency in the lay-up process, and we think it produces a better product because workers are not working in a hazardous, smelly environment.

The J/80 hulls are cored with 3/8 AL600 over which are laid layers of fiberglass chop and bi-directional and unidirectional mat. Three-ounce mat is used to reinforce the keel sump, and 6 wide strips of 3/4-ounce mat are used to reinforce deck flanges. The use of vinylester resin has inspired the company to offer a 10-year blister warranty.

Bulkheads are located amidships, and in the bow and stern. Like deck flanges, they are tabbed to the hull with additional 6-wide overlays of cloth. The hull-deck joint is bonded with Plexus, a high strength adhesive Johnstone says is stronger than the laminate itself. The company says it has no reported hull-deck leaks since it began using Plexus. (We do know of one Lagoon catamaran that sprung a hull-deck leak, not because the adhesive failed, but because a worker had failed to fill the entire seam.)

The keel, which is cast from ceramic molds, is attached to a 12-deep stub using seven, 3/4 J-shaped stainless steel bolts. The 1,400-pound lead keel is coated with four coats of epoxy primer.

As on most J/Boats, the mast step is an aluminum I beam tabbed to the hull on both sides of its base. Transverse aluminum webs welded to each end are through-bolted at the aft end into the main bulkhead and forward to another bulkhead. The mast is attached with four bolts attached to a plate that allows fore and aft adjustment at the base.

The retractable bowsprit is located to starboard. When owners of early models experienced leaks into the forepeak, a rubber seal gasket was mounted on the front of the housing.

The fiberglass rudder is molded in two halves that are cored with balsa before being married and wrapped with fiberglass at leading and trailing edges.

The company delivered 49 boats within months of its introduction and, like newborns, experienced teething problems: Some of the original stanchion bases failed where spinnaker blocks were attached, so the factory welding method was improved. Some mast cranes with lightening holes failed. Stainless steel gudgeons on the rudder were initially under-engineered so have been increased in size from 1/8 to 3/16 material, as has the stainless tiller strap. Owners of early models were provided with retrofits.

We inspected hull #42, which has been raced extensively for two seasons but still appears factory fresh. Gelcoat surfaces are unblemished. There were no signs of crazing or stress cracks, and areas where the crew operates were clean. Though the owner has raced in 25- to 35-knot winds in San Francisco and Seattle, his only failure was at a stanchion base.

We have always thought that TPI does as good a job as anyone building with balsa. At the same time, it should be remembered that the current generation of lightweight performance boats, despite their stiff- ness, tend to be more fragile than older, more heavily laid-up cruisers.

Deck Layout

Because sprit boats fly asymmetrical spinnakers and are equipped with roller-furling headsails, the amount of clutter on deck and in the cockpit is greatly reduced. Replacing the spinnaker pole eliminates a need for deck chocks, foreguy and topping lift, afterguy, sheet stoppers and, perhaps, one winch.

Generally, four lines are led aft on the J/80: jib sheets and spinnaker sheets, which are led to Harken 32-2A winches in the cockpit. Two identical winches located on the coachroof are factory options, but may be redundant. One owner told us he uses them only when setting the spinnaker or doing a jibe set, and is considering removing them.

Main and jib halyards are cleated at the mast. The spinnaker halyard is led to a cam cleat on the coachroof, the spinnaker tack line to a cam cleat on the side of the cabin, as is the roller-furler line, and the pole launch line is inside the bulkhead with only the tail exposed. An outhaul and reef line located in the boom exit near a clam cleat on the underside of the boom, within reach of a crewperson. Cunningham and vang controls are also at the base of the mast, within reach of the cockpit or rail.

Mainsheet trim and backstay adjustment is easily accomplished by the helmsman from a position aft of the traveler. The mainsheet system includes a 2:1 Harken traveler system led to cam cleats in the coam- ing, and five-part Harken mainsheet system led to a swivel base cleat. The 4:1 split backstay tackle is led forward to a position at the helmsmans fingertips.

When sailing downwind in moderate breezes, trimmers are typically located opposite the primary winches, two body widths forward of the helmsman. To keep the boat level when going to weather in more than 15 knots of wind, the jib sheet is led to the weather winch.

As one experienced crewperson told us, This boat is so easy to sail that if you have an experienced helmsman, you can pick up three novices and go racing.

Hall Spars supplies the fractionally rigged, double spreader rig, which measures 31 above the deck. The mast is supported by a rod headstay and stainless steel 1×19 shrouds and backstay.

Space belowdecks is well organized and nicely finished, but there isn’t much of it. This is because of the boats narrow, 8 3 beam and long cockpit. Daylight enters the area through two Lexan ports, but the space will be dark at night unless one purchases the optional Halogen reading lights.

The main cabin has 4 of headroom, and is accented by a teak and holly sole. Single berths located amidships are more than 6 long, but only 19 wide. Big persons wont find them very comfortable. Tiny storage compartments are located beneath each settee.

The forepeak is more spacious, 5 6 wide at the main bulkhead, and almost 7 long. Theres storage in the forepeak for little more than the battery and some small items, because the hollow area below the berth is enclosed to provide flotation. A small anchor locker is located in the bow.

Space aft of the companionway below the cockpit is open for storage, and is accessible by removing the companionway steps, which are mounted on a stainless steel frame attached to the hull with quick release pins. The space is adequate for storage of a cooler, portable toilet, outboard, and fuel tank. Wed recommend installation of a sliding tray or bracket to simplify the process and make access easier.

A bulkhead 6 from the stern encloses the aft section of the boat, adding additional flotation. Though the area can be inspected through removable plastic plates located belowdecks and in the cockpit, repairs to the area will present a challenge.

Exposed wiring from running lights is secured by cable ties screwed to tabbing in the hull. They detract from the boats appearance and could pose a hazard if pulled loose.?Though there is room for storage of equipment necessary for weekending, the challenge will be in the organization of gear and supplies.

Auxiliary power is furnished most often by a 3-hp. outboard motor on a transom bracket. There is no special locker for the portable fuel tank, so it sits in the cockpit. To minimize weight, capacity usually is limited to about 2 gallons.

Performance

We sailed Steve Painters Climax in moderate winds and flat water on Puget Sound and found her to be responsive from the moment we left the dock. In close quarters amidst a fleet of returning boats, we unfurled the jib and, once clear of traffic, the main was hoisted. The boats response was to lower its right shoulder and shoot forward into the wind.

We estimated wind speed at 10-12 knots (the design class does not allow wind instruments), a range Painter said is trickiest when sailing in competitive situations.

She likes it when the wind is under ten, because she performs well in light air, and when its over fifteen, because then she will plane when sailing downwind. In ten to fifteen knots we find it difficult to sail to her handicap, he told us.

A veteran sailor who has owned and campaigned a Star boat, Catalina 30, and most recently a C & C 44, Painter says hes having more fun with the J/80 than with any of the others.

When equipped with a non-overlapping jib, the boat rates 127 PHRF on the Sound, but regional handicaps differ by as much as 12-15 seconds. More than 170 boats have been produced and one-design fleets are organizing across the country, though most quickly on the East Coast.

When we took the helm we found that the designers claims of a neutral helm and positive tracking were not exaggerations. A Forespar tiller extension allows the helmsman to position himself comfortably with a single lifeline for back support and a 3 footrest built into the sole for lateral support.?Tacking is as simple as stepping across the boat, because the mainsheet is well forward of the tiller. Crew movement is rather straightforward as well. The boom is high enough that the risk of head-knocking has been reduced, and the coachroof far enough forward that its not necessary to crawl across it on a tack.

Having tested other sprit boats, weve become accustomed to launching the asymmetrical spinnaker, and have an increased appreciation for them as they allow cruisers and racers to sail fast without dealing with the potential for disaster that always exists with a conventional spinnaker setup.

The spinnaker, which is always tacked to the bow-sprit, is launched by pulling the pole forward and hoisting it from a J/24-style canvas basket in the companionway. With one person sweating the halyard and a second taking the sheet, it is aloft and pulling within 30 seconds.

Like any boat with an asymmetrical spinnaker, the J/80s best point of sail downwind is broad reaching. When the wind pipes up, the crew moves aft, the bow comes out of the water and shes planing. Compared to conventionally rigged boats, which sail fast with the pole on the headstay, sailing high jibe angles downwind is inefficient.

Because theres no spinnaker pole, theres no need for a foredecker. Jibing is simply a matter of pulling the clew across the boat in front of the headstay and trimming to the new course.

Spinnaker takedowns are simpler as well, especially when the sail is doused to weather. We unfurled the jib, jibed and eased the spinnaker halyard as the sail fell to the deck with assistance from one crewman controlling the clew.

J/80 vs. Melges 24

Initial reaction to the introduction of sprit boats was a combination of skepticism and curiosity. Judging from the success of J/Boats as well as new boats introduced by competitors, market acceptance is now a given in both racing and cruising fleets.

However, there are clear distinctions among boats on the market, which requires that a buyer clarify his needs before writing a check. Comparing the J/80 with the Melges 24 may provide a frame of reference because of their similarities and differences. The Melges is clearly a faster boat, rating in the 90s, despite being nearly 2 shorter.

Both have cavernous cockpits designed and rigged to maximize performance. Though waterline length, draft, and beam measurements are close, there are major differences. The Melges has a retractable keel and performs like an overgrown dinghy; the J/80 has a fixed keel. It is less buoyant and more comfortable going to weather in a chop.

The Melges is a lightweight at just 1,700 lbs., com- pared to the J/80s 2,900 lbs. The Melges carbon fiber rig and spreaders, which weigh only 62 lbs., plus the difference in overall displacement, translates into speed, especially downwind, when it breaks free of the surface and begins planing in 10 knots of wind. The J/80 simply needs more wind to overcome its displacement and the 185-pound rig. However, in 15 knots of wind, J/80 speeds reach into the teens, and weve seen them crack the 20-knot barrier on gusty San Francisco days. At those speeds, sailing is thrilling and challenging, regardless of the boat.

An equally important consideration is the proficiency of the crew. We agree with those who contend that the Melges requires a talented crew to be sailed to the victory circle. The 40- to 50-boat fleets that successfully contend at Key West Race Week are littered with professional sailors. By comparison, the J/80 provides veteran sailors, like Painter, an opportunity to compete at a high level without recruiting so-called rock stars.

Both boats are trailerable, though we would not want to set up the J/80 every weekend. Stepping the mast requires a gin pole, at the least, and hands and muscles, or, preferably, a hoist. By comparison, the Melges can be launched from a trailer and easily rigged in 30 minutes. The fixed keel on the J/80 also means a higher profile when traveling, though Johnstone told us that J/80 sailors trailer their boats from coast to coast to attend regattas.

The J/80 is slightly less expensive. At $33,200, it is priced $2,250 less than the Melges. Sails will add $4,500 to the cost, approximately $500 less than the Melges.

In our view, the issue is not one of performance be- cause both boats are quick, and perform well in light and heavy winds. Both have excellent designs, are well constructed, and have strong factory support programs.

The Melges is faster and may have more sex appeal. When measuring overall utility-including family sailing-the J/80 gets the nod. We wouldnt be afraid to take the boat into the ocean, but wed think twice about a coastal passage in the Melges.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Hello, I am upgrading from a J30 to a J80 and very new to this set up on the J80. I was wondering if I could have the email to Darrell Nichollson just to ask some questions as I come across them? My first question is there are no docking cleats for dock lines or for fastening an anchor. I notice the present owner uses docklines with a hook tied to the end and the hook connected to the plate mounted on the fordeck and to the stern stantions. Is that correct set up when leaving the boat in the water at a dock? Also, the anchor is stored inside the cabin in the forepeak? To get the anchor for use, one must go below to the bow and grab in with the anchor line? Thanks, Jon

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Technical specifications

Hull & Deck Construction

• Composite hull and deck of GRP balsa sandwich with E-glass fabrics, additional reinforcing in way of highly loaded hardware.
• Vinylester and ISO NPG gelcoat in hull for osmotic gelcoat blister protection.
• Molded GRP main bulkhead to absorb the direct loads of the shrouds and mast compression.
• Mast step loads are distributed to aluminum frame fastened to the main bulkhead.
• Hull is reinforced in way of keel with several transverse molded stringers.

Deck Hardware

• Large modern cockpit with molded foot braces on centerline.
• Non slip finish to all horizontal deck surfaces in white.
• Molded Toe-rail forward.
• Bolts, screws and fitting are all made of stainless steel, marine grade anodized.
• Stainless steel forestay attachment plate.
• Stainless steel pulpit single lifeline.
• “U” bolt on the foredeck.
• Stainless steel chain plates for cap shrouds, lower, shrouds and backstay.
• Opening hatch (420 x 420 mm) mounted on cabin trunk forward of mast.
• Two black anodized jib T tracks with cars.
• Boom vang system (12:1) with swivel mounted cleats, on both sides of the coach roof.
• Mainsheet traveler with coaming mounted (2:1) control line, cleats.
• Mainsheet system (5:1) with swivel cam cleat and ratchet block on cockpit sole.
• Cleats and blocks for backstay adjustment (4:1) led forward in cockpit to port and starboard.
• Two 30:1 primary winches with cam cleats.
• Internal bowsprit launching line led aft through fairleads to cabin trunk cam cleat.
• Bullseye fairleads for furler control line (port with cam cleat) and tack line (starboard) to cabin side mounted clutch.
• Two halyard storage bags shipped loose.
• Spinnaker sheet blocks outboard of winches and aft.
• Two stern pulpits.
• Single continuous lifeline.
• One fixed cabin window on each side of cabin side.
• GRP main sliding hatch with acrylic one piece offshore drop board.
• Winch handle.
• Bow and stern running lights.

Keel & Rudder

• Low VCG keel cast from lead and antimony, faired and finished with an epoxy primer and secured by way of stainless steel bolts to the integral molded hull sump.
• Reinforced FRP rudder on transom with stainless steel fittings.
• Laminated varnished wood tiller, with adjustable tiller extension.

Spars & Rigging

• Mast and boom in anodized aluminum.
• Headsail roller furling on headstay.
• Two pairs of swept spreaders.
• Stainless steel wire standing rigging with turnbuckle adjusters.
• Backstay with adjustment tackle led to both sides of the cockpit.
• Complete running rigging package.

Outboard Motor

• Optional owner supplied, minimum 3.5hp long shaft recommended.
• Low transom suitable for direct mounting of a 3 or 4 hp outboard.
• Removable cabin sole.
• Molded settee berths with access to storage below.
• Large forward V-berth platform with two access panels above mast step.
• Large removable molded step with space for an outboard and cooler to be stored aft.
• Crane lifting bar integral to keel bolt system.
• Interior reading light.
• Electrical panel.
• Battery box with straps (battery owner supplied).

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J 80 Sport sailboat

Step aboard a safe bet..

Boasting 20 years of expertise, the J 80 is the obvious choice! Control its power, savour its stability, release the inner racer in you! Book your J 80 test.

SET SAIL WITH CONFIDENCE!

You’re aboard a sound boat, inspiring confidence in all conditions. Head out to sea! Enjoy its simple and pleasant manoeuvrability . The adventure begins.

HOLD YOUR COURSE!

The J 80’s very high ballast ratio makes it the safest sportsboat around with its impressive stability . Featuring supreme flexibility at the helm and capable of high speeds, she’s also a lot of fun in downwind conditions.

FULFIL HER POTENTIAL

Sheet on the sails and you’ll already be performing at 95% of your potential . Her lightweight design means you can very quickly get up on the plane in downwind conditions. Able to reach 16/18 knots of boat speed in the breeze in complete safety, you’re guaranteed a thrilling ride!

GET OFF TO THE PERFECT START IN COMPETITION!

The jib furler and the asymmetric spinnaker make this one design yacht easy to get a feel for and a thoroughly entertaining way to learn about racing on all types of courses.

SAIL WITH STYLE

The timeless design of the J 80 was designed by Rod Johnstone with a view to making this 8m monohull a genuine style icon. It groups together all the brand’s distinctive elements, resulting in the perfect blend of a unique design and a trail-blazing spirit.

KEEN TO HAVE CLASS?

With nearly 1,500 boats distributed around the world, this craft benefits from a highly active owners’ class. Sportsmanship and sociability are the key words of this class.

TEST HER STRENGTH

The first model built in 1993 still has every chance of winning a race against a recent model. The choice of materials has not diminished in terms of quality over the years. Little wonder then that the J 80 is the reference sportsboat.

Versatility

Technical specifications, international reputation.

The materials for the sandwich and infusion composite construction are selected with precision so as to achieve the best possible combination of lightness/solidity on the market.

The keel is made entirely from lead, mounted on a keel sump giving the J 80 its 50% ballast ratio and supreme stability.

The rig is part of a very precise choice to offer the best standard of equipment on the market for the J 80.

With the boat being so easy to sail, it is very popular in clubs geared towards cruiser-racer training. The jib furler and the asymmetric spinnaker facilitate manoeuvres and enable less experienced sailors to get their bearings with ease.

The J 80 is a very interesting one design yacht to trim in race format, particularly in light of the highly competitive fleet. As such there is very little separating the boats on the water, resulting in a real adrenalin rush!

Thanks to its inertia, this boat is great to helm upwind. Her lightweight design also enables her to very quickly get up on the plane in downwind conditions and reach average speeds of 12-13kts in upward of 15kts of breeze!

With her roomy cockpit, the J 80 is also perfectly suited to daytrips with family and friends.

International classes

The J 80 has garnered huge praise the world over. The J 80 classes are extremely dynamic in multiple countries, with yearly gatherings at both European and World competitions!

Respecting the class measurement

J Composites devotes considerable time to respecting the class measurement. With over 10,000 sportsboats built in the past 30 years, the J Composites yard has manufacturing tolerance down to a fine art.

One design requires specific equipment in terms of deck hardware and sail area, which translates as an interesting racing programme, whilst limiting the expense of the arms race.

A leading brand

Wherever your voyage takes you, your yacht will be recognised and admired. J boats are renowned for their sailing prowess, their longevity and how enjoyable they are to sail.

It is the story of a family and a team of enthusiasts, whose aim has always been to design the best yacht of its category.

Innovations

Innovation has always been part of the brand’s DNA: infusion, use of a retractable carbon bowsprit, build technology…

International monitoring

The presence of a dense international network means that you have advice and services at your fingertips in the majority of countries you’ll navigate.

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• Market Evaluation

If you would like to expand your sailing horizons with a modern sportboat in open waters outside protected harbors and lakes, there’s only one choice: the International J/80 one-design class sailboat. Sailing World magazine rated J/80 as easier to handle, less intimidating, safer and better suited for sailing offshore than other modern sportboats tested.

J80 key west 2005 02 Numbers highlight the reason: The 1,440 lb. lead keel with bulb on the J/80 weighs nearly the same as the leading competitor’s entire boat. No question, stability is the most important standard when it comes to a forgiving design, family sailing fun and sailing in open waters. No wonder the J/80 continues to be the fastest growing one-design sportboat class in Europe, it’s a joy to sail in winds from 5 to 25+ knots!

Additional Information

Sailing can be the world’s best family sport. The key is a boat that holds the attention and interest of many types of sailors, young and old! J/80 does it all, with thrilling 15 knot rides under spinnaker or relaxed sunset cruises with mainsail only. SAILING WORLD rated J/80 as easier to handle, less intimidating, safer and better suited for sailing offshore than other modern sport boats tested.

Thanks to its 1400lb. Fixed lead keel (48% ballast ratio) J/80 has big-boat feel and requires less experienced crew. The boom is high for safety and good visibility. No one has to clamber over a cabin top because everyone sits in the 12 ft. long cockpit. Even toddlers are contained by playpen-high cockpit sides.

Be sailing in 3 minutes. Take off the boom cover and hoist the mainsail, attached to the mast with slides. Cast off. You’re now sailing faster than other boats with full canvas.

Ready for more speed? Uncleat the furler line and pull in the jib sheet. Presto! Now you’re really flying! Time for the afterburners? Pull the sprit launch control line, hoist the asymmetric spinnaker and trim. Now you’re planing! To jibe, simply let off the old sheet and pull in the new. No one on the foredeck! You can even do it single-handed. And to think, prior to the J/80, this kind of performance was rarely achieved, even with a full crew of 4-5 athletic experts.

Join hundreds of others worldwide who are discovering how well J/80 fulfills their dream: A single boat which combines simplicity of operation, confidence building stability and sparkling performance in an affordable, low maintenance and trailerable package. Truly, a unique sailboat for the entire family!

J/80 North American Class

Class contact information.

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Class Email

Class Website

One-Design Class Type: Keelboat

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Adult

Approximately how many class members do you have? 200

Photo Credit:

About J/80 North American Class

The international J/80 class has over 1600 boats which are safe and offshore capable. Fun, fast, and able to get up on plane downwind with a huge asymmetrical spinnaker on a retractable sprit the class has large local fleets in New England, the Chesapeake, Toronto, and in Austin Texas. The OD rules specify a max crew weight of 770 lbs however the boat can be singlehanded for day sailing. Trailerable, the boat is set up with a single point lift that make it easy to hoist.

Boats Produced: 1632 as of early 2020

Class boat builder(s):

TPI, Jcomposites (France), china

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 250+

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

Chesapeake, lake Winnipesaukee, Seattle, Buzzards Bay, Austin, Tx, Toronto

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? Yes

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  4 or 5

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  770

Boat Designed in  1991

Length (feet/inches): 26’

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 2,900 lbs

Draft: 4’9”

Mast Height: 37’

Back to One-Design Central

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The J80 is a 26.25ft fractional sloop designed by Rod Johnstone and built in fiberglass by J Boats since 1992.

The J80 is a light sailboat which is a very high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat.

J80 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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• Sailboat Guide

1975 Vancouver Vancouver-27 Offshore Cutter

• Description

Seller's Description

Are you looking for a comfortable well-found offshore cruiser at an affordable price? Wendelin is one of those good ole boats. A proven design with a pedigree that includes sailing to New Zealand, Hawaii and Mexico (three separate trips which all departed from the Pacific Northwest). Weve owned Wendelin since July 2000. In 2009-10 we completed a refit before sailing north around the northern tip of Vancouver Island, south to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and up the Sea of Cortez to Guaymas. We’ve had the most amazing adventures in the Sea of Cortez and south along Pacific Mexico. She is currently stored on-the-hard in a secure privately owned facility in San Blas Mexico (just north of Puerto Vallarta, 80 or so NM along the Riviera Nayarit, past Sayulita, Rincon de Guaybitos etc.)

The sails, halyards and sheets are all in good shape. The upper and lower shrouds were upgraded in 2010. The interior was recently painted but is in need of a couple of coats of varnish. The topsides could use a paint job as could the deckif youre particularly enthusiasticand needing something to do other than sail😊 The bottom is in great shape. It received a fresh coat of bottom paint in Feb of 2024. There have never been blisters on her hull. In 2000 three coats of inter-protect were applied. The 12 hsp single-cylinder Yanmar diesel is not running at the moment. A rebuild of the head is underway.

Wendelin is a great boat, very well equipped, sea-kindly with a very balanced helm. She has been a good friend to us. Shed work well for a experienced single-hander with a passion for sailing and exploration. Knowledge and experience with diesel engines would be a plus.

For more information about this classic design, we can provide a copy of Robert Harris book Tracks on the Water about the origins of the Vancouver 27 and the article Test of Time Vancouver 27 published in the Classic Boat Magazine (June 2009).

Asking price $12,500 CAD ($9,500 USD)

Equipment: Please see to our ad on Craiglist Victoria for a detailed list of the equipment on board….and for more photos.

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)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

The first in the Vancouver Yacht series, the Vancouver 27 is a ‘go anywhere’ pocket cruiser designed by Canadian Robert Harris in 1972. This sturdy 27-foot cutter was squarely aimed for couples looking to sail the world’s oceans. Purpose built for exactly this purpose, the first boat sailed successfully from British Columbia to New Zealand and back. The solid good-looking design attracted enough attention that molds were made from the second boat built. Various versions went on to be produced in Canada and in England and more than 250 have been built in total including the extended 28 foot version, the Vancouver 28, which is still being made in England today. Canadian production ended when the molds were destroyed by a storm in 1988.

Though small and relatively heavy, she’s uncompromising with few concessions to speed and performance. Under the waterline there’s a full keel with a cutaway forefoot which gives her a stable helm and good balance on all points of sail. In the UK the design was tweaked by adding three inches to the beam at the waterline to stiffen her up, the result being a pronounced tumblehome in the hull which the Canadian boats don’t have.

In breaking seas her high freeboard, neat cockpit and built in bridge deck help prevent water below. Her propeller and rudder are protected from grounding and fouling damage by the set-up of her keel, skeg and stern-post. Lots of headroom, plenty of stowage space and ease of handling are characteristic. As would be expected by the design she’s not fast nor particularly close winded but she’s easy to handle in all conditions and ideal for a short-handed crew. English sailor Rona House can testify to this having completed a solo circumnavigation in her Vancouver 27. The cutter rig gives maximum sail plan versatility and the outboard rudder allows for use of self-steering mechanisms that are a cruiser’s best friend on long passages. Experience has shown that her traditional hull design copes easily with the rigors of offshore passages, even when chock full of cruising gear.

Inside the Vancouver 27 is a sensible small-boat layout just made for a couple at sea with three berths being the norm, although a four berth layout was also available. The three berth version has no berth forward but instead has the third berth aft in the saloon leaving plenty room for stowage up front as well as space for a generously sized quarter berth, galley and chart table. 6′ 6″ of headroom heads up the comfort factor inside.

Buyer’s Notes

The majority of boats are to be found in the UK although some can still be found in North America.  New boat prices can be obtained from Northshore yachts and a current search of the used boat market reveals prices for these boats between 12,200 – 26,600 Pounds Sterling or 19,500- 41,500 Canadian dollars depending on age and condition. Although no major problems have been discovered, the heel of the rudder is one weak point that needs careful inspection.

Links, References & Further Reading

» Vancouver 27 Review on boats.com »  Vancouver 27 Brochure on patsturgeonyachts.com »  Vancouver Yachts Association , info, images, history. »  History of Vancouver Yachts in the UK by Andrew Dandridge »  History of Pheon Yachts/Vancouver on Owner’s Site » Vancouver 28 on the Southerly website (Northshore Shipyard).

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