J/105

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J/105...More comfort, More performance, & More fun with an asymmetric spinnaker you'll fly shorthanded.

"...Maximum speed-to-cost ratio" - J/105
reprinted from article in SAIL Magazine.

It's a two person one-design sport cruiser that will keep up with a fully crewed IMS boat. In the J/105 (10.5 meters LOA) designer Rod Johnstone has gone for high end power and an interior that is as simple as possible to provide the maximum speed-to-cost ratio.

The boat has low freeboard for minimal wind resistance, a low center of gravity, and the look of speed that Johnstone likes. Although the overall beam is not extreme, there is a lot of flare in the topsides, and the waterline is quite narrow. There is also very little below the waterline, so wetted surface is minimal. The keel is a bulb to enhance stability. And with a very simple and light interior, the 105's displacement is a lean and hungry 7,750 pounds. Most striking of all the J/105's features, though, is the retractable bowsprit and the big asymmetric spinnaker it sets. A crew of two can manage it, and one can gybe it.

I sailed the 105 in light conditions and found the asymmetric sail fun to set and trim. It was more docile than a conventional chute and got us up to wind speed at 90 degrees apparent-faster when we turned farther downwind.

Upwind, the boat is pure J: finger light on the helm, easily balanced, with an instant response to helm inputs. A tiller is standard; the optional Edson wheel is generously sized (48 inch diameter) and attached to a sturdy fiberglass pedestal that's great for bracing your feet. Other standard equipment includes Navtec rod rigging, a Sailtec hydraulic backstay adjuster, a Hall Spars Quikvang, and a dodger.

The dodger covers a rather large companionway opening, the only place with standing headroom below deck. Designer Johnstone's figuring goes like this: With a sailing couple, only the woman is apt to be concerned with the interior, the average woman is 5 feet, 7 inches. Subtracting 2 inches makes for manageable headroom for her, and voila, a 5-foot, 5-inch interior. There's the logic of a very experienced performance sailor!

Of the off-white vinyl trimmed interior itself there's not much to say. There's a roomy V-berth forward and 6-foot, 5-inch settees amidships. There's also a Raritan head with holding tank, a carry-on cooler, a galley sink with a 5-gallon collapsible water tank, and room for a two-burner stove.

The total package is a very roomy detailer or adequate weekender that will take you places faster than just about any other monohull of its size. As J/Boats go, that makes for a very favorable speed-to-cost ratio.
Over 600 J/105s built!

J/105 Specification Change Highlights March 2008
-Sparcraft One-Design anodized spar package
-Faired keel and rudder
-Racing mainsheet (fine-tune forward of traveler)
-Composite tiller
-LED Running lights
-12:1 outhaul
-Mast mounted Cunningham
-Automatic Bilge pump standard
-V-berth cushions optional
-Factory weight certificate
-European style galley unit to accommodate optional gimbaled stove


-Equipment List
-30 Reasons Why Your Next Boat Should be a J Boat
-#1 in Design
-The Advantages of SCRIMP


J/Boats are designed & built to be fun, versatile, comfortable and easy to handle in a wide variety of conditions. There are three general categories of J/Boats. These include the "J/Sprit" series of boats that are equipped with a retractable carbon fiber bowsprit for flying an asymmetrical spinnaker; the "Cruising" series with boats specifically designed and equipped for the cruiser that appreciates performance & stability; and the "International One-Designs" (IOD) models that have active international class associations.