New boats: New J/9: reduced, but not limited

With the legendary and successful J/100, the yacht builders on the American west coast last had a real daysailer in their brand portfolio. However, that was a long time ago; the attractive boat was presented in a test in YACHT 24/2006. Now that the shipyard has spent a long time focussing on further expanding its range in the performance cruiser segment, the Americans have come as a surprise with the announcement of a genuine dayboat or weekender under the type designation J/9.

The new model is intended to be a late successor to the J/100. The features: a large cockpit, but a short and flat cabin superstructure, slim lines, low freeboard and a layout that is as uncomplicated as possible with unrestricted single-handed suitability - a typical daysailer. J/Boats has reduced the concept to the bare essentials. "Keep it simple" is the credo.

Conventional Dacron sails are supplied for the simple two-reef aluminium rig. Those who spend a lot of time travelling alone can also have a self-tacking jib fitted as an option. For sportier sailors, a permanently attached carbon fibre bowsprit for a gennaker or code zero is also possible. Customers also have to choose whether they want to equip the boat with a small built-in diesel engine or an electric motor. However, both drives are only available as an option and at an additional cost. The bathing platform at the stern, which is semi-separated from the long cockpit, is both unusual and interesting.

The interior below deck is sober and simple in keeping with the concept. For use as a weekender, the ship is fitted with a double berth in the bow. A small toilet is also integrated in the foredeck. The first J/9 boat is due to be launched in America in the spring and will then undergo extensive testing. Initially, the new model will only be built at the shipyard in America. Production under licence by J/Boats in western France is not yet planned.

Interested parties can now benefit from an attractive exchange rate. The J/9 has been announced for a base price of 106,000 US dollars, which currently corresponds to a purchase price of around 89,000 euros, plus VAT. J/Boats' sales partners in Germany at the Mittelmann's shipyard in Kappeln are currently determining the best possible and most favourable transport routes from overseas to Europe.

Downloads:

J 88 (pdf)

J 100 (pdf)

J/121 (pdf)

J/99 (pdf)