The large cockpit with plenty of space to enjoy and relax is part of the daysailing theme. The J/7's thwarts are 2.60 metres long. Up to four people can sit comfortably on them upwind while travelling. The benches can also be used as sunbeds for sunbathing. As a special design feature, a small bathing platform is separated from the cockpit aft.
The simple aluminium mast with a pair of spreaders is positioned on deck and can be easily rigged and de-rigged by hand using a hinge. However, the rig is also positioned relatively far forward in the boat. There is a good reason for this: the J/7 is said to have almost as good and balanced characteristics downwind with a mainsail as with a furled headsail. This pleases single-handed sailors, for whom the already extremely easy handling is made even easier - especially in strong winds. The simple mainsail with pinhead and a short overlapping genoa with hoisting points on the deck superstructure are standard, with no alternatives. The bowsprit with water stay as on the exhibition boat is optional and available at extra cost. A gennaker or a code zero can also be attached to it.
Easy to handle, easy to transport
With a width of 2.47 metres and a weight of just over one tonne, the J/7 is easy to transport on a trailer and with a mid-range car as a towing vehicle. A hot eye is available for quick launching and retrieval with a crane and sling. Thanks to a draught of just 1.16 metres, the boat can also be launched just as easily via a suitable ramp. The rudder blade is simply attached to the stern and removed with a flick of the wrist. However, a lifting or swivelling keel is not provided.
The hull, deck and structural bulkheads of the J/7 consist of a sandwich construction with biaxial E-glass, a Corecell foam core and high-density core inserts for areas subject to higher loads on the deck fittings. All components are built using the resin infusion process under vacuum. The lead keel with L-shaped ballast body weighs a total of 476 kilograms with a total weight of just 1,044 kilograms. The ballast ratio is therefore over 45 per cent, which ensures a high righting moment and stable sailing characteristics. The design by shipyard boss Alan Johnstone, who has been designing the fast and successful cracks of all J/Boats boats with great experience for many years, guarantees harmonious performance.
The small slip cabin offers space for a maximum of two people to sit and is used exclusively for protection from the weather. No further expansion is planned as an option. The sails are also to be stored inside.
Also built in Europe from this year
The first units of the J/7 were built at the J/Boats shipyard in the USA, including the trade fair boat in Düsseldorf. To meet demand from the European market, the boat will now also be built at J Composites in Les Sables-d'Olonne on the French west coast from this year. This means that buyers in Europe can be relieved of the costs of transatlantic transport. The price for the market launch from the shipyard in France is EUR 52,580 gross, including 19 per cent VAT and including a single set of am-wind sails (main and jib).
Technical data J/7
- Designer: Alan Johnstone
- Hull length: 7.04 m
- Waterline length: 6.35 m
- Width: 2.47 m
- Draught: 1.16 m
- Weight: 1,044 kg
- Ballast/proportion: 476 kg / 45.6 %
- Sail area upwind (genoa + main): 23,8 m2
- Motorisation: Outboard motor (petrol or electric)
