View Full Version : J-Boats ?
Gord May
06-15-2005, 12:58 am
HELP !!! A friend is considering the purchase of a 1986 J-28 (“Athem”). http://www.hoopersyachts.com/index.... I.m not a big fan of J-Boats, but then I’ve only worked on a couple of larger J’s, and never sailed one - so I’m not nearly expert. I’d much appreciate any information and/or opinions on J-Boats in general, and/or the J-28 in particular. Thanks in advance, Gord May
David W
06-15-2005, 02:44 am
nm
Gord May
06-15-2005, 03:28 am
need advice, as now posted (edited). thanks gord
PaulK
06-16-2005, 08:04 am
What do you want to know about them? The link isn't working (for me anyway). The boat behind us on our mooring is a J/28. The owner's quite pleased with it. It moves right along and is comfortable for weekend outings. He finds the club cruise a bit of a challenge because at 28 feet, his "legs" are a lot shorter than most of the boats in the fleet. It takes him three days to get to the cruise's starting point while for most of us it just takes two. In our harbor, J-boats are among the most popular brands. We sail a J/36. Fast is fun!
Gord May
06-16-2005, 10:15 pm
Thanks Paul. Have you any information on construction details, build quality, and the like? Tks, Gord
Gord May
06-17-2005, 12:28 am
I had to try twice to get in: http://www.hoopersyachts.com/index.cfm?pageID=11&usedboatid=503
PaulK
06-28-2005, 12:13 pm
Since the J/28 was designed and built as a cruiser, TPI (Tillotson/Pearson Industries, which builds the J/boat line) probably built them a touch heavy, compared to the standard racer/cruiser J/Boat. Generally, TPI builds things pretty solidly. Practical Sailor said that the J/35 was one of the few production boats that they'd consider sailing transatlantic, because of this. I've only been aboard a J/28 once, that I recall, and don't remember anything that stood out much. Headroom was ok, but space is tight -- you've only got 28 feet. As with any boat you inspect, check the tabbing of the fiberglass into the hull at any bulkheads , and around the floors. If the boat hit something there may be splits, cracks, or crazing in these places. Listen for crackling sounds when you walk on deck or cabintop. That means delamination, which will need to be fixed. Make any offer subject to the vessel passing a survey to your satisfaction. You could do a lot worse than a J/28.