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  • By Alvah Simon
  • Updated: March 22, 2012

j108 sailboat

J/108 Review

Introduced in late 2009, the 31-foot J/95 was pitched as a “shoal-draft performance cruiser.” Had it not been racing legend Rod Johnstone himself assuring us that shoal performance wasn’t an oxymoron, the concept may have met with considerable market resistance. But Johnstone was quick to remind us that many of the great racing yachts of yore were centerboarders, including Carleton Mitchell’s Finisterre and Ted Hood’s Robin.

Johnstone was adamant that shoal-draft vessels actually make better sea boats than their deep-keeled cousins. Because their ballast is closer to their axis of pitch, there’s less inertia and therefore less hobbyhorsing. In theory, they negotiate the waves with a smoother motion, and that translates into more comfort and speed, glorious speed.

A commercial and critical success, the J/95 did prove to be a fast, versatile, and easily managed yacht that indeed could handle the back bayous as easily as the big blue. What it didn’t offer, however, was the normal accoutrements of a true cruiser: standing headroom, a full-service galley, ample accommodation, and cruising cargo capacity.

Enter the 35-foot J/108. The core concept and features—high performance, shoal draft, twin rudder, centerboard—are the same. But with 4 more feet on deck and 18 more inches of beam, the 108 offers a legitimate cruising interior for a full-size family or racing crew.

The hull shape is taken from the successful J/109 (sans the fixed keel) with long, low lines, a near-plumb stem, and an open reversed transom. But instead of the 109’s 7 feet of draft, the 108 sports a sophisticated centerboard trunk that draws a mere 4 feet.

The trunk provides a surprising amount of lateral resistance; on a Chesapeake Bay test sail in light winds, the boat performed well to windward even with the board up. But when that board was dropped to its 6-foot-10-inch maximum draft, we started to enjoy J/Boats’ signature upwind performance.

For the club racers out there, the P.H.R.F. will be approximately 96. With a SA/D of 19.0 and a D/L of 179, cruising capacity aside, this baby wants to fly. We actually matched true-wind speeds through the range of 4 to 6 knots. The large mainsail with small jib made it surprisingly easy to handle, and I found all the necessary controls within easy reach of the helm. To certify its cruising credentials, the 108 has a short anchoring platform that extends forward of the stem. This also proved to be a convenient spot to tack a furling asymmetric. With flat sections and low wetted surface, the boat enjoys a board-up downwind romp.

If centerboarders of old had an Achilles’ heel, it was that they tended to heel more, causing their rudders to lose grip, which produced an effect similar to weather helm. But the twin rudders ensure positive helm on even the heaviest of heels.

With 19 gallons of fuel, 33 of water, and 12 of waste capacity, the 108 will most likely find its niche in the weekend or coastal-cruising market. But make no mistake, the boat is built to Category A Ocean standards, has a commendable 14-inch bridgedeck to prevent downflooding, boasts a stiff, 129-degree angle of vanishing stability, is equipped with a keel-stepped mast, and is rigged for heavy-duty weather.

Contemporary racer/cruisers like the J/108 err towards the performance side with a large wheel and full-width traveler. The racing cockpit configuration normally makes it difficult for the helmsman to access the sheets and cabin-top running rigging, leaving those duties to the normally numerous crewmembers. Also, the positioning of the prominent traveler, an area of high load and quick action, is too often responsible for boat bites. This is a serious concern when the family is on board.

Johnstone solved all this by running the traveler athwart the cockpit sole just aft of the truncated cockpit benches. This still allows for wide sheeting adjustments but places the track where feet and fingers aren’t likely to fall. The wheel is a full 50 inches in diameter, but the benches to either side act as steps up toward the coaming and cabin-mounted winches. There is a large, removable aft seat/locker. In place, the cockpit is enclosed and family friendly. Removed, the transom is open and the boat’s race ready. It’s a very clever win/win compromise.

The decks are exceptionally wide, and the flow forward is excellent, although the foredeck could use more handholds. A low-profile vertical windlass is offset to port just forward of a deck-accessed rode locker. A lot is happening in the confined space of that fine bow: cleats, pulpit, ground tackle, and the like. I had difficulty clearing the anchor from underneath the furler. Perhaps a longer slot in the platform or a different style of anchor shank would correct this.

The varnished wood/white Formica interior is unpretentious yet practical. There’s an aft cabin to port with a spacious twin berth, changing seat, and full hanging locker. The forward V-berth offers good stowage, shelving, and another hanging locker.

j108 sailboat

A drop-leaf table runs down the center of the main saloon, with comfortable seats to either side that double as sea berths. A full-size head and shower compartment sits to starboard aft. The galley comes complete with twin stainless-steel sinks, a three-burner stove/oven, pressurized hot and cold water, a 90-liter icebox/fridge, and generous countertop space and stowage capacity.

A forward-facing chart table houses the instrumentation and electrical panel. The 30-horsepower Volvo diesel and saildrive lies under the companionway steps and is also accessed via doors in the head and aft cabin.

The J/108 should appeal to a broad range of sailors. By combining light yet strong, modern materials with the latest developments in keel, rudder, and rig designs, J/Boats has, with surprisingly little concession or compromise, delivered a vessel that promises pulse-pounding performance. Yet the boat remains simple enough to operate shorthanded, versatile enough to sail from shallow inland waters to the deep blue sea, and safe enough to bring the entire family along for the ride. And a joyful ride it will be.

Specs LOA 35′ 0″ (10.67 m.) LWL 30′ 6″ (9.30 m.) Beam 11′ 6″ (3.51 m.) Draft (board up) 4′ 0″ (1.22 m.) Draft (board down) 6′ 10″ (2.10 m.) Sail Area (100%) 603 sq. ft. (56 sq. m.) Ballast 4,400 lb. (1,996 kg.) Displacement 11,400 lb. (5,172 kg.) Ballast/D .39 D/L 179 SA/D 19.0 Water 33 gal. (125 l.) Fuel 19 gal. (70 l.) Holding 12 gal. (45 l.) Mast Height 51′ 1″ (15.57 m.) Engine 30-hp. Volvo D1-30 with saildrive Designer R. Alan Johnstone Price $249,950 (base) J/Boats Inc. (401) 846-8410 www.jboats.com

Boat of the Year judge Alvah Simon’s classic tale of Arctic adventure, North to the Night , is now available on Kindle.

  • More: 2011+ , 31 - 40 ft , Boat of the Year , Coastal Cruising , J/Boats , keelboat , monohull , one-design , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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  • Sailboat Guide

J/108 is a 35 ′ 0 ″ / 10.7 m monohull sailboat designed by Rod Johnstone and built by J Boats starting in 2012.

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)

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Sailboat specifications

  • Last update: 13rd March 2020

J/108's main features

J/108's main dimensions, j/108's rig and sails, j/108's performances, j/108's auxiliary engine, j/108's accommodations and layout.

J/Boats J/108  Picture extracted from the commercial documentation © J/Boats

Similar sailboats that may interest you:

J-Boats J108

J-Boats J108

  • 2010 - 2015

Description

The J/108 is a kind of rethinking of models J/95 and, increasingly, J/109, very successful, but gradually coming down from the stage. New boat inherited from the 109th naval contours of its body, and from the later of the 95th profiles rudder, keel, some aspects of layout and design. The basic idea 108th — speed cruiser for shallow waters. Due to its lifting keel (optional boat may have a fixed ballast keel) yacht can have a relatively shallow draft (120 cm), which allows its owner to cruise through the difficult waters and come to shallow shores. It is important to note that the J/108 retains the ability to go pretty cool to wind even with the keel up.

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The J108 is a 35.0ft fractional sloop designed by Johnstone and built in fiberglass by J Boats since 2012.

The J108 is a light sailboat which is a good performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally very small. There is a very short water supply range.

J108 sailboat under sail

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J/108 Review from Sail Magazine

Trialing the first j/108 in north america, by adam cort posted february 7, 2011.

It was the perfect test for the new J/108. We were in Key West, and the light southerly breeze was opposing an ebb tide, creating a nasty chop in the shipping channel, so we opted instead to make an end run between Sunset Key and Wisteria Island.  READ REVIEW AT SAIL http://sailmagazine.com/boat-reviews/trialing_the_first_j108_in_north_america/

J/108 Web Page

The J/108 will be on display at the Strictly Sail Miami Show, Feb 17-21, 2011

IMAGES

  1. J/108

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  2. J/108 (J/Boats) sailboat specifications and details on Boat-Specs.com

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  3. J/108

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  4. Buy J Boats J108

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  5. Buy J Boats J108

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  6. J boats j108 for sale

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. J/108

    The J/108 opens up a new world for sailors who previously thought that sea-kindly, high performing yachts were only possible in deep draft configurations. With only 4' draft with board up, the J/108 draws the same as a J/24 and can take you many more places in style and comfort. J/108 builds on the success of the award winning J/95 and has ...

  2. J/108

    A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted as the dividing line between so-called slow and fast multihulls.

  3. Features

    J/Cruising Sailboat Features. J/108 Highlights: High performance sailing with minimal draft. Offshore-capable 35 foot cruising yacht you can moor/dock in front of your home. Keel/centerboard system providing both shallow and deep water performance. The unique ability to sail upwind in minimal draft configuration (with board up).

  4. J boats j108 for sale

    Year. J boats j108 for sale on DailyBoats.com are listed for a range of prices, valued from $117,877 on the more basic models to $117,877 for the most expensive. The boats can differ in size from 10.67 m to 11.25 m. The oldest one built in 2010 year. This page features J Boats boats located in countries: France and United States of America.

  5. J/108 Sailboat Review

    J/108 Review. The J/108's easily handled working sail plan consists of a large main and a small jib, and it delivers plenty of upwind power. See more pictures of the J/108 . Billy Black. Introduced in late 2009, the 31-foot J/95 was pitched as a "shoal-draft performance cruiser.". Had it not been racing legend Rod Johnstone himself ...

  6. J/108

    BALLAST 4,400lb. SAIL AREA 603 FT2. FUEL/WATER/WASTE (GAL) 22/26/11. ENGINE 30hp Volvo with Saildrive. ELECTRICAL 60AH (engine); 2 x 60AH (house) BUILDER J/Boats Inc. BASE BOAT PRICE $249,000. It was the perfect test for the new J/108: we were in Key West, and the light southerly breeze was opposing an ebb tide, creating a nasty chop in the ...

  7. Tech Specs

    Auxiliary Power. Inboard diesel Volvo D1-30 30 HP with Saildrive, 115 AH alternator, with double diode and fresh water-cooling with heat exchanger. Engine panel recessed in the cockpit including rev. counter, hour meter and alarms for oil pressure, low voltage and water temperature. 18.5 gallon (85 litres) fuel tank under aft cabin berth.

  8. J/108

    BEAM 11ft 6 in. DRAFT 4ft (board up) 6ft 9in. DISPLACEMENT 11,400 lb. SAIL AREA 603 FT2. J/Boats Inc. - jboats.com. BASE BOAT PRICE - $249,000. It was the perfect test for the new J/108. We were in Key West, and the light southerly breeze was opposing an ebb tide, creating a nasty chop in the shipping channel, so we opted instead to make an end ...

  9. J/108

    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. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds. LWL: Waterline length in feet

  10. Introducing the New J/108- A Shoal Performance 35 Footer

    The J/95 was the sailing industry's first "Triple Crown" Winner- garnering SAIL Magazine's "Performance" Boat Award, SAILING WORLD Magazine's "Performance" Boat Award and CRUISING WORLD Magazine's "Day Sailing" Boat Award. J/108 Highlights: • High performance sailing with minimal draft.

  11. J/108 (J/Boats)

    Sailboat specifications. Last update: 13rd March 2020. The J/108 is a 35'4" (10.75m) fast cruising sailboat designed by Rod Johnstone (United States). She was built since 2011 (and now discontinued) by J/Boats (United States).

  12. J-Boats J108 (Sailing yachts) for Sale and Charter

    1,25 m / 4,10 ft. Displacement. 5,18 tonne. Download offer. Description. Reviews. The J/108 is a kind of rethinking of models J/95 and, increasingly, J/109, very successful, but gradually coming down from the stage. New boat inherited from the 109th naval contours of its body, and from the later of the 95th profiles rudder, keel, some aspects ...

  13. J108

    The J108 is a 35.0ft fractional sloop designed by Johnstone and built in fiberglass by J Boats since 2012. The J108 is a light sailboat which is a good performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally very small.

  14. J Boats J 108 boats for sale

    1987 Irwin 38 Mk II. $86,000. Newport, RI 02840 | Denison Yachting. Request Info. Find 28 J Boats J 108 Boats boats for sale near you, including boat prices, photos, and more. For sale by owner, boat dealers and manufacturers - find your boat at Boat Trader!

  15. J/108 Review from Sail Magazine

    The Murray Yacht Sales Team has been serving the Gulf Coast since 1974. We are proud to represent Beneteau Sailboats & Excess Catamarans from Texas to Florida. If you are looking to buy or sell your sailboat or powerboat, Murray Yacht Sales is the premier yacht brokerage choice.

  16. J Boats for sale

    J Boats. There are presently 148 yachts for sale on YachtWorld for J Boats. This assortment encompasses 17 brand-new vessels and 131 pre-owned yachts, all of which are listed by knowledgeable boat and yacht brokers predominantly in United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada and Greece. The selection of models featured on YachtWorld spans a ...

  17. J Boats sailboats for sale by owner.

    J Boats sailboats are renowned for their performance, quality and versatility. Whether you are looking for a racing, cruising or day sailing boat, you can find your ideal J Boat among the many listings on Sailboat Listings. Browse by length, year, price and location, and compare with other sailboat brands like Cal, Hunter, Escape and McVay.

  18. J Boats J 105 boats for sale

    2002 J Boats J/105. US$63,067. Sea Ventures (UK) Ltd | Falmouth, Cornwall. Request Info. <. 1. >. * Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price. Boats Group does not guarantee the accuracy of conversion rates and rates may differ than those provided by financial institutions at the time of transaction.

  19. J/105- World's Largest 35 ft One-Design Sailboat Class

    The Success Story Continues. Introduced in 1991 as the first modern day keelboat with bow-sprit and asymmetric spinnaker, J/105 today is the most successful one-design keelboat class over 30' in the USA with over 680 boats sailing worldwide. The class association is an owner managed organization with strict one-design rules, a world class web ...

  20. J/108 Features

    J/108 shoal-performance cruising sailboat features world's best hardware & equipment to ensure long-life, resale value, and high return on your sailing investment.

  21. J/Boats- Better Sailboats for People Who Love Sailing

    J/70 - Sailing Fun for All Ages. The J/70 speedster is a fun, fast, stable 22 footer that tows behind a small SUV and can be ramp-launched, rigged and sailed by two people. J/70 sails upwind like a proper keelboat and then simply flies off-the-wind - planing into the double digits in moderate breeze.