J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment What does a newbie have to know before buying a j30?

Hello Everyone,
First off this is a great site!

I have a number of questions before I make the move to buy a J30 (currently in the research stage). Goals are to OD race locally (with 5 others). Plus make my wife and kids very happy with family sailing adventures... I currently race on a J29 (not a great overnighter), and 'had' aspirations of buying a J24 (not gonna float with my spouse - no galley).

So I have searched and searched and searched - the class, yachtworld.com, Kijiji, craigslist, google, etc.

1) Does anyone know about boats "quiety" for sale or are the owners retiring that I should contact?

2) Should a person buy the old cockpit or the new cockpit? Are there distinct advantages to either? Is the new cockpit comfortable to sit over for long beats to windward, etc?

3) Are there major red flags to look out for?

I appreciate any advice that comes my way!

Cheers,
Graeme

1. Quietly for sale? I suppose all boats are for sale at the right price, how much are you offering? Kidding aside, good race ready J/30s can be found for 15-25K USD. Boats in the 5-15K range usually have defects you may be able live with but if repaired professionally will offset any savings. Travel and shipping to Canada may be a significant factor.

2. Some feel the old style's wide bridge deck allows trimmers to cross work more efficiently. New style cuts down on water washing into the cockpit, helpful if you are sitting in, but you hike outside the combings while racing. Both are comfortable beating, though the old style relies more on feet than butt checks at the helm. I've sailed both but have become accustomed to the new style after many years.

That said, don't restrict yourself to boats with the new-style cockpit or you may be disappointed. They command a premium because there are fewer of them and they're newer--though the difference between a 1979-80 and a 1983-6 is less significant than how well the boat has maintained. Over the production run more interior wood was added, the galley was altered and the berth count went from six to five.

3. The biggest issue is water in the core which can be fixed, but should be determined by survey. Mast, engine, rudder, and winches are the expensive bits so be sure they are sound.

Just my two cents-I have the new style cockpit, and both some of my crew and I have sailed on the old version, and all agree (including trimmers)that the new style cockpit is better. More places to brace feet when trimming, easier to "lock in" to a hiking position outside the coaming, not to mention more secure for cruising. The galley layout below is also a big improvement.

That said, Bob is right that the cost differential and availability of the older models makes the choice a bit harder.

As far as red flags-the main cabin bulkhead will often show signs of water damage around the chainplates. This is an almost universal issue with these boats, although the main cabin wood is only a cosmetic finish-the structural part of the bulkhead is on the forward side. It is not uncommon to have some water damage in the finished wood, but have the structural bulkhead be in fine shape.

The engine is critical-mine looked lousy when I bought the boat, but subsequent maintenance has revealed the inner workings to be fine.

As far as boats for sale-this site probably has some of the most interesting listings. Fuzzy Wuzzy-two time NA champ, perfectly set up and maintained, new style cockpit with old style cabin-is a very nice boat.

One more thing about water in the core...It can be there with no external signs at all.

If I were buying another, I'd give very serious consideration to Fuzzy Wuzzy.