J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Marketplace Looking to Buy Something Boat wanted

Looking for a good late model J on the bay or mid-Atlantic area. thanks for any tips.

they're a little hard to find, but worth the wait.

Michael, thanks, I have seen a few vintage 1979 boats available, but would require considerable work. Bill

Your first question is cockpit configuration. Around hull #450 it switched to a more 'sit in' rather than 'sit on' configuration. Down below they lost a quarter berth and gained some galley space (and a locker in the cockpit).
Have a look at both types if you can. If you like the later one better, your search is even harder since there are fewer around, and they sell more quickly. If indifferent to type (and practice doing some jib trimming too), then the pool is greater and you'll find a good boat. Moisture in the core is the thing to be aware of. That is color blind to cockpit type!

thanks, I have seen the older style cockpit and cabin with 2 quarters berths, I would prefer a new style cockpit. older boat are available, but my concern would be how much I would have to put into one, dealing with wet decks etc....

You can either write checks and pay someone to do the work, or do as many have done here.... recore yourself (check my recore blog in the signature). It isn't rocket science and you can always get professional help for the finish work if you want.

I am not aware of any balsa cored boat this age that doesn't have some issues. Fixing the source of the water infiltration problem when recoring will be a permanent fix.

One thing to keep in mind is that the newer boats aren't that much newer. I think you're as likely to find the usual range of issues on any J30, regardless of hull number. Alternatively, it is as easy to find an older configuration boat repaired to perfection as it is to find a newer one.

I would suggest figuring out with cockpit design you prefer, and finding a boat that has already had the trouble spots fixed.

We recently bought Kinesis, hull # 497. She's the later model. We did some recoring on the hull and other places and while it is a lot of hard work, if you have the time, is well worth doing. It just brings that added satifaction and confidence gained by the hands-on experience... or maybe it's just the great relief of finishing and knowing you won't have to get fiberglass and fairing dust all over you and can go sailing!
We splashed a couple weeks ago and absolutely love the boat. She sails beautifully and handles like everyone says, a dinghy. If you are looking for a little big boat, the J30 may be the answer. Lots of fun and a good cruising boat too!

When I bought #95 (1979) the surveyor could find nothing to cause concern over moisture in the hull and I could count on one hand the number of blisters I found when I overhauled the bottom. So don't count the older boats out if you are indifferent to layout.

While the extra galley would be nice, I like the extra quarter berth for sail storage while cruising and I feel the older model has easier engine access (just judging by pictures of #450 and later).