J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum Cruising Discussions J30 cruising

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a J30, primarily for racing but also for family cruising. I wanted to ask a couple questions about cruising in a J30...

First, the older cockpit seems like it would be uncomfortable for extended periods without seatbacks...is it? It also doesn't seem as secure or safe if there was heavy weather. Those that have written about cruising them don't seem to think so...please share any thoughts you have.

Also, with only 4 windows, it seems like the interior would be dark, particularly forward. Do the hatches let in enough light to brighten things up?

Any input is greatly appreciated,

Dan

we have those fold a seats which are very comfortable, and they work great, because its a flat surface in the cockpit.....

think about a 6 inch "rail" OR BACKREAST.. its definitely never gonna be comfortable ...

as for safety ? same story, a rail or backrest would channel all the water inside the boat cockpict when a big back wave rolls over... bi rail and most of the water runs off the sides... combined with the small cockpit pit ... the "open"design is safer.....

windows... are bright enough, so we have curtains to keep inside cool , we also have solar day and night vents on the restroom window, and in front on the inspection port, maybe we gonna add one in the main cabin as well...

its not dark anywhere , despite that the solar vents take away light. not to hot either ( at least not hotter than other boats )

Thor

Thanks for your insighs...that's helpful.

We have found the J-30 to be very satisfactory for cruising. Certainly consider installing a tiller pilot if the boat doesn't have one already. The fractional rig and jiffy reefing allow you to readily depower if required.

I think the biggest knock is the difficulty in providing an adequate bimini.

I have been cruising j.doe in the caribbean... up and down to Grenada several times. The average wind down island is 35kts and I've never been worried. The "newer" cockpit with the fiberglass rails seem to offer more advantage when you are racing as they keep your butt from sliding...and channel water out if you are perched on top...my flat deck even the driver gets a wet butt with a wave. I prefer the flat, especially for cruising as the cockpit is definitely more open. Those side rails are not enough support anyway...get the chairs. I agree the dram in the cockpit is lack of bimini..doesn't seem to fit no matter what you do. I have a small trapezoid sunshade with aluminum poles which attaches to the heart of the backstay, the boomlift and the lifelines... can be flipped back as you tack... not the easiest, but in the islands you can be on the same reach for long periods of time. I have dreams of an auto pilot but have yet to hear that they can hold the boat in heavy air...which is most of the time here. In lighter winds I use bungie wrapped 4-5 times on the tiller and attach to padeyes (they are there already) on both sides which holds the boat fairly steady during reefing, sail changes, getting a beer, etc

I have been cruising j.doe in the caribbean... up and down to Grenada several times. The average wind down island is 35kts and I've never been worried. The "newer" cockpit with the fiberglass rails seem to offer more advantage when you are racing as they keep your butt from sliding...and channel water out if you are perched on top...my flat deck even the driver gets a wet butt with a wave. I prefer the flat, especially for cruising as the cockpit is definitely more open. Those side rails are not enough support anyway...get the chairs. I agree the dram in the cockpit is lack of bimini..doesn't seem to fit no matter what you do. I have a small trapezoid sunshade with aluminum poles which attaches to the heart of the backstay, the boomlift and the lifelines... can be flipped back as you tack... not the easiest, but in the islands you can be on the same reach for long periods of time. I have dreams of an auto pilot but have yet to hear that they can hold the boat in heavy air...which is most of the time here. In lighter winds I use bungie wrapped 4-5 times on the tiller and attach to padeyes (they are there already) on both sides which holds the boat fairly steady during reefing, sail changes, getting a beer, etc