1981 J Boats J/30

Price reduced $10,000

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The Johnstones’ second boat affirmed their philosophy that the family that plays together stays together. Its ample 11’ 2" beam allowed a spacious interior designed for family living, with six-foot headroom at the companionway tapering down to 5’6" at the forward bulkhead. And the Johnstones embellished it attractively with ash woodwork, a cramped but serviceable galley and a semi-enclosed head. The boat also slept six, although it lacked a double settee berth. An optional mid-cabin table also seated six comfortably for meals.

Despite its comfortable appointments, the J/30 was put together as a racer first. The entire fiberglass hull and deck are cored with balsa, with a strong fractional, single-spreader rig, double-foil forestay and lead fin keel for an overall displacement of about 7,000 pounds. The ballast/displacement ratio is a tippy .30, which necessitates the broad beam. The tiller is de-rigeur, and the rudder hangs off the back of the wide, vertical transom, so the boat turns on a dime. Of course, the maneuverability translates into busy steering. Extra crew makes a big difference keeping the boat flat. The side decks are wide enough to do laps around, and sufficiently sloped to be almost flat on the high side when heeled.

Practical Sailor quoted a 1981 price tag of $35,000 for the 30-footer, which should make current owners feel good; a reasonably maintained used one still goes in the low thirties these days. Sailing the J/30 can be as simple or complicated as you choose. Although a crew of seven is optimal for competitive racing, one experienced and one inexperienced person can handle it easily with the stock rig. Leave the jib down and it sails like a dinghy singlehanded.

Dimensions                ft/lb          m/kg  

LOA                            29.8         9.09

LWL                            25            7.62

Beam                        11.18         3.41

Standard Draft            5.3            1.6

Standard Ballast        2,100        953

Displacement            7,000       3,175

Diesel Aux. Engine    15 hp

100% SA                    444         41.21

I                                 34.19      10.42

J                                 11.5         3.51

P                                38           11.58

E                                13            3.51

SA/Dspl                     19             19

Dspl/L                       200            200

Fuel Capacity              16 gal

Water Capacity            30 gal

With a sleeping capacity of 6 (2 in the bow, 2 in the main cabin and 2 in the quarter berth), La Caterina is an ideal cruising boat for an older couple, 2 couples, a young family of 4-6, the first boat for a sailing couple or even someone who wished to sail single handed can engage the auto pilot and easily cruise through the islands.

La Caterina has all of the features needed to cruise including a full enclosed head, abundant storage, sleeping accommodations, large dining table with drop down leaves, galley with sink, stove, ice box, Navigation equipment, VHF radio, inverter, battery charger, auto pilot, anchor with chain and rode, spare anchor, dock lines, fenders and CG required equipment. The teak and holly floor is in excellent condition and all the upholstery is in like new condition.  

The canvas includes Mainsail Cover, Dodger, and bimini over the helm station, all of which are in Excellent condition.

The running rigging is all in excellent shape and the main and working genoa sails were new in 2020. 

Yanmar Model 2GM HP Rating 13

RPM Max 3400

In excellent condition 

There is NOT an hour meter so hours on engine are unknown.

Mainsail: 7.7 oz Dacron with one set of reef points made by St. Michaels Sails in 2020

(Note): The roach has been somewhat reduced from the "Racing J/30 Mainsail" for easier handling and cruising.

#1 Genoa (122%) Polyant woven polyester w/ 6oz Weathermax sun cover made by St. Michaels Sails in 2020.

(Note): For easier handling and cruising, the foot has been raised for better visibility and easier tacking.

Spinnaker: TriRadial  (2000) Hot Pink made by Sobstad and inspected in 2020

#2 Genoa (150%) Carbon/Mylar made by UK  with Web Clew and head loops installed in 2011 Washed and cleaned in winter of 2013/2014.

The galley is split on either side of the boat with most of it on the port side with a single foot pedal faucet and stainless sink, alcohol 2 burner stove, storage nooks and lockers for galley gear. On Starboard is a "hide away" storage rack that closes out of the way under the "Nav Table Top". The "Nav Table Top" slides aft to open access to the ice box. Once you have retrieved everything you need from the ice box, the "Nav Table Top" can slide forward and be used as a countertop to prepare the food. 

Garmin GPSmap 545 on Starboard cockpit bulkhead

Raytheon Auto Pilot on Starboard Cockpit bulkhead

Raytheon Multi gauge for speed on Starboard Cockpit bulkhead

Raytheon Multi Gauge for depth on Starboard Cockpit bulkhead

Ritchie compass with level gauge on Port Cockpit bulkhead

Standard Horizon Eclipse VHF Radio at Nav Station

Stereo System with Speakers

PortaWattz 300 Inverter

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.