Back to Search
J 36
Designer: Alan Johnstone  ·  Builder: J/Composites (Fra)  ·  First built: 2025
+ Add to Compare
About the J 36

Alan Johnstone's latest creation represents a compelling entry in the performance cruiser segment, blending modern construction techniques with proven sailing characteristics. Built by France's J/Composites using advanced E-glass infusion with balsa and foam sandwich construction, this 36-footer delivers both strength and weight savings crucial for competitive performance. The fractional sloop rig generates impressive power with 699 square feet of sail area, while the fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration provides crisp handling and excellent upwind performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of 22.29, this yacht falls squarely in the performance cruiser category, offering spirited sailing without sacrificing comfort. The design strikes an appealing balance for sailors seeking both coastal cruising capability and occasional racing participation. A relatively low comfort ratio of 19.72 indicates this boat prioritizes sailing performance over maximum interior volume, while the capsize screening value of 2.11 suggests reasonable offshore capability with proper preparation. Modern amenities include a 30-horsepower auxiliary engine for reliable motoring in light conditions. As a brand-new design launching in 2025, the J 36 represents contemporary thinking in mid-size yacht design, targeting sailors who demand both sailing excitement and practical cruising versatility.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 36.06 ft / 10.99 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.76 ft / 9.68 m
Beam 11.81 ft / 3.60 m
Max Draft 6.90 ft / 2.10 m
Displacement 11,300.00 lb / 5,126 kg
Ballast 3,816.00 lb / 1,731 kg
Ballast Type iron + Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 699.00 ft² / 64.94 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction EGlass infusion. balsa & foam sandwich
Designer Alan Johnstone
Builder J/Composites (FRA)
First Built 2025
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 22.29
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 33.77
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 157.47
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 19.72
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.11
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.55 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,340.22 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model D1-30
Engine Type Diesel; Saildrive
Horsepower 30
Fuel Capacity 22 gals / 83 L
Water Capacity 53 gals / 201 L
Find a J 36 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace