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J22
Designer: Rodney S. Johnstone  ·  Builder: J Boats Tillotson Pearson (Usa)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the J22

Designed by Rodney S. Johnstone and first launched in 1983, this compact 22-footer became a cornerstone of the J/Boats lineup, establishing the builder's reputation for performance-oriented designs that blend racing capability with recreational sailing appeal. Built by J Boats Tillotson Pearson, the J22 features a modern fin keel configuration with transom-hung rudder, delivering responsive handling characteristics that made it popular in both one-design racing fleets and sailing schools across North America. The fractional sloop rig and moderate displacement of 1,790 pounds create a well-balanced platform that's particularly suited to day sailing, sailing instruction, and competitive fleet racing. With 700 pounds of ballast and a comfortable beam of 8 feet, the design offers sufficient stability for newer sailors while maintaining the quick acceleration and nimble feel that experienced racers appreciate. The fiberglass construction ensures durability and relatively low maintenance requirements. This boat excels in protected waters and coastal sailing conditions, where its responsive nature and forgiving characteristics shine. The design's success in one-design racing has created an active community of owners, making it easier to find parts, advice, and competitive sailing opportunities. Its reputation as both a capable trainer and entertaining recreational sailboat has helped maintain strong resale values over the decades.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.00 ft / 5.79 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 3.80 ft / 1.16 m
Displacement 1,790.00 lb / 812 kg
Ballast 700.00 lb / 318 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 223.00 ft² / 20.72 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Rodney S. Johnstone
Builder J Boats Tillotson Pearson (USA)
First Built 1983
Associations International J/22 Class
Owner Reviews

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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
 24.26
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
 39.11
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
 116.5
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
 8.64
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
 2.64
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. 5.84 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 5.06
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. 543.11 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 24.64
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 24.80 ft / 7.56 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.80 ft / 2.68 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 26.10 ft / 7.96 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
SA Fore 109.12 ft² / 10.14 m²
SA Main 117.45 ft² / 10.91 m²
SA Total (100%) 226.57 ft² / 21.05 m²
Est. Forestay Length 26.32 ft / 8.02 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Outboard
Find a J22 For Sale
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