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J39
Designer: Rodney S. Johnstone  ·  Builder: J Boats Tillotson Pearson  ·  First built: 1989
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About the J39

With limited technical specifications publicly available, the J39 represents an intriguing chapter in J/Boats' evolution of performance-oriented sailing yachts. This model fits within the company's philosophy of creating boats that blur the lines between competitive racing and comfortable cruising, appealing to sailors who refuse to compromise on either front. Building on J/Boats' reputation for producing well-balanced designs that excel in diverse conditions, the J39 likely incorporates the brand's signature characteristics: responsive handling, solid construction, and thoughtful ergonomics both above and below deck. The boat appears designed for sailors seeking a capable platform for coastal cruising and club racing, where versatility matters more than specialization. Given J/Boats' consistent approach to hull design and rigging systems, the J39 probably offers the predictable sailing characteristics that have made the marque popular among both experienced racers and cruising families. While detailed specifications remain scarce, the boat's position in the J/Boats lineup suggests it delivers the company's trademark combination of speed, stability, and seaworthiness that has defined their designs for decades.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 39.42 ft / 12.02 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.50 ft / 9.91 m
Beam 12.42 ft / 3.79 m
Max Draft 7.25 ft / 2.21 m
Displacement 12,900.00 lb / 5,851 kg
Ballast 5,900.00 lb / 2,676 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 799.00 ft² / 74.23 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Rodney S. Johnstone
Builder J Boats Tillotson Pearson
First Built 1989
Last Built 1997
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
23.32
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
20.12
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
2.12
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. 7.64
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
3.9
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 53.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 47.2
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.3
SA Fore 414.63
SA Main 384.68
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