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J40 Classic
Designer: Rodney S. Johnstone  ·  Builder: J Boats Tillotson Pearson (Usa)  ·  First built: 1984
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About the J40 Classic

Designed by Rodney S. Johnstone and built by J Boats/Tillotson Pearson from 1984 to 1993, this 40-footer represents a thoughtful balance between performance cruising and comfortable coastal sailing. With only 85 hulls produced during its nine-year run, the J40 Classic has developed a reputation as a well-built, versatile vessel that appeals to sailors seeking both spirited sailing characteristics and livable accommodations. The yacht's fin keel and spade rudder configuration, combined with a relatively high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 17.89, delivers responsive handling and good upwind performance. Her moderate displacement of 18,000 pounds and substantial ballast ratio provide stability without sacrificing sailing ability. The masthead sloop rig offers straightforward sail handling, making her suitable for both experienced couples and small crews. Built during J Boats' collaboration with Tillotson Pearson, the J40 Classic benefits from quality fiberglass construction and attention to detail. Her comfort ratio of 27.86 suggests she's oriented more toward performance than heavy cruising, while the capsize screening value of 1.86 indicates good stability for coastal and offshore passages. This combination makes her particularly well-suited for weekend cruising, club racing, and extended coastal exploration.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.00 ft / 10.36 m
Beam 12.17 ft / 3.71 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 18,000.00 lb / 8,165 kg
Ballast 6,500.00 lb / 2,948 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 765.00 ft² / 71.07 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Rodney S. Johnstone
Builder J Boats Tillotson Pearson (USA)
First Built 1984
Last Built 1993
Number Built 85
Associations J/40 Owners
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
 17.89
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
 36.11
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
 204.45
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
 27.86
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
 1.86
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. 7.81 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
 2.76
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. 1,478.48 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. 17.9
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 50.00 ft / 15.24 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.70 ft / 4.48 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 44.20 ft / 13.47 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
SA Fore 367.50 ft² / 34.14 m²
SA Main 397.80 ft² / 36.96 m²
SA Total (100%) 765.30 ft² / 71.10 m²
Est. Forestay Length 52.12 ft / 15.89 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 43
Fuel Capacity 33 gals / 125 L
Water Capacity 60 gals / 227 L
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