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J80
Designer: Rodney S. Johnstone  ·  Builder: J Boats Tillotson Pearson (Usa)  ·  First built: 1992
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About the J80

Designed by Rodney S. Johnstone and first launched in 1992, this 26-foot sloop has earned its reputation as one of the most successful one-design racing boats ever created. Built by J Boats Tillotson Pearson, the J80 features a modern fin keel with transom-hung rudder configuration that delivers exceptional responsiveness and precise boat handling characteristics that have made it a favorite among competitive sailors worldwide. With its fractional sloop rig and fiberglass construction, this design strikes an ideal balance between performance and accessibility. The boat's relatively light 2,900-pound displacement, combined with 1,400 pounds of ballast and 338 square feet of sail area, creates a lively sailing experience that rewards skill while remaining forgiving enough for developing crews. The comfort ratio of 11.58 indicates this is purely a performance-oriented vessel rather than a cruising boat. The J80 has become the foundation for numerous one-design fleets around the globe, from local yacht club racing to international championships. Its consistent build quality and strict class rules ensure competitive racing, while the boat's sporty nature makes it equally enjoyable for recreational sailing in coastal waters. For sailors seeking serious racing credentials or spirited day sailing performance, few boats match the J80's proven track record.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$17,500 – $17,500
typical asking price · boat only
Median $17,500  ·  1 listing used
Boat only
$17,500 – $17,500 1
With trailer
$15,500 – $22,500 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.25 ft / 8.00 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.00 ft / 6.71 m
Beam 8.25 ft / 2.51 m
Max Draft 4.90 ft / 1.49 m
Displacement 2,900.00 lb / 1,315 kg
Ballast 1,400.00 lb / 635 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 338.00 ft² / 31.40 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 1992
Associations J/80 Class Website
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
 26.66
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
 48.28
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
 121.59
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
 11.58
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
 2.32
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. 6.29 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
 5.2
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. 648.52 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. 26.59
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 31.50 ft / 9.60 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
ISP (Spinnaker Luff) 33.00 ft / 10.06 m
SA Fore 149.63 ft² / 13.90 m²
SA Main 187.50 ft² / 17.42 m²
SA Total (100%) 337.13 ft² / 31.32 m²
Est. Forestay Length 32.90 ft / 10.03 m
Find a J80 For Sale
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