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• Sailboat Guide

J/109 is a 35 ′ 2 ″ / 10.7 m monohull sailboat designed by Rod Johnstone and built by J Boats starting in 2004.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Shoal draft version: 5.75’/1.75m. Volvo D1-30 diesel offered later.

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• J/Boats Manuals
• Owner's manual

J/Boats J/109 Owner's Manual

• Owner's manual (48 pages)
• Owner's manual (66 pages)
• page of 48 Go / 48

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Specifications
• Important Contacts
• Commissioning Checklist
• Getting Started with Your J/109
• Deck Hardware Layout
• Mainsheet & Traveler Diagram
• Adjustable Genoa Leads
• Halyard Layout
• Reefing System Diagram
• Chainplate Tie-Rod System
• Steering System
• Engine Layout
• Exhaust System Layout
• Fuel System Layout
• Thru-Hull Locations
• Fresh Water System Layout
• Sump Layout
• Bilge Pump Layout
• Main AC/DC Distribution Panel
• DC Component Layout
• DC Wiring Schematic
• DC Battery Monitor
• AC Component Layout
• Galvanic Isolator
• Propane System Layout
• Bonding System
• Tuning the Rig
• Fuel System
• Engine Cooling System
• Exhaust System
• Engine Safety Precautions
• Engine Maintenance
• Fresh Water System
• Pump Systems
• Head System
• DC Electrical System
• 110 VAC Shorepower System
• Galley Stove LPG System
• Maintenance Tips
• Annual Maintenance Checklist
• Storage Tips

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Related Manuals for J/Boats J/109

Summary of contents for j/boats j/109.

• Page 2 J/109 OWNER GUIDE J/109 Owner Guide Yacht Name:……………………………………. Owner Name:…………………………………… COPYRIGHT © J/BOATS, INC., 2003...

Page 3: Table Of Contents

Page 4: introduction, page 5: specifications, page 6: important contacts, page 7: commissioning checklist, page 8: getting started with your j/109.

• Page 9 J/109 OWNER GUIDE Insert all lifeline gates/stanchions into the sockets provided along the edge of the deck. Secure each • stanchion in place by tightening the two set screws in each base. We recommend that you dip the screws in blue Loctite or sealant before securing, so they don’t work themselves loose over time.
• Page 10 The most unique system on your J/109 is the bow sprit system for the asymmetric spinnaker. We believe this system is a major improvement over conventional systems and so let's start by explaining how it works.
• Page 11 J/109 OWNER GUIDE Boom Vang: The Hall QuikVang is a mechanically operated spring loaded boom vang with a Harken • block and tackle purchase system. This vang system allows for quick and easy adjustment and also acts as a boom topping lift. The vang is affixed to the vang plate welded underneath the boom and to the mast at the vang gooseneck located just above the mast collar.

Page 12: Diagrams, Layouts, & Schematics

Page 13: mainsheet & traveler diagram, page 14: adjustable genoa leads, page 15: halyard layout, page 16: reefing system diagram, page 17: chainplate tie-rod system, page 18: steering system, page 19: engine layout, page 20: exhaust system layout, page 21: fuel system layout, page 22: thru-hull locations, page 23: fresh water system layout, page 24: sump layout, page 25: bilge pump layout, page 26: main ac/dc distribution panel, page 27: dc component layout, page 28: dc wiring schematic, page 29: dc battery monitor, page 30: ac component layout, page 31: galvanic isolator, page 32: propane system layout, page 33: bonding system, page 34: tuning the rig, page 35: engine system, page 36: engine cooling system.

• Page 37 J/109 OWNER GUIDE replacement filter cartridges. The dual filter is designed so that one filter is in operation while the other is a spare. This way you can switch the fuel flow through the spare filter, if you need to change out the first one.

Page 38: Fueling

Page 39: plumbing systems, page 40: head system, page 41: 110 vac shorepower system, page 42: galley stove lpg system, page 43: safety, page 44: maintenance tips.

• Page 45 J/109 OWNER GUIDE Deck Hatches Hatches need lubrication of their hinges with a silicone grease once a year. Also check the seals to see they are not unduly cracked, or are losing their ability to seal correctly. To increase traction on the plastic hatch covers, apply a non-skid tape fore and aft.

Page 46: Annual Maintenance Checklist

Page 47: storage tips.

• Page 48 J/109 OWNER GUIDE Interior & Ventilation Clean the cabin thoroughly with a damp rag, for any salt left behind will breed mildew. Clean out the head and sinks. Any paper items- books, toilet paper, notepads- should be taken off so they don’t mildew and rot.

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J109 Speed Guide

Who sails a j109.

The J109 powers up quickly in light air, so it’s important to sail class regattas near max crew weight.

What’s involved in crewing?

What are three top tips for j109 speed.

• Spend time in the boat with a committed core crew. Practice!
• Learn proper sail trim and rig tune. It’s critical to keep the boat on its lines and at top speed. Having the crew weight and sails properly balanced wins races.
• Prep the hull and rig, clean the bottom, and save your best sails for big events.

What should buyers know when choosing a J109?

How many sails are required, j109 tuning.

Jib spreader marks help repeat trim settings.

What are the keys to rig set-up?

Jib sheet inhauler positions should be marked on the deck for repeatability.

What other control systems are important on the J109?

J109 upwind sailing, how much heel is fast on a j109.

Sailing flat is fast, but maintaining a consistent angle of heel and minimizing rudder movement are the top priorities.

Upwind, where does the crew sit?

A soft shackle easily attaches jib sheets to the clew, allowing sheets and inhaulers to stay rigged during sail changes.

How do you trim the J109 jib upwind?

In 8-15 knots TWS, the jib is inhauled until the clew is inside the handrail. Adjust the inhaulers for different wind conditions. In light to medium (8-15 knots TWS), the jib clew should be inhauled until it’s inside the metal handrail. As the wind increases, ease the clew so it trims outside the rail. In very light air , sail with the clew outside the rail as well.

How do you trim the J109 main upwind?

Because the leech profile is so vertical, even a small change in jib lead location will make a big difference to the sail’s power.

How do you shift gears upwind?

Who says what when sailing upwind.

Adjusting leech twist on both sails is crucial to balancing height and speed.

J109 Downwind Sailing

Downwind, where are j109 crew located, how do you trim the spinnaker downwind.

When the tack moves to leeward of vertical, pull on tack line and sail higher angles.

How do you shift gears downwind?

When sailing deep, ease the tack line off up to three feet for maximum projection and rotation.

J109 Boathandling

What are your top tips to starting well in a j109, what are the keys to tacking a j109 well, what are the keys to jibing a j109 well.

After a jibe, cross quickly to the high side to flatten the boat and help it accelerate. In light-air jibes, don’t turn the boat too fast and jibe the spinnaker first. Then the mainsail trimmer grabs all parts of mainsheet and “pops” the main through to keep the upper leech from hanging up on the backstay. In heavy air, get the main across as quickly as possible, while the boat is at full speed. Otherwise you may have to turn the boat too far, which may lead to a round up as you finish the jibe. Easing the vang a little bit will help.

How do you make a fast spinnaker set?

What are the keys to a good spinnaker takedown on the j109, what are the most common takedown mistakes, how do you recover from a broach, what j109 best practices do you recommend.

• Set daily objectives and evaluate after sailing, so you can get better every day.
• Identify crew responsibilities.
• Mark everything so you can duplicate settings, especially jib leads and sheets.
• Practice tacking and jibing; choreograph movements so each crewmember knows what to do.
• Document rig tune and settings.

What’s the coolest thing about the J109 class?

Featured stories, north kiteboarding enters the race for olympic gold, tony rey joins north sails, north sails adds new loft in victoria, bc.

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J/109 vs X-35

Peter Gustafsson Boats⛵️ , News j/109 , läsarfråga , x-35 16

This week’s reader question.

As I might be a bit biased, I think it would be great to hear your opinion on this first!?

I am a big fan and follow your sailing team. I am currently considering buying a boat and have a question, which I hope that you may be able to answer.  I am considering buying a X-35, J-109, or J-97. Mainly for short time cruising (mainly short-handed and around Denmark/Scandinavia) or occasional club racing. When I speak to other people I always receive a comment that “a J-109 is much easier to sail” or “it is very difficult to push an X-35 to sail quickly”. Could you please express your opinion on whether it is really so difficult to sail a X-35 and, which boat do you like better? If you have an opinion.  Another question regarding the X-35. How big is the difference in the performance of standard versus shallow draft yachts? I have no experience with any of the boats but I know that you used to have a J-109 and because of your immense experience I think that you will provide a qualified answer. I really appreciate your time and look forward to receiving your answer. 

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16 Comments

First question valid for me would be; Purpose ? Race, cruising, fully crewed or shorthanded?

Main differentieses -Genoa or jib? -Spinnaker or gennaker

For me none of the boats has both jib and gennaker which would be important for me.

But my feeling is the x35 is the most fun boat to sail.

J vs X. I haven’t sailed either of them but if I analyze the data, my view on the matter is the following (we’ll see if Peter agrees):

First of all, the difference between the boats is not huge, but still, there is a difference.

The J/109 has a heavier keel and a higher displacement both of which adds to the stability of the boat. She is also wider adding extra form stability. The stability/righting moment is one of the biggest performance drivers of a yacht, next to water line length, all things being equal. In both cases the J/109 is favored. However, all things aren’t equal as the the X-35 is quite a bit lighter and carries slightly bigger sail area (upwind) giving her a lower displacement/length ratio and a higher sail area/displacement ratio, meaning slightly better potential in heavy downwind conditions and upwind in light wind conditions. One might say the X-35 is a bit sportier, which also shows on the rating where she is slightly faster, despite the fact that she’s actually somewhat smaller.

The sportier a yacht is, the more sensitive she is to sail trim and handling. Now this might sound like fun times but it also means it’s harder to sail the boat to it’s full potential. Stability works in the same way, a stable yacht is easier to get up to speed than one that heels a lot in every gust, meaning you have to be more agile on the trim and work the gears more frequently.

A mediocre crew can race quite well in an IF-boat but if the same crew would race a 49:er they probably wouldn’t make it around the course. The rating is one thing, but how well you’ll be able to sail the boat around the course is something totally different.

What I’m trying to say is that I believe the J/109 to be slightly more forgiving and easy to sail to her full potential and even more so shorthanded. And she should always have the edge upwind in a breeze thanks to her extra righting moment and slightly longer water line length, even though she’s heavier.

If you plan on sailing predominately full crew with a really competent crew the X-35 will be more fun, challenging and rewarding.

But as I stated initially, the difference between the boats is not massive

I pick up from Jimmy but at the other end of the scale!! Don´t (by far) have that tech-skills as Jimmy but I have actually sailed both of them at several occasions. My experiences confirm Jimmy; J109 is easier to sail but needs genoa in the lower range (sub 6-8kn range). Upwind in general is easier in the J, X-35 is quick and fun upwind but needs attention in upper region. X-35 main is NOT small… Downwind; so much easier to use assy! Don´t ask me about interiors; not my area of interest… :) BTW; Jimmy´s skills overall as sailor /techguru is in another league than me…

The X-35 is extremely fast in light winds!! Beautiful lines and a aftersales and service from the X-Yachts yard is worth mention.

I would go for the X-35 and add some lead bricks to the steelframe (major adavangtes btw)… And look into a gennaker system? and how to down power the boat in diffrent wind conditions.

Be prepared to reef early, but you have very fast boat in light conditions which are must fun!

Hello , we sail an x35 in belgium .I gave the boat a bowsprit of 45 cm and two gennakers of 75 and 100 m2 and it is much better in heavy winds . We added some 30 kg of lead but this is not enough , my question : how many kg is best ?for light wind the 100 m2 gennaker was not enough , the class symm of 105 is better then . Next year we sail with a 130 m2 . Lets see … Mister sandman is the name .bel 3515

No adding of weight to the keel, if you want to keep the boat as an X-35. Regards from the Class Measurer

I’ll have to disagree with the “extremely fast in light winds” comparison. The X-35 has an edge of approx 4% VMG upwind in light air, and 2% upwind/downwind in most conditions. But as said above, not that easy to achieve in reality…

Probably the best benchmark was ORCi Worlds in Copenhagen 2016, which was a really light wind regatta. My report here .

Looking at the results in Class C , the Dutch J/109 Jai Alai finished 4th on handicap w X-35s in 16-19-21-24-34-50. An X-35 was faster in 5 of 8 races by an average of 5%. The J/109 was faster than the fastest X-35 in 3 races by an average of 3%.

Jai Alai was racing w a 140% genoa for rating reasons ( rating cert ), so not fully powered up.

So yes, the X-35 is marginally faster in light air.

And no, not everyone can get that performance out of the boat.

Our own racing with the J/109 supports this. At the Norwegian (notorious light wind race) Færderseilasen we raced in the R36 class against a number of X-35s, generally beating them both on the water and on corrected time. At home in Gothenburg I would say 50/50 against the well sailed X-35s.

Percentages and race data above are all well and good, but having sailed both I’d go for the X-35 every time. It is very fast in light winds (no matter who’s sailing it), and adding a bowsprit & a Code 0 makes it even faster.

I thought it worked well singlehanded in the Baltic, with a good B&G autopilot and 2 reefs in the mainsail it always felt balanced and under control. A furling headsail and an assymetric kite would make things even easier. Hard to touch it for line honours in most club races but also hard to win on handicap I would think.

I think the days of X-35 OD are gone and that most will now end up modified for comfortable shorthanded sailing and cruising. The overall standard of X-Yachts build quality puts it a notch above the J boats in my opinion but others will disagree.

Felt under control downwind under spinnaker in 20 knots as well? 😉

Have we seen any X-35s doing well with assy?

Depends what you mean by “doing well”

The stories of X-35 scaryness downwind are overrated in my opinion. It’s no worse or harder to sail under spinnaker in a breeze than anything else I’ve sailed that wasn’t a French sled (Pogo, RM) 😅

As in “X-35 with assy, and here’s a link to results that doesn’t suck” 😀

Fair enough, as an out and out racer there are lots of better options these days.

If I was in it to win it under the various handicap systems, a JPK 1010 (or a 1030 if budget was bigger) is what I would be looking at in 2021.

If I just wanted to get myself the best bang-for buck cool cruiser, that’s fast and fun to sail, and with an interior that doesn’t scare the wife and kids, the X-35 would be very high on my list.

Build quality on x 35 we sailed to and in Tjörn Runt left a lot to wish for – leaking windows and stanchions was a surprise. Also to fill water was awkward. Good fun to sail though.

Since you mention cruising in your question I would like to throw a third alternative into the potential options, the First 35. We sailed the First 35 Kwanza from 2010 to 2016 including the Worlds in Copenhagen 2016 and in Kiel 2014. The First 35 is significantly larger than the X-35 inside with two roomy separate cabins and all the comforts you may wish for cruising. We were able to match the X-35 on speed in most conditions and especially light downwind with our large mast head spinnakers. As with all boats, at least with our experience, it takes a few seasons, upgrading of sails, fairing of the keel and knowing your numbers with a stable crew before you get top international results. But that is also the great fun and why many years in the same boat will pay off.

We are now in the middle of this journey with our X-41 and hope that we shall come higher up amongst the X-41 fleet in the Worlds this summer.

What about a Bavaria35 match. How does that compare to both the J109, x35 and First 35

We have a J/109 that we use for cruising and short-handed club- and occasional offshore racing. The boat is in Gothenburg so same waters as you are planning to sail in.

We are happy with our boat and find her manageable doublehanded, beautiful and fast :) We don’t perceive her as underpowered as someone mentioned above. We have an all-round jib and a Code0 for upwind. On the contrary, this winter we are getting a smaller jib on an inner stay to use in heavier winds.

We really appreciate the bowsprit and find handling of the asymmetric downwind sails easy and use them more than we thought we would, even when cruising.

You are welcome to come test sail or just have a look on board if that would be of interest to you.

Per and Anna

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J/109 Shoal draft

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 16th March 2020

J/109's main features

J/109's main dimensions, j/109's rig and sails, j/109's performances, j/109's auxiliary engine, j/109's accommodations and layout.

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