j 46 sailboat data

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The J46 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The J46, a high-performance cruising yacht, was designed by Rod Johnstone and built in the USA by J Boats.

Published Specification for the J46

Underwater Configuration:  Bulb fin keel & spade rudder

Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall:  46'0" (14.0m)

Waterline Length:  40'6" (12.3m)

Beam:  13'10" (4.2m)

Draft:  6'3" (1.9m)

Rig Type:  Masthead sloop

Displacement:  24,000lb (10,886kg)

Designer:  Rod Johnstone

Builder:  J Boats (USA)

Year First Built:  1995

Year Last Built:  2003

Number Built:  35

Owners Association:  J Boat Owners

Published Design Ratios for the  J46

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:  19.7

• Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
• 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
• Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio:  39.2

• Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
• Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio:  161

• Under 100: Ultralight
• 100 to 200: Light
• 200 to 275: Moderate
• 275 to 350: Heavy
• Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio:  26.7

• Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
• 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
• 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
• 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
• Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula:   1.9

• Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
• Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

read more about these Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the J46

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 19.7 suggests that, in the right hands, the J/46 will have enough performance to leave most other sailboats of similar waterline length well astern. 

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 40.0 means that the  J/46  will initially stand up reasonably well to her canvas in a moderate breeze, but she'll need a reef in the main to avoid heeling excessively in a gust.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 161, tells us the J/46 is clearly a light displacement sailboat. If she's loaded with too much heavy cruising gear her performance will suffer to a degree.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.9 tells us that a J/46 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

Sailboat-Cruising.com says...

About the boat:.

The J/46 sailboat is a comfortable, well-appointed sailboat that excels in detailed examinations of safety, comfort, performance, seakindliness under way, systems, quality of construction, materials, finish, value for the money, as well as intangibles like aesthetics, pride of ownership & all-around fun. The J/46 is a 46-foot masthead sloop that promises to be an exceptional cruising boat and one particularly liberating for a couple eager to go anywhere under sail, without the need for additional crew.

It has two dedicated sleeping cabins and two heads. The forward cabin has a large V-berth with ample storage space. The aft cabin has a large double berth with hanging locker and bureau. The main salon has two settees with pilot berths outboard and a large drop-leaf table. The galley is aft to port with a three-burner propane stove and oven. The navigation station is opposite the galley to starboard. The head is aft to port with access from the salon or aft cabin. The second head is forward to starboard with access from the forward cabin.

The J/46 sailboat is known for its excellent performance in light winds. It has an easy comfortable motion at sea under sail, and is capable of offshore or ocean voyages.

In terms of 'fors', the J/46 sailboat is known for its excellent performance in light winds and its easy comfortable motion at sea under sail. It is capable of offshore or ocean voyages. In terms of 'againsts', there are no major issues reported about this sailboat.

About the Designer:

The designer of the J/46, Rod Johnstone, is a boat builder and yacht designer from the United States. He is known for designing the J/24 sailboat which is the most successful one-design keelboat of the past 35 years with over 5,300 boats built to date.

Other sailboats designed by Rod Johnstone include:

• J/24: The most successful one-design keelboat of the past 35 years with over 5,300 boats built to date.
• J/35: A 35-foot sailboat designed for racing and cruising.
• J/105: A 34-foot sailboat designed for racing and cruising.
• JY 15: A 15-foot sailboat designed for recreational sailing.
• J/80: A trailerable sailboat designed for racing and cruising.

About the Builder:

J Boats is a sailboat manufacturer that has been in business since 1977. They are known for their high-quality racing and performance-cruising sailboats. Sailboats built by J Boats include:

• J/22 - A 22-foot keelboat that is easy to sail and race.
• J/24 - A 24-foot keelboat that is one of the most popular keelboats in the world.
• J/30 - A 30-foot keelboat that was designed for racing and cruising.
• J/32 - A 32-foot keelboat that was designed for cruising and racing.
• J/33 - A 33-foot keelboat that was designed for racing.
• J/34c - A 34-foot keelboat that was designed for cruising and racing.
• J/35 - A 35-foot keelboat that was designed for racing.
• J/37 - A 37-foot keelboat that was designed for racing and cruising.
• J/40 - A 40-foot keelboat that was designed for cruising and racing.
• J/42 - A 42-foot keelboat that was designed for cruising and racing.
• J/44 - A 44-foot keelboat that was designed for cruising and racing.
• J/46 - A 46-foot keelboat that was designed for cruising and racing.

This additional info was drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material, and believes it to be accurate to the best of their knowledge.

Other sailboats in the J-Boat range include:

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• Sailboat Guide

J/46 is a 45 ′ 11 ″ / 14 m monohull sailboat designed by Rod Johnstone and built by J Boats between 1995 and 2003.

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)

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A true sailor's boat, ready to go offshorefast

The brochure lays it on the line. "This boat was created to the only rule that counts: The Rule of the Sea, which is timeless." Herein lies the philosophy behind the J/46, the successor to the well-established and highly successful J/44. J Boat's design brief called for a performance cruising boat that was supremely seaworthy and able to achieve 8-knot passagemaking speeds under sail, while treating its crew to a comfortable ride in the open ocean. The result is a sailor's boat, with an interior layout that reflects the realities of long passages and rough days at sea. The J/46 is a refreshing change from many boats of its size.

J/46While the J/46's sleek, streamlined hull with minimal overhangs and low cabinhouse has its ancestry in the proven hull shape of the J/44, new keel and rudder configurations contribute to its speed and ease of handling. The length-to-beam ratio is high and, combined with ample reserve buoyancy forward, makes for very controlled tracking in rough seas, with minimal steering loads on helm or autopilot. Greater balance of reserve buoyancy at both ends of the boat helps the bow lift up and over ocean chop and large waves. This was immediately apparent during a test sail in a moderate sea. There was none of the pitching and digging-in found in many boats with fine ends and full-midship sections. Even in 15 knots of wind and moderate waves, it showed no signs of hobbyhorsing and moved through the water without fuss and minimal motion. Although we didn't try this, the 46 would sail well under either jib or main alone. The J/46 has come a long way from the 44 in terms of construction methods. It's built by TPI Technologies using the company's patented SCRIMP method, a process that uses infusion-molded sandwich construction for the hull and deck. This method makes a light yet strong boat since the laminate has a much higher fiber content with less resin than in conventional layups. SCRIMP laminates, the company says, test out at double the strength of conventional hand-laid construction techniques.

One goal for the design team was to have plenty of sail power, but keep the center of effort low enough to maintain good performance in rough seas. A carbon fiber mast, with half the weight of an aluminum spar, provided part of the solution. A combination of a light, strong hull, a modern keel design with a lead bulb, and a carbon spar give the 46 a remarkable stability, which I could appreciate even on a 15-knot day. With a 110-percent genoa and full main, even a small crew can sail this boat hard in strong winds, an important consideration for a long-distance passagemaker. If the wind pipes up over 20 knots, simply roll up the jib and sail under full main, finally reefing in 30 knots. Above the water On deck, the layout is simple and efficient. A large, T-shaped cockpit separates the helmsman from the crew, with a comfortable bench seat aft that contains a lazarette and propane locker below. The 60-inch wheel is partially recessed into the cockpit floor and just the right size for sitting to windward or leeward when hard on the wind. Unfortunately you have to reach through the spokes for the engine throttle, something I found distracting when maneuvering at closer quarters. I would have preferred to see it on the starboard side of the cockpit. The main traveler and its controls are immediately forward of the helm, with two Lewmar 46s controlling the double-ended mainsheet.

Two long, contoured seats allow for sunbathing and are extremely comfortable when heeled, with sheet winches (electric on the test boat) close to hand. All halyards and sail controls are led aft to the cockpit, with two convenient self-tailers and an army of stoppers close to the companionway. You can raise and lower the main from the cockpit, especially if you invest in a Leisurefurl mainsail, such as was fitted to the test boatÑpractically essential if you are shorthanded.

The J/46 has one of the least cluttered decks I have ever encountered, with good nonskid, well-placed stainless steel cabinhouse grabrails and a locker recessed into the deck forward. The builder provides a single stainless steel anchor roller, but I would recommend investing in the second, optional one too. A convenient anodized toerail with well-placed fairleads surrounds the boat.

Down below You step down from the cockpit into a spacious main cabin, with a U-shaped galley to port and a navigation station to starboard. A small aft cabin lies under the starboard side deck, complete with double berth, a set of drawers and a hanging locker. This would make a valuable seagoing berth under way, but is hardly large enough for prolonged occupation. A head with shower is tucked behind the galley to port, with easy access to the Yanmar diesel from both the aft cabin and head as well as the companionway steps.

The saloon is airy, with three opening ports and lots of hatch ventilation, and the test boat was finished in cherry wood joinery. Teak is another option, but I found the cherry stunning. A U-shaped dinette with table is immediately forward of the galley, and with the conventional berth/settee opposite, you can sit at least six people down to dinner in comfort. There is a pilot berth outboard the dinette.

The galley is palatial, complete with a Force 10 three-burner stove with an oven, a large icebox (refrigeration is optional) and deep, double sinks. The U-shaped design allows you to wedge yourself securely in a seaway, but I would recommend installing a galley strap for the stove if bound offshore, as there is nothing to support the cook from the back while at the stove.

The navigation station opposite has a comfortable, forward-facing seat, with a large chart table with a hinged top. A useful shallow shelf outboard covers the battery space. There is plenty of room for electronic devices of all kinds, with the electrical panel behind your head. There is nothing particularly innovative about the saloon, but it is functional at anchor and at sea, with well-placed grab handles, rounded surfaces and a stainless grab post on the corner of the galley.

From the saloon you pass into the spacious forward cabin, with a larger head and separate shower compartment to port. Locker space lies to starboard of the head. Both heads have white plastic surfaces that are easily cleaned.

The forward cabin itself is a huge V-berth with central insert and shelves and lockers outboard. This is where I would sleep in port, for there is room to move about and stretch, a large hatch overhead for air and room to sit if you wish. No sartorial excesses here, just a thoroughly practical layout you can dress up any way you wish. Under sail The J/46 is a comfortable, well-appointed boat, with an interior finish that is very different from the somewhat austere decor of other racer-cruisers in the J Boat line. But this boat really shines where it matters, out on the ocean.

I backed the 46 out of the slip with fingertip control, the 76-horsepower Yanmar was barely audible in the cockpit. The remarkable steering, with only a full turn lock-to-lock, gave me the confidence to maneuver the boat at close quarters without wishing for a bow thruster. While passaging, the boat should cruise comfortably at 8 knots at about 2800 rpm, depending on the propeller installation.

Instead of the usual near-calms that seem to appear every time I head out for a boat tests, there was a magnificent 12- to 18-knot afternoon breeze, which suited the boat perfectly. We raised main and jib and hardened on the wind, making a comfortable 7 knots in the lighter puffs. When a gust came, the boat heeled and accelerated fast, with almost perfect balance and a level of control that I associate more with tillers than wheels. Above all, it was quiet, moving effortlessly over the chop and allowing almost no spray aboard. I got the impression it would be a dry boat in rougher conditions, an important factor when beating to windward for 20, 30 miles or more.

We cracked off on a reach and set the asymmetrical spinnaker from its convenient sock. Then the boat really came alive, reaching at speeds around 10 knots sailing on a beam reach. I never felt it was sailing out of control, and the boat could have carried the spinnaker in a lot more wind without a moment of concern. The ease of handling was also a revelation. True, setting spinnakers and large genoas on a boat this size can require a cast of more than a couple, especially on long passages and in strong winds, but the basic configuration of main and 100-percent genoa allows for astonishingly easy handling and safe passages under a wide range of open water conditions. A spinnaker snuffer with lines led back to the cockpit can ease the hoisting.

No 46-foot performance cruising yacht is cheap, but there is a lot for the dollar with the J/46. This is a boat that begs for sophisticated electronics linked to one another. I must confess to being a novice at such things, but it was fascinating to sail with an autopilot linked to GPS, radar and instruments. The boat could be fine-tuned effortlessly. Such electronic sophistication doesn't come cheap, but you would get more out of your 46 with such wizardry.

J Boats offers various refrigeration, power, and cruising packages, as well as a wide range of stand-alone options, so you can customize your boat to your heart's content. But what stands out with the J-46 is its blazing performance, exceptional comfort at sea and ability to make long passages in comfort.

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The J46 is a 46.0ft masthead sloop designed by Johnstone and built in fiberglass by J Boats between 1995 and 2003.

35 units have been built..

The J46 is a light sailboat which is a good performer. It is stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser.

J46 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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J/46 Owners

An unofficial site for the j/46 sailboat.

Copyright © 2024 D. Scott Miller This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by J/Boats, Inc.

J/46 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of J/46. Built by J Boats and designed by Rod Johnstone, the boat was first built in 1995. It has a hull type of Fin w/bulb & spade rudder and LOA is 14.02. Its sail area/displacement ratio 19.71. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

J/46 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about J/46 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, contributions, who designed the j/46.

J/46 was designed by Rod Johnstone.

Who builds J/46?

J/46 is built by J Boats.

When was J/46 first built?

J/46 was first built in 1995.

How long is J/46?

J/46 is 12.34 m in length.

What is mast height on J/46?

J/46 has a mast height of 16.31 m.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

J/45 tested: Fast cruiser with timeless appeal

• Rupert Holmes
• April 20, 2022

The J/45 is a fast, but civilised, cruiser with a timeless appeal that will resonate with J/Boats’ many long standing devotees

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

We’re close-hauled, sailing the new J/45 at 7.5 knots and catching up with a modern 55-footer, but slowly falling into her lee. Winding on a little mainsheet tightens the leech, putting us in a high mode almost 5° closer to the wind, and we climb above and ahead of the bigger boat. It’s classic J/Boat sailing that’s familiar to thousands of sailors, yet this is a comfortable 45ft cruiser with a host of luxuries including air conditioning.

The J/45 has heaps of appeal to anyone who’s sailed a J in the past. Yet, although the company is responsible for numerous cutting edge designs that changed the way we sail, this boat is more conservative in its nature – it’s an evolution rather than a revolution.

Low freeboard, moderate beam and fine ends by today’s standards, plus a single rudder, put it in classic J/Boat territory. The J/45’s development was also strongly influenced by a desire to produce a boat that’s a joy to sail in light airs, as well as being able to take heavy weather in its stride when necessary.

The J/45 is just as responsive to sail trim as the smaller and racier models in the range and is well powered up in only 8 knots of true wind, when we made 7.5 knots upwind.

Classic J/Boat hull shape gives good performance and handling. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

As the wind progressively built above 10 knots we gradually depowered by pumping on more backstay tension as the boat accelerated further. In 13 knots of true wind we were making 8.4 knots of boat speed, at a true wind angle of only 42°. In stronger breezes the polars show optimal tacking angles of little more than 70°.

A German mainsheet system, led to winches just ahead of the helm stations, plus a 6:1 traveller, makes for easy trimming upwind. The rig is also easy to depower as the breeze builds – increased backstay tension is effective in changing the mainsail to a completely different shape, markedly reducing its drive.

Collaboration

The initial concept for this new flagship was developed and refined over three years of conversation between the American J/Boats team and J/Composites, based in Les Sables d’Olonne, with further input from Berret-Racoupeau for interior design, layout and ergonomics.

From the outset the key vision for the J/45 was for a comfortable cruiser that’s lots of fun to sail, even in light airs. It’s primarily intended for a family or two couples to spend up to 10 days or so on board, though of course the boat is capable of far more than this.

J/Boats has long favoured wheels over tillers, even on boats as small as the J/105 where tiller steering would create a more open cockpit and facilitate sail trimming when helming and alone in the cockpit. This philosophy is carried over to the J/45, where the narrow transom means the two wheels are of a small diameter.

The instrument pods at the helm stations are small, but both have enough space for a steering compass, pilot controls and a small MFD. Our test boat also has B&G Nemesis displays above the companionway hatch garage, but these were partially obscured by the coachroof winches, so I’d be likely to also opt for 20/20 or larger displays at the mast.

J/45 provides performance and pleasure

Throughout the test the helm was super light but responsive, with good feel that built reassuringly as the rudder loaded up when the J/45 was powered up and well heeled. My notes sum it up as: “a brilliant blend of performance and pleasure, with a lovely feel in the helm at all times.”

Tacking into an uncomfortable swell using the optional heavy weather staysail. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

On the downside, it’s impossible to adjust the vang and backstay from the port helm station, although the mainsheet winches and traveller are within reach when sitting on the side deck astride the wheel.

Bearing away to a true wind angle of 135° and unfurling the Code 0 in 12 knots of true wind gave 8 knots of boat speed and beautifully easy, yet fast, sailing. Our highest speeds of the test were also achieved under Code 0, with 16 knots of true wind just abaft the beam. The boat powered up well, still feeling relaxed with speeds nudging into double figures, although weight built noticeably in the helm in the strongest gusts.

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Running at a true wind angle of 150° – marginally deeper than the polars show as the optimal angle for downwind VMG – with the 180m2 A2 spinnaker in 9 knots of breeze we made a respectable 6.1 knots. Luffing up 25° resulted in a jump to 8.5 knots.

Heading up further to 110° true and the apparent well forward of the beam, we were fully powered up and well heeled, although with only a small increase in speed. However, this gave the opportunity for an interesting test of the grip provided by the single rudder. When I first sailed twin rudder boats in the late 1990s I was absolutely hooked on the concept – the extra control they offered was a big revelation at the time. However, single rudder designs have been continuously developed and refined since then and the best have improved enormously.

The J/70 sportsboat, for instance, is an example of a modern design that offers precise handling and control through a single rudder, even though it’s transom hung and therefore operates in an area with a lot of turbulence.

As with TP52 s, the J/45’s rudder is well forward under the hull, clear of such turbulence, which helps maintain laminar water flow across the blade even at high angles of incidence and heel.

It’s just possible to reach the mainsheet winch from the helm. Photo: Rupert Holmes

When fully powered up close reaching with the big kite I tried bearing away sharply without easing the sheets. The J/45 answered the helm instantly with a dramatic course change and no hint of the rudder being anywhere close to stalling.

On the other hand, one downside of the moderate beam and finer ends is that the J/45 tends to sail at greater angles of heel than wide bodied twin-rudder yachts, where the angle rarely exceeds 20°.

Two choices are offered for handling the luff of the mainsail when reefing: either a strop with a dogbone that’s made fast near the gooseneck, or a downhaul led aft to the coachroof winches. The headsail of our test boat sets from an optional low-profile Facnor FD furler, while for stronger winds there’s a furling staysail that’s set on a halyard lock. This can be configured for use with the optional self-tacking jib sheet track and offers an excellent set up for winds over 20 knots.

The keel-stepped mast is unusual among performance cruisers today, but makes sense in this case as the extra support at the partners means the section is one size smaller than would be needed for a deck-stepped spar. This reduces weight aloft and makes the rig more responsive to backstay tension when depowering the mainsail.

Glorious sailing with the big A2 spinnaker. Photo: Rupert Holmes

Effort has been made to keep displacement low, although it’s still significantly heavier than some performance cruisers of this size. But at the same time performance is optimised for the fully loaded displacement, which minimises the effect loading the boat has on both speed and handling.

Construction is of infused vinylester resin and hull laminates are over-specified to give excellent stiffness and improved impact resistance.

Well specified

Nothing is skimped on in the deck layout and equipment on the J/45, while the standard specification is generally of a very high level. It includes many items that other yards list as expensive options, such as Nitronic 50 rod rigging, hydraulic backstay and vang, white painted aluminium spars, and a 60hp engine with three-blade folding prop.

Systems work flawlessly and the six winches are generously sized. At the same time, the deck has a very uncluttered appearance, with lines including halyards and the mainsheet system led aft beneath conduits. The hydraulic backstay and vang markedly reduce the amount of string in the cockpit, as do the standard headsail sheet cars that run on a track with pins, although towed cars are offered as an option.

Our test boat has the electric option for the port coachroof winch, which makes for easy spinnaker hoists and trimming. The pit area is also provided with self-stowing washboards and a commendably large rope bin. Other neat touches include the lazybag arrangement, which makes it easy to roll away excess fabric while sailing.

Slimline helm station pods have enough space for a plotter display. Photo: Rupert Holmes

The J/45 cockpit layout will be immediately familiar to any keen sailor, although unlike many yachts of this size, there’s no separate guest cockpit for those who want to stay well clear of the action. The cockpit is narrow by today’s standards, especially towards the transom, but the lack of wide open spaces here is not detrimental for a serious sailing yacht. Deep moulded bulwarks, plus stainless steel coachroof grab rails, give security when going forward, while the non-slip deck surface of our test boat proved effective, as did the Flexiteek fitted to the cockpit benches and sole.

Cruising stores on the J/45

Two-cabin versions of the J/45 have a large cockpit locker under the starboard bench, which is open to the lazarette and can also be accessed from the interior. There’s a lot of stowage space here, with the main area easily able to swallow a dinghy, several sails, paddleboards and more, although the access from deck is relatively narrow.

It also gives safe access to the quadrant and the pilot ram. In addition, there’s a dedicated liferaft locker, access to the lazarette from the cockpit sole and a large sail locker forward.

Given that most cruising stores and equipment tend to be stowed in the back half of a yacht, the 350lt water tank is under the double berth in the forward cabin, while the chain locker is right forward. This is deliberate to balance the weight of movable equipment and stores, but means weight is not concentrated centrally and it feels wrong to place so much in the ends of the boat. It’s a testament to the boat’s underlying design that this weight in the bow didn’t appear to mar handling, or detract from the lovely feel under sail during our test.

Access to quadrant and pilot in the lazarette. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

No one buys a J/Boat solely on the basis of the interior and it’s no surprise the combination of low freeboard and moderate beam limit volume below deck. However, headroom is generous in the saloon and this a sufficiently large yacht to offer a considerable level of comfort.

While the overall style is instantly recognisable as that of a J/Boat, it’s at least a couple of notches above previous models in terms of quality and feel. J Composites has worked hard to achieve this and there’s a wide range of upholstery options.

Two-cabin versions have excellent stowage aft of the heads compartment, which is also accessible from on deck

The main living, galley and navigation station areas on the J/45 occupy a good length of the boat near the point of maximum beam and are therefore relatively spacious. There are good handholds both at the easy companionway steps and as you move forward into the saloon.

This is wide, with a settee/sea berth to starboard and generous U-shaped seating around the table opposite. On our test boat the aft transverse saloon seat houses an air-conditioning unit with outlets to the saloon and cabins.

At the foot of the companionway the semi U-shape galley has a large single sink and lots of worktop space, along with generally good stowage. Our test boat has a big top loading fridge, plus a second refrigeration unit with drawers, and a three-burner hob with oven. There’s no provision for a dishwasher or a washer-dryer.

The forward owner’s cabin. The fresh water tank is under the berth.

Opposite the galley, the chart table has a conventional forward-facing seat. It’s a good size, with reasonable stowage but no dedicated bookshelves, although some of the six large eye-level lockers lining each side of the saloon could be used for this purpose.

The owner’s cabin is forward, with a peninsula bed, plus a useful separate seat, good floor space and a decent size heads. However, the freshwater tank under the bed limits stowage volumes. This is mostly in one locker to starboard, with hanging space, plus three shelves and two smaller lockers underneath. While there’s ample space for shorter trips, those who envisage spending extended periods on board in cooler climes may need to also use some of the generous saloon stowage.

Aft cabins are smaller than average for a new 45-footer

The port aft cabin is a decent size, with reasonable stowage, although it lacks the palatial proportions of those on boats this of length with more freeboard and where maximum beam is carried right aft. On three-cabin boats the starboard cabin is almost a mirror image of this, but has a little less floor area and stowage.

The second heads compartment, to starboard at the base of the companionway steps, is well appointed and benefits from a big shower area in two-cabin boats. Three-cabin versions, however, lose the shower stall.

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J/Boats has never been afraid to carve its own path. That’s also true for this boat, even though the concept doesn’t obviously push new boundaries. It will certainly appeal to J aficionados. They will appreciate the responsive, precise handling and performance across a wide range of wind speeds and angles. Equally, anyone who’s endured long periods under power while cruising will appreciate the boat’s ability in light airs. It’s really positive to see J/Boats building at this size again. Overall the execution is good and the standard specification impressive, as is attention to detail. For example, this is the only boat of the 10 I tested last winter with cabin sole boards fastened down as per World Sailing’s Offshore Special Regulations, which apply to offshore races and cruising rallies such as the ARC. Add in good resale value and a worldwide dealer/support network and it’s not surprising that this model is already proving popular.

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