Designed by Rod Johnstone and first launched in 1983, the J/22 has become one of the most successful one-design racing sailboats in history, with over 1,650 hulls built and active class racing still thriving decades after its introduction. That kind of longevity speaks volumes about the boat's appeal. Built from fiberglass with a fin keel with bulb and spade rudder, the J/22 is a responsive, sporty daysailer optimized for buoy racing and inshore competition. Its fractional sloop rig and generous sail area-to-displacement ratio give it lively performance in a variety of conditions, rewarding skilled sailors while remaining approachable enough for those developing their racing chops. The relatively high capsize screening value suggests it's best kept in protected or coastal waters rather than offshore passages, a characteristic well-suited to its intended role as a competitive one-design racer. The comfort ratio reflects a performance-focused design rather than a cruising platform, so prospective buyers should view the J/22 primarily as a racing machine. For sailors seeking a competitive, class-supported boat with a strong community, proven design pedigree, and excellent resale market, the J/22 remains a compelling and enduring choice.
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- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering.
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What is the J/22's sail area to displacement ratio?
The J/22 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 27.73. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the J/22's comfort ratio?
The J/22 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 13.86. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the J/22 safe for offshore sailing?
The J/22 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.95. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the J/22?
The theoretical hull speed of the J/22 is 5.76 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a J/22 weigh?
The J/22 has a displacement of 1,791 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 22.58 ft.
How much does a used J/22 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used J/22 sailboats typically sell for between $3,900 and $3,900, with a median asking price of $3,900. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the J/22?
The J/22 was designed by Rod Johnstone, first built in 1983.