Introduced in 1979 and designed by Rod Johnstone, the J/30 quickly established itself as one of the most competitive one-design racers of its era. Built in fiberglass with a fin keel and spade rudder configuration, this masthead sloop delivers the responsive, performance-oriented handling that became a hallmark of the J/Boats brand. With a generous sail area-to-displacement ratio, the J/30 is a lively performer in a wide range of wind conditions, making it a natural choice for club racing and offshore distance events alike. Its relatively wide beam contributes to strong form stability and comfortable interior volume for a 30-foot boat, giving it genuine appeal as a coastal cruiser when the racing flags come down. The ballast-to-displacement ratio reflects a well-balanced design that rewards skilled helming without being punishing for less experienced sailors. With 546 hulls built between 1979 and 1987, the J/30 enjoys an active one-design racing class and strong community support, which translates to good parts availability and accessible racing fleets in many regions. For buyers seeking an affordable entry into competitive one-design sailing or a capable coastal boat with a spirited personality, the J/30 remains a compelling option.
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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/30's sail area to displacement ratio?
The J/30 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.8. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the J/30's comfort ratio?
The J/30 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 23.56. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the J/30 safe for offshore sailing?
The J/30 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.73. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the J/30?
The theoretical hull speed of the J/30 is 7.62 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a J/30 weigh?
The J/30 has a displacement of 6,920 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 30.00 ft.
How much does a used J/30 cost?
Based on 5 recent market listings, used J/30 sailboats typically sell for between $14,900 and $15,500, with a median asking price of $14,900. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the J/30?
The J/30 was designed by Rod Johnstone, first built in 1979.