SAIL Magazine Review

Edited by Charles Mason

Delivering a new level of performance is a tall order, especially for a first design.

But, Al Johnstone learned the trade well from his father, Rod, and the J/32, the first J Boat with Al's name on it, promises to be a valued addition to the J Boats family.

The boat is fast and easy for two people to sail.

Construction of both hull and deck utilizes the SCRIMP® resin infusion system; the laminate schedules include unidirectional, biaxial, and triaxial fibers. Baltek balsa core is used in both the hull and deck; a floor grid is fused directly to the hull to create additional strength.

Johnstone has resisted the urge to jam a lot of bunks belowdeck. The single stateroom/single head aft combination, with two settees in the main cabin for kids or visiting firemen, is a nice blend.

I had the opportunity to spend four days sailing the boat, and what fun days they were. Although the J/32 might be considered stiff by some, I liked this characteristic, because it allows the boat to accelerate out of a tack efficiently.

Part of the secret- the cockpit is efficient, and visibility from the helm is good even with the dodger up. The mainsheet tackle system is double-ended and easy to handle.

No 32 footer without davits can solve the dinghy-stowage problem perfectly, but there is more than enough locker space in the cockpit for an inflatable, scuba tanks, or other gear.

The J/32 will fit your needs for weekend-plus cruising.

-Robby Robinson