Funny your should ask this question. On the weekend I compared my SS tab on J27 #102 to the SS tab on a J109. Both boats are parked in storage beside each other. These two parts are the same even though the J109 is 20 years newer.
I agree, it is 8 years late. Should have came out head to head vs. the Melges that way there would have been half the Melges 24's sold. LOL. I think them bringing it out now is brilliant. They have sold a tone of 105, 109 ect. Their main consumer will be the kids of J owners. My Dad had a J109...
Marketing will make this boat one of the best seller for the next 6 years. Resale value will keep the fleet going well after that.
Class rule talks should be starting soon. I am sure owner driver will be a factor.
Generic is what builds one design fleets. Something that J has managed to do better then any other company. Build and sell for the masses = Many boats sold = $ = more boats on the line.
Farr 25 is a very sweet ride but you are not comparing apples to apples. Base price on the Farr is about $70,000 plus plus plus. J70 is $45,000 all in.