J80 as a day Sailer

[Monster Mash]

I've spent two weeks at J World sailing the J80, 4 years apart and thought it was a fun easy boat to sail.

I'm looking for a sporty day sailer and this checks a lot of boxes.  I have no intentions of sleeping overnight on it.

Thoughts from any owners? 

thx

MM

 

[Varan]

Add decent cushions, and its a good overnighter too. V berth easily handles an adult or two. I had quality 4" high density foam fabric covered up front, 3" on the kids quarter berths. Old j24 spinnaker cut as a canopy over the boom, and kids would move their cushions into the cockpit, while wifey and I slept up front. It was great fun for all.

4" up front worked well, because it was well above the entry in the bulkhead, so no bruised shins. Trivial to remove for racing too. Just don't dumb the boat down. A race ready one still make a fine daysailer one can easily singlehand.

 

[JMOD]

They are fun daysailers. you could even soup it up with some flexiteak to make it easier on the feet. no need to change much as the deck layout is quite good and plenty of older but useable sails around from racers, which are perfect for cruising.

However, in Europe, it is hard to find a good condition J/80 for a reasonable price.

 

[Grinning Ape]

I've spent two weeks at J World sailing the J80, 4 years apart and thought it was a fun easy boat to sail.

I'm looking for a sporty day sailer and this checks a lot of boxes.  I have no intentions of sleeping overnight on it.

Thoughts from any owners? 

thx

MM

Absolutely.  A great little day sailer and racing boat. Low maintenance, easy to sail and cost effective to run.  What’s not to like, apart from not having a heads?

 

[J88 Alchemy]

I had a J/80 and enjoyed the boat.  I now have a J/70 and that boat checks all your boxes too.  The advantage of the 70 is the retractable keel; trailer launching is a snap and no marina costs for a hoist / travel lift.  It's easier to tow too.  In terms of sailing, the 70 is a very agile and lively boat.  It's more tender than the 80, but lots of fun.  Mine is on the market right now.

 

[Monster Mash]

Thanks J88

I've sailed the J70 and it's a bit tender for what I want to do.

I plan on lake sailing and leaving it in the water.

 

[VeloceSailing]

I changed down from a Sun Fast to a J80 just before winter with similar thoughts. I was looking for a fun, simple boat that allows coastal as well as brief offshore stretches. Mainly for racing, possibly day or weekend sailing.

So far, I am loving it. 

Plenty of food for thought on  velocesailing.se

 

[Quickstep192]

I used to race on a J/80 and thought it was a fantastic boat. My only reservation for it as a daysailer is that you sit on it, not in it, so there’s not a spot to lean back leisurely and be comfy. 

 

[charis]

Hiking pads on the lifelines, even in the back section where there's not much hiking, and Raptor decking are great improvements for creature comfort and don't slow you down racing, either.

 

[J80 1123]

I've had my 1994 J/80 for 4 years. It's a great boat to take out with the guys for a race and can get pretty exciting when the wind is up and the chute goes out. It's also a great boat to take out for a day (or night) sail with my wife or with friends who aren't sailors. Never had a need to spend the night aboard so I can't speak to that.
Love the boat!