J/92 • At the other end of the design spectrum, J/Boats is bringing an updated version of the popular J/92 to the market. The new J/92s is a simple, stable 30-foot sprit boat that has an inboard diesel, an enclosed head and simple accommodations for coastal cruising.
A modern dual-purpose boat, the 92s is designed for fast sailing with a couple or family as crew. Yet the boat can be raced successfully, either one- design or under a rating rule. The 92s has a new keel and rudder design, and a new deck and cockpit layout for more comfort when cruising.
Down below, the interior is simple, efficient and will suit a couple or a family with small children. Forward there is a V- berth and an enclosed head. The cabin has settee berths on both sides and a compact galley on the port side. A cooler or a 12-volt portable refrigerator fits aft of the companionway.
Those who followed this year’s Newport Bermuda Race will have seen that 44 J/Boats finished the race and 12 finished in the top three of their classes. The 30-foot J/92s may not be your first choice for offshore passagemaking – it is intended as a racer/cruiser for active families – but you know it comes from a company that builds offshore-quality boats that sail extremely well.
A more dedicated coastal cruiser comes to the U.S. this fall from German builder Bavaria. One of Europe’s highest volume builders, Bavaria has mastered the science of production line assembly, which enables the company to build cruising boats at very attractive prices – despite the high euro, low dollar exchange rates.