J/36

Description

The J/36 (1980–1984) is a 36′ pure racer-cruiser that many old-school J/Boats fans rank among the sweetest-sailing models the company ever built. At 36′ LOA (30′ LWL), 11,200 lb displacement, and 5,200 lb lead ballast in a deep 6′9″ fin (or rare 5′8″ shoal), it carries 728 sq ft upwind on a tall fractional rig (SA/D ~25, D/L ~150)—numbers that made it a dominant Level-Rating IOR two-tonner in its day, winning the 1981 and 1983 North American Championships and countless distance races. The low, sleek cabin hides a surprisingly comfortable interior: full galley, nav station, enclosed head, and two private double cabins with 6′+ headroom. The huge cockpit and all-lines-aft layout make it a joy short-handed or fully crewed, and it sails light, balanced, and fast—regularly hitting 10–12 knots reaching and surfing into the mid-teens under spinnaker. Built like a brick by Tillotson-Pearson, it remains stiff, quick, and seaworthy 40+ years later; PHRF 78–90. Only 55 hulls were produced, giving the J/36 instant cult status