1986 J Boats J/27 Boat in Little Elm, TX 75068 US
Built in 1986
J/27
1 Engine (Mercury)
27 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
This boat is being renovated in Oak Point, Texas. The exterior and interior teak is being sanded and conditioned. The sole in the cockpit has fresh paint. The tiller has been sanded and reconditioned. The exterior teak has been coated with three coats of Cetol.
J/27 1986 (hull #128) "Second Wind" was purchased from Lake Lanier, GA.
Instruments:
B&G Vulcan 9 Chartplotter with Wind + Water tranducers (B&G WS310 & DST-810)
Raymarine ST1000 Tiller Pilot
VHF radio ICOM IC-M94D with DSC & AIS
Boat:
Rebuilt winches
Barrier coat Oct 2025
Several Balsa Core repairs with Divinycell (4 areas deck, 1 topside)
Dry sailed past 6+ years
Trailer:
New Tires & Wheels
New Hubs & Bearings
Replaced Surge Brake with Electric Brakes (both axles)
Re-Wired trailer, new lights
Motor:
Nissan/Mercury 3.3 hp
Sails:
Some are in Good shape, some Fair shape.
4 Mains
3 Jibs
3 Genoas
5 Spinnaker
The J/27 is a 27.5 foot high-performance racer designed by Rod Johnstone and built by Tillotson Pearson between 1983 and 1992. Known for its exceptional speed, stiffness, and responsiveness, it remains a highly regarded choice for club racing and fast weekend cruising.
Performance & Handling
- Speed: Highly competitive under PHRF handicaps, easily capable of sustaining double-digit speeds downwind in heavy breeze.
- Stiffness: Features a heavy lead keel with a low center of gravity, making the hull remarkably stable and fast uphill.
- Crew Requirements: Optimal racing requires a crew of 5 to 7 to hike the boat flat in a heavy breeze. It can be difficult to sail shorthanded compared to modern sportboats.
- Rigging: The standard design uses a traditional symmetric spinnaker, though some owners modernize them with a custom asymmetrical spinnaker setup
Interior & Comfort
- Cabin Layout: Stripped down but functional, featuring 4 to 5 berths, a simple galley with a small water capacity, and a basic head area.
- Headroom: Limited below-deck headroom of 4.5 feet.
- Cockpit: An 8-foot-long open cockpit provides plenty of room for active crew maneuvers.
From JBOATS.COM:
Its hard to imagine that a modern 27 foot sailboat with a classic look, superb stability, and easy to manage rig is such a fast boat. 123-126 PHRF. No longer do you have to substitute speed for comfort, or own separate boats for racing and cruising. The 8’ long cockpit seats 4 to 5 comfortably. Below deck you can sleep 5. And with head and stove, the J/27 is the perfect weekend cruiser.
Fun and Fast. There are some impressive victories to back this up, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The J/27 is fun and responsive. Nothing is more exhilarating than popping the J/27’s kite in a good breeze for a downhill sleigh ride. 15+ knots planing off the wave-tops is easy. And most importantly, this off-wind speed doesn’t sacrifice upwind performance. Going to windward in the J/27 is a dream, it has the solid, balanced "feel" of a traditional keelboat. The J/27 points higher and goes faster than many 30-35 footers!
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/16/26 | Initial price | $14,000 |
1986 J Boats J/27 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1986 J Boats J/27
Customers have shared a variety of positive impressions regarding the 1986 J Boats J/27
Most notably, they appreciate its excellent sailing performance and responsiveness in various wind conditions. Sailors commend the boat for its lively handling, making it a favorite for both competitive racing and leisurely cruising. Many praise the J/27's design, highlighting the spacious cockpit and comfortable cabin that offers ample room for a small crew. The build quality is also frequently mentioned, with customers noting the solid construction that contributes to its durability over the years. Moreover, the J/27 has garnered accolades for its stability and ease of use, making it accessible for both novice and experienced sailors. Overall, customers describe the 1986 J Boats J/27 as a well-balanced, versatile, and reliable sailboat that continues to hold its value in the market.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The J Boats J/27, designed in 1986, is a versatile and spirited sailing yacht that has captured the attention of many sailors over the years. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons:
Pros
Performance: The J/27 is renowned for its excellent sailing performance. It combines a balanced hull design with a high aspect ratio rig, ensuring a responsive and fast sailing experience, whether in light winds or stronger conditions.
Ease of Handling: With its relatively small size, the J/27 can be easily handled by a small crew. The design promotes good visibility, making it easy for the helmsman to manage sails and navigate.
Design and Build Quality: Built with durable materials, the J/27 emphasizes quality craftsmanship. Its construction features a solid fiberglass hull, contributing to its longevity and resistance to wear.
Nimble Size: At 27 feet in length, the J/27 is considered a perfect size for both weekend cruising and competitive racing. It can maneuver well in tight spaces and is suitable for a variety of sailing conditions.
Rigging and Sail Options: The J/27 offers flexible rigging options and a range of sails, allowing owners to optimize for different sailing styles, whether racing or cruising.
Strong Community: As part of the J Boats family, the J/27 has a vibrant owner community, making it easier to find parts, accessories, and fellow enthusiasts.
Cons
Limited Space: The compact design does mean that cabin space is limited. For extended cruising, the interior may feel cramped for larger crews or families.
Draft Considerations: With a deeper draft due to its keel design, the J/27 may face challenges in shallow waters, which could limit accessibility to certain destinations.
Age of the Model: Being an older design from 1986, some models may require updates or maintenance to keep pace with modern standards. Potential buyers should be prepared for inspections and possible refurbishments.
Equipment Variability: Depending on previous ownership, the level of equipment and upgrades can vary significantly, which may mean extra investment for some models to meet personal sailing needs.
Less Storage: The storage space on the J/27 is minimal. This may be a concern for those who have a lot of gear or prefer long-term cruising.
Made For
The 1986 J Boats J/27 is designed for sailing enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of performance and comfort. Ideal for both racing aficionados and leisure sailors, this versatile sailboat caters to those who appreciate speed and agility on the water, as well as those who enjoy a relaxing day on the bay. With its sleek lines and responsive handling, the J/27 appeals to competitive sailors looking for a dependable racer that can hold its own in regattas. At the same time, its spacious cockpit and well-thought-out interior make it a great choice for cruising with family or friends. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just starting your nautical journey, the J/27 offers an engaging sailing experience that balances excitement with ease of handling. Discover the joy of sailing with a vessel that embodies quality craftsmanship and performance-driven design.
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