2018 J Boats J/97E Boat in Seattle, WA 98117 US
J/97E
1 Engine (Volvo Penta)
32 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Possible Moorage Sublease available at Shilshole Bay Marina
All Viewings/Showings are by appointment only.
Rocket J. Squirrel is a J/97E, one of J/Boats’ “E” Series of versatile performance sailing yachts. The “E” is for elegance and evolution in performance cruising design. J/97E is the first J in over two decades under 32’ to combine headroom and family cruising accommodations in a high performance, easily driven hull. With the handling ease of an asymmetric spinnaker and non-overlapping headsails, the J/97E promises to be J Boats’ most versatile design yet under 35’ to fit the needs of today’s sailing families, both young and old alike-- the ultimate combination of sailing performance and creature comforts for all!
The J/97E cockpit is similar to the award-winning cockpit found on the J/111. It features full length seats with back rests, tiller steering, and an open transom. All sailing controls are within reach of the helmsperson to make the boat very easy to manage. A retractable bow sprit with masthead asymmetric spinnaker allows great all-around performance without the need for numerous skilled crew. The low VCG keel provides exceptional upwind stability while being cruising friendly with swept back leading edge and moderate draft.
Rocket J Squirrel is an excellent-condition 2018 J/Boats J/97E offering an ideal blend of responsive performance, smart cruising comfort and refined J/Boat handling. Designed for sailors who appreciate speed, balance and simplicity under sail, the J/97E is equally well suited for spirited day sailing, club racing, fast coastal cruising and comfortable weekends aboard.
This one-owner J/97E has been sailed in the PNW only, primarily in the Puget Sound and San Juans.
Rocket J Squirrel was thoughtfully commissioned and equipped from new with a strong package of sails, Garmin electronics, autopilot, Wallas forced-air diesel heat, cruising options and performance hardware. Her Ballard Sails carbon/Twaron sail inventory and A2 asymmetrical spinnaker give her genuine performance appeal, while her accommodations, diesel heat, galley, refrigeration, water system and enclosed head make her practical for cruising and overnight use.
Whether your goal is a quick weekend escape, Wednesday night racing or simply owning a fast, elegant and versatile modern sailboat, Rocket J Squirrel deserves serious consideration.
Rocket J Squirrel was originally purchased through the local PNW J/Boats Dealer Sail Northwest and commissioned at CSR Marine in Seattle, WA.
Key Features and Options
- One-owner 2018 J/Boats J/97E
- Excellent overall condition
- Lead L-bulb keel
- Tiller steering
- Carbon/Twaron Ballard Sails mainsail and 105% furling jib
- A2 asymmetrical spinnaker
- Retractable bowsprit
- Roller-furling headsail
- Garmin electronics, navigation, AIS, autopilot
- Wallas 30GB forced-air diesel heat with vents
- Volvo Penta D1-20 diesel engine with secondary fuel filter with priming pump
- Saildrive with 2-blade folding propeller
- Seaview Boatyard bottom service with two coats Seahawk Cukote 2024
- Zincs/anodes replaced May 2026
- Engine oil and transmission oil changed January 2026
- PHRF rating noted as 105
Accommodations
The J/97E offers a practical and inviting interior layout that makes excellent use of space for a performance cruiser of this size. Below deck, Rocket J Squirrel provides a bright, open cabin with comfortable seating for 6-8 people around the table in the salon. Navigation station to starboard, aft of the settee. The cabin is designed to provide the comfort needed for time aboard without compromising the sailing performance that defines the J/97E, suitable for weekends aboard, race events, or relaxed coastal cruising.
Rear stateroom with a double berth. Interior cherry plywood, giving the cabin a warm, clean, traditional feel while keeping the boat purposeful and lightweight.
- Forward double V-berth
- Rear stateroom with double berth
- Port and starboard salon conversion settee berths
- 4-6 total berths
- Cherry plywood interior woodwork
- One manual head with wet locker
- 5 gallon holding tank
The galley aboard Rocket J Squirrel is compact, functional, and well suited for daysailing, weekend cruising, and simple meal preparation aboard.
- One stainless steel sink
- 12V top load refrigeration
- Freezer
- Propane stove and oven
- Pressurized freshwater system
- Hot water
Deck Equipment
- Tiller steering
- Anchor roller
- Removable bow roller
- Removable swim ladder
- Two-tone deck
- Lifesling
Electronics
- Garmin GHP Reactor mechanical autopilot package with PYI direct mechanical drive
- Garmin chartplotter
- Garmin GPSMAP 942 mounted at nav station
- Garmin GMI 20 multi displays mounted on seahood
- Garmin wind transducer
- Garmin triducer for depth, knotmeter, and water temperature
- Garmin depth sounder
- Garmin knotmeter
- Garmin wind instruments
- Garmin VHF 110 mounted at nav station
- Garmin AIS 600 send/receive
- Masthead antenna
- Autopilot tiller hardware, including drag link, tiller pin, tiller lever, and bore key
Sail Inventory and Rigging
Ballard Sails AP Code 5 mainsail with carbon/Twaron membrane construction, double LiteSkin taffeta, 14K DPI. Fully battened with two full and three short RBS E-glass battens. Adjustable luff boxes. J/97 logo, numbers, draft stripes, and sail bag.
Ballard Sails 105% AP Jib Code 2 with carbon/Twaron membrane construction, double LiteSkin taffeta, 13K DPI. Roller furling with three vertical RBS E-glass battens. Draft stripes. Full-length genoa bag.
Ballard Sails A2 asymmetrical spinnaker. 102m2 of Contender Superkote 75 material with Launch bag and Soft Spectra clew.
- ATN genoa sleeve
- Sloop rig
- Keel-stepped mast
- Harken mechanical adjustable backstay
Engine and Propulsion
- 2018 Volvo Penta D1-20 3 cylinder inboard diesel makes 20 HP, freshwater cooled
- 380 hours
- Saildrive
- 2-blade folding bronze propeller
- 13 gallon fuel tank
Plumbing and Heating
- 50 gallon freshwater tank
- Pressurized water system
- Manual and electric bilge pumps
- 5 gallon holding tank
- Quick Nautic water heater
- 110V and engine heat-exchange water heating
- Wallas 30GB forced-air diesel heat
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information, nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct their agents or surveyors to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/28/26 | Price decreased | $172,000(-7.0%) |
| 6/12/26 | Initial price | $185,000 |
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Overview from around the web 2018 J Boats J/97E
Customers rave about the 2018 J Boats J/97E for its exceptional performance and versatility
Many sailors appreciate its sleek design and lightweight construction, which contribute to impressive speed on the water. The boat’s responsive handling and balanced sail plan make it a favorite among performance enthusiasts as well as those seeking a comfortable cruising experience. Owners also highlight the spacious and well-thought-out interior, which provides ample room for relaxation and entertaining. The J/97E’s intelligent layout maximizes storage, making it convenient for weekend getaways or longer voyages. Sailors love the ease of rigging and the intuitive controls that enhance the overall sailing experience. Overall, the J/97E has garnered positive feedback for its combination of racing capabilities and cruising comfort, making it a popular choice among both competitive sailors and leisure cruisers.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
Pros
Versatile Design: The J/97E features a versatile design that excels in various sailing conditions, making it suitable for both cruising and racing.
Performance: Known for its responsive handling and impressive speed, the J/97E is engineered to offer a thrilling sailing experience while maintaining stability.
Comfortable Interior: The spacious and thoughtfully designed interior provides comfort on longer voyages, with a practical layout that includes sleeping quarters and a galley.
Sail Plan: The balanced sail plan allows for easy handling, catering to both inexperienced and experienced sailors. Its rigging is optimized for performance without compromising ease of use.
Quality Build: Constructed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, the J/97E ensures durability and longevity, making it a sound investment.
Accessibility: The boat's size and layout make it manageable for small crews, making it a popular choice for those who want to enjoy sailing without being overwhelmed by a larger vessel.
Cons
Cost: The initial investment for a J/97E can be higher compared to other boats in the same category, which might limit accessibility for some buyers.
Space Limitations: While the interior is comfortable, it may feel cramped for larger crews, especially during extended periods aboard.
Performance Trade-offs: While the J/97E is a performance-oriented design, it may not compete with specialized racing boats when it comes to speed and agility in highly competitive environments.
Maintenance: Like all boats, the J/97E requires regular maintenance which can be time-consuming and costly over time.
Wind Limitations: The handling characteristics may not be as favorable in very light or extremely heavy wind conditions, necessitating experience to optimize performance across all conditions.
Made For
The 2018 J Boats J/97E is designed for sailing enthusiasts who crave both performance and comfort. This versatile 32-foot cruiser-racer caters to a wide range of sailors, from families looking for a reliable day-sailer to competitive racers aiming for podium finishes. Its responsive handling and efficient design make it ideal for those who enjoy spirited weekend regattas or leisurely coastal cruising. With a spacious cockpit and well-appointed interior, the J/97E strikes the perfect balance between racing prowess and relaxed living, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking an exhilarating sailing experience without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the sport, the J/97E offers a welcoming and exhilarating platform to explore the waters.
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2018 J Boats J/97E | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $172,000 | $190,000 | $190,000 | $149,000 | $139,000 | $125,000 |
| Location | Seattle | Seattle | Seattle | Anacortes | Seattle | Seattle |
| Nominal Length | 32' | 41' | 41' | 38' | 40' | 42' |
| Beam | 11' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 6' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Volvo Penta | Yanmar | Yanmar | Yanmar | Beta | Yanmar |
| Total Engine Power | 20 hp | 40 hp | 40 hp | 28 hp | 81 hp | 47 hp |
| Days on Market | 109 | 102 | 116 | 44 | 545 | 77 |
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Seattle Yachts was formed by the merging of Northwest Yachts which was founded in 1992 and Seattle Yachts which was founded in 1983. We have a great opportunity to serve you better, with locations in Washington, California, Florida, Maryland, Canada, and the Philippines! We represent 15 lines of new boats for you to choose from, as well as a fleet of previously owned vessels.
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Boat Location
Contact Seattle Yachts about 2018 J Boats J/97E
7001 Seaview Ave NW, STE 150, Seattle, WA, 98117




























