1996 J Boats J/120Sold
$119,000
Boat in San Diego, CA 92101 US
J/120
1 Engine (Yanmar)
40 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
New to the market in San Diego, California
The 1996 J/120 is a well-regarded racer/cruiser known for its performance and comfortable cruising accommodations, praised for its balance between speed and comfort, and its ability to be sailed effectively by a couple.
- Design and Performance:
- The J/120 is a 40-foot sloop designed by Rod Johnstone, known for its performance and cruising capabilities.
- It's designed to be a fast cruiser for a couple, but also a competitive racer.
- The hull shape is described as moderate, with a broad bow, allowing the boat to be driven hard on reaches and in heavy air downwind.
- The boat has a light but well-built hull, powerful and easily managed sails, and a responsive helm.
- The cockpit is designed for convenience of steering and sail handling, with a big wheel and semi-balanced rudder.
- The J/120 can reach speeds in the mid-teens with a full crew and the right conditions, and can sail well with a mainsail alone, or with a mainsail and a small jib.
- Interior and Comfort:
- The interior layout is fairly simple, with a good-sized galley, a spacious head, an aft cabin, and good storage.
- The boat has a focus on function and form over styling statements.
- Moving around the boat is easy, with handholds and foot braces in strategic locations.
- The winch placements are logical, and the wide side decks have good non-skid.
- Construction:
- The J/120 is built with high-quality materials, including a high-quality SCRIMP balsa-core laminate construction with 65-70% glass content.
- The hull is molded with a resin-infusion process, using vacuum bagging and resin injection, to achieve a glass-to-resin ratio of 65 to 70 percent and minimal environmental impact during construction.
- Key Features:
- The J/120 is known for its ability to sail short-handed.
- It has a retractable carbon-fiber J/Sprit for flying an asymmetrical spinnaker, which can be operated from the cockpit.
- Jibing is easy, requiring only letting go the old sheet and pulling in the new one.
- Awards and Recognition:
- The J/120 was named Cruising World Magazine's Overall Boat-of-the-Year and Best Value in a Full-Size Cruiser.
- Overall:
- The J/120 is a well-regarded racer/cruiser that offers a good balance between speed and comfort, making it suitable for both racing and cruising.
- It's a boat that sacrifices very little speed when compared to stripped-out racing machines, yet offers accommodations suitable for cruising comfor
- 2 - Cabins 1 - Head
- 2 - Berths in Salon with Lee Cloths
- Carbon Fiber Mast
- Rod Rigging (Original Standing Rigging)
- Yanmar 3JH2E 38hp with 1500 hours with External oil & Temp gauges
- Shaft Drive
- Balmar Alternator
- 130% Quantum Head Sail UV cover replaced recently
- Main Sail is a North Endurance about 5 years old and only sailed once with 5 battens
- 2 - A-sails
- Retractable Bow Sprit
- 1 - Carbon Jib 15yrs old
- Last bottom was about 4.5 years ago
- 1 - AGM Start Battery
- 4 - AGM House batteries
- B&G 20/20 Mast Base Repeters
- B&G Hydra Pilot at Cockpit
- 2-B&G Repeaters at companionway & B&G Wind at companionway
- B&G Pilot at Nav station With repeater
- B&G Plotter at Nav Station
- Heart Interface Inverter / Charger Link 2000
- VHF
- 12v Refrigeration in Galley
- Manual Head with T-Valve for Overboard or Tank
- Cockpit Speakers
- 4 - Salon Speakers
- 6 - Lewmar Winches in Cockpit
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 his agents, or his 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6/28/25 | Initial price | $119,000 |
Videos from Cruising Yachts - San Diego on this 1996 J Boats J/120
1996 J Boats J/120 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1996 J Boats J/120
The 1996 J Boats J/120 is highly praised by customers for its exceptional performance and sleek design
Owners appreciate its impressive speed and agility, making it a favorite among competitive sailors. The boat's solid construction and quality craftsmanship are often highlighted, ensuring durability and reliability on the water. Many users also commend the spacious and comfortable cockpit, which enhances the overall sailing experience. Overall, the 1996 J/120 is regarded as a well-balanced, stylish, and high-performing sailboat that delivers both excitement and comfort.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1996 J Boats J/120 is a well-regarded performance cruiser known for its blend of speed, comfort, and handling. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Performance-Oriented Design: The J/120 offers excellent sailing performance with a sleek hull and efficient sail plan, making it responsive and fast, especially upwind.
Build Quality: Constructed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship typical of J Boats, ensuring durability and longevity.
Comfortable Interior: Despite its racing pedigree, the J/120 provides a comfortable and functional interior layout suitable for cruising, with ample sleeping accommodations and storage.
Versatility: It serves well both as a competitive racer and a cruising yacht, appealing to sailors who want a dual-purpose boat.
Ease of Handling: Designed for shorthanded sailing, the boat’s rig and deck layout facilitate manageable sail handling.
Cons
Limited Space: While comfortable for its size, interior space is more limited compared to larger cruising yachts, which may be a consideration for extended trips or larger crews.
Maintenance Requirements: As a high-performance boat, it may require more regular maintenance to keep sails, rigging, and systems in optimal condition.
Older Design: Being a 1996 model, some design elements and onboard systems might be dated compared to modern yachts, potentially necessitating upgrades.
Cost of Upkeep: Parts and specialized maintenance for performance-oriented boats can be more expensive than for standard cruising yachts.
Made For
The 1996 J Boats J/120 is designed for sailors seeking a high-performance racing yacht that also offers comfortable cruising capabilities. It is ideal for competitive racers who want a responsive and agile boat, as well as for enthusiasts looking for a well-built, versatile vessel suitable for weekend sailing and coastal cruising. Its combination of speed, handling, and onboard comfort makes it perfect for both seasoned sailors and those aspiring to advance their sailing skills.
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Address
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Contact Cruising Yachts - San Diego about 1996 J Boats J/120
1880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101
Contact Cruising Yachts - San Diego
1880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101






































































































