J Boat 40'

[bill brown]

Dear Folks, first post. Owned a Freres 40 about 18 years ago. I made a mistake (many) - just about every system had to be fixed. My wife and I are pretty close to retirement - - a matter of months. We are planning on purchasing a 40' sailboat. I have studied a number of used boats. The boat will be berthed (most of the time) in Lake Champlain. However, 2012 will make a few trips via Montreal (go either west or east) to Gt. Lakes or Atlantic. So, here's the question: Interested in a J 40 (5.5" draft, 18000). Probably OK for the lake - - - -BUT - - - how about coastal sailing? thanks bb

[stacy]

We had a J 40 for 5-6 yrs. Bought it in Seattle and sailed it down to S.F. Then took it to Mexico for a yr going as far south as Ixtapa and then back up to the sea of Cortez and then back to S.F. The boat was great. The Volvo engine was something far less than great.

[bill brown]

I am concerned about the Volvo. Can you give me particular problems that you encountered?

[stacy]

On the trip to Mexico we had a cracked cooper injector port sleeve that required pulling the head to replace, a cracked oil pump housing that need replacement. Another issue, not directly related to the engine, was the explosed position of the ignition that developed a short and burned up the engine start battery. we also developed a leak with the fuel lift pump that required replacement. Other than that it was a typical yr long cruise.

[sded]

You can find a lot of J40 information at J40 Sailors Web Page . I have over 4000 hours on my Volvo 2003T with no real problems, including 6 months in Mexico; others have done overhauls or changed out the engine to a Yanmar, or the new Volvo D2-40. Problems seem related to usage and maintenance, like most other engines, and a good engine survey is a must for an installation that age. Some have circumnavigated or gone to places like Australia with the same boat and engine; others have been problematic. But try the website for a flavor of the uses.

[bill brown]

I appreciate these inputs and will continue to research the J 40. thanks, bb

[barnakiel]

J40 are cream boats and Volvo are great engines. If any fails it can tell you more about the ex-owner than the brand.

b.

[flopresti]

Originally Posted by bill brown

Dear Folks, first post. Owned a Freres 40 about 18 years ago. I made a mistake (many) - just about every system had to be fixed. My wife and I are pretty close to retirement - - a matter of months. We are planning on purchasing a 40' sailboat. I have studied a number of used boats. The boat will be berthed (most of the time) in Lake Champlain. However, 2012 will make a few trips via Montreal (go either west or east) to Gt. Lakes or Atlantic. So, here's the question: Interested in a J 40 (5.5" draft, 18000). Probably OK for the lake - - - -BUT - - - how about coastal sailing? thanks bb

Hey Bill, I can't think of a better 40' boat for ocean sailing. Fast, easy to short hand sail. I wouldn't want more than 4 people for a Bermuda cruise...Frank

[flopresti]

Hey Bill, I can't think of a better 40' boat for ocean sailing. Fast, easy to short hand sail. I wouldn't want more than 4 people for a Bermuda cruise...Frank

[Suijin]

I know of a couple of J 40's that have crossed the pond without incident. If nothing else it makes for a short trip.

[flopresti]

Ah, J40s

Don't get me started as I'm well into a fine wine evening. A perfect old boat for an old racer. Fast and easy like a good mate.

But isn't that what sailing is all about.

But each boat is the best. I sip and recall - on my first cruiser, 30 yrs ago, a Catalina 25 making it from Port Washington to the Plum Gut in 11 hrs with a stiff Southerly - no chop - and a spinnaker. 11 hours, really....Frank