Capt Lar, we just
sold our J/30 after a happy 9 year relationship. I believe the moisture problem refered to results from the poor design or poor
installation of the
engine exhaust in the transom - the
builder just drilled a hole thru the
hull and installed the pipe. It was sealed, but after 20 years, there wasn't much
sealant remaining.
Water leaked into the
core around the
exhaust pipe, and we had to replace the
core in the lower half of the transom and about 2 ft underneath as well. We were not aware of this issue until a
surveyor discovered it on our boat, since them I have heard of it on a number of J29's and J/30's, since the J/35 is of the same vintage I expect it might be a problem there as well.
The J/Boats have cored hulls, so any of them that are not very well maintained may be subject to
water in the core. Of course that applies to most boats, but those with cored hulls havce more core to worrry about.
Having said that we would certainly buy another J with no hesitation, subject to a thorough
survey.
John