J30 as family performance cruiser

[O25]

Hi, I'm looking at boats in the 30' range for Weds. night racing (primarily) as well as weekending with the family. I want excellent performance and reasonable comfort, all for less than $30K. I'm considering all the usual suspects (Tartan 30, Pearson 30, etc.), and was hoping someone here might have some experience cruising a J/30? Any insights? Thank in advance.

[chuckiebits]

There are lots of people criusing their J/30's, but we bought ours pimarily as a race boat. No question they are "cruisable", but the lack of a shower, privacy in the head and a propane stove all limit your ability to spend extended time on the boat.

Don't get me wrong, we owned ours for 9 years, and loved the boat, but sold it to look for something we can live abord and cruise the Bahamas. In my mind the J/30 is still the best deal for a performance cruiser in the 30' range.

Check out the web site at www.j30.org

John