J/130
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42.7 ft |
| LWL | 38.2 ft |
| Beam | 12.8 ft |
| Draft | 8.5 ft |
| Displacement | 15,000 lb |
| Ballast | 6,349.3 lb |
| Material | 42’ 10”13.04 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 57 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 52.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 18.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 994.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 470.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 799.4 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 1 |
| Water | 60.8 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the J/130
Designed by Rodney S. Johnstone and built by J Boats Tillotson Pearson (USA), the J/130 is a rare fractional sloop with only 43 hulls constructed between 1994 and 2002. Its lightweight displacement of 15000.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 25.21 reflect a design prioritizing performance over heavy cruising comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits performance-oriented coastal cruisers and racers who value speed and agility, as indicated by its low D/L ratio of 120.13 and fractional rig configuration.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.08 and a comfort ratio of 19.65, the J/130 is better suited for coastal cruising rather than heavy offshore passages, as its light displacement and narrow beam suggest limited stability in extreme conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1990s performance cruisers like the J/120 or O'Day 38, the J/130 shares a similar emphasis on sail plan efficiency and fractional rigging, though it is distinct in its specific build count and designer lineage.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 42.7ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 2 systems for the J/130, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a J/130? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 5 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the J/130
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