Bob Perry’s design review compared its proportions with those of the 41-foot Tartan. The resemblance is less about size than about a balanced, seakindly hull that still counts for something in wind and waves, while remaining manageable for a short-handed crew.
Design and Construction
The hull has a flat run at the transom, moderate beam aft in plan view, and a deck line forward that isn’t too fine. Moderate overhangs give the boat a pleasing profile without sacrificing interior volume. The J/110 is a relatively light, beamy 11-footer: displacement is 12,200 pounds on a 31-foot waterline, with 4,500 pounds of lead ballast. Its 633 square feet of sail produces a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 19.1.
TPI built the J/110 with its SCRIMP resin-infusion process, which optimizes glass content and saves weight by reducing the resin needed to wet out the laminate. The structure uses Baltek end-grain balsa core between biaxial and unidirectional glass. Vinylester resin in the outer hull layer helps retard osmotic blistering, and the boat carried a 10-year warranty against blistering.
The deck is bonded to the hull along a three-inch inturned flange with Plexus MA550 adhesive. All bulkheads are tabbed to the hull and deck for stiffness. The main structural bulkhead is a molded fiberglass element designed to carry chainplate loads and reinforce the mast area.
Solid-glass L-beam floors add hull rigidity and carry the keel, while a custom aluminum I-beam supports the keel-stepped mast. Each keel is a 4,500-pound lead-and-antimony fin, bolted and epoxy bonded into the molded-in sump.
Rig, Deck Layout, and Handling
The J/110 carries a near-masthead rig arranged so the head of the large asymmetrical chute stays clear of the genoa furling gear during gybes. The standard rig includes a two-spreader Hall aluminum spar and Navtec continuous-rod standing rigging. An optional Hall carbon spar saved 100 pounds aloft.
The mast steps well forward and conveniently passes through the head, so any drips at the partners fall into a well-drained area. End-boom sheeting places the traveler close to the helmsman. The secondary winches, traveler controls, and mainsheet are grouped near the wheel, while halyards and reefing lines lead aft to two winches at the companionway.
A 5-foot retractable pole and a socked chute make flying the kite a two-person job. Writing in Cruising World, testers found that the boat tacked easily inside 85 to 95 degrees upwind in 10 knots and held six knots through the water, then reached the high sevens with the asymmetrical set off the sprit. They also described the steering as sweet and responsive, with ideal feedback.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The interior follows the basic Layout A. Above it, the T-shaped cockpit has a dedicated helm area, yet still seats four between the traveler and companionway. It’s ideal for one couple but social enough for guests.
Forward, the owner’s V-berth has its own drawer chest and hanging locker. The single head and shower can be entered from either the saloon or the forward stateroom.
In the saloon, an L-shaped settee to port and a straight longitudinal settee to starboard surround a folding dinette. The L-shaped galley is tucked to port. To starboard, a very nice aft-facing navigation station provides room for electronics and the DC panel.
The quarter berth was enlarged to double size by extending it beneath the cockpit well and aft of the engine box. A wet locker and another double berth occupy the starboard hip. Portlights and five opening hatches provide light and ventilation, while traditional teak trim and white Formica surfaces feel easygoing rather than precious.
Tankage consists of 65 gallons of water in two baffled tanks and 21 gallons of fuel in a single tank.
Equipment and Auxiliary Power
Standard auxiliary power comes from a 28-horsepower Yanmar 3GM30. It turns a 16-inch Martec folding two-blade propeller through a one-inch stainless shaft. A removable stairway unit provides excellent engine access.
A 50-amp alternator charges two deep-cycle gel cells in the standard 12-volt system. A 110-volt shore-power package with a battery charger was optional.
Forward of the companionway, a molded deck dam secures a near-weatherproof dodger. Local instrument repeaters mount on canted coaming faces. A Danforth- or Fortress-type anchor is stored in a starboard deck locker at the chainplates, and a removable bow roller was available as an option.
The Verdict
The J/110 is a purpose-built small performance cruiser with a genuinely clever infusion-molded structure and a sail plan that two people can handle without strain. Limited production makes it uncommon, but the design rewards buyers who value light-air quickness and a clean, logical deck layout more than interior volume or tankage.
Pros
- Light, strong Baltek-cored infusion structure with a 10-year blister warranty
- Two-person asymmetrical and furling setup, with all controls led aft
- Excellent engine access and a well-considered navigation-station and quarter-berth layout
Cons
- Only 21 gallons of fuel and 65 gallons of water limit range
- Uncommon on the used market because of limited production
- Near-masthead rig requires careful attention to clearance between the chute and furler
