Design and Construction
Construction is SCRIMP infusion-molded sandwich using biaxial and quadraxial E-glass with Baltek end-grain balsa core in both hull and deck, all bonded with vinylester resin. The hull-to-deck joint is glued with Plexus MA550. TPI Inc., which builds the boat, was among the first production yards to use resin infusion, and the infused resin fills the balsa-core slots to cut voids and yields a laminate more resistant to water damage. The low-profile coachroof and wide side decks make the topsides easy to move about, while the fine entry and flat canoe body speak to a hull tuned for speed rather than volume.
Rig and Handling
The carbon mast with double swept-back spreaders needs no runners or checkstays, and the base rig includes Navtec rod rigging, a hydraulic backstay, and a Harken MKIII furler. A retractable carbon-fiber sprit pole carries an asymmetric spinnaker that testers found far easier to manage than a conventional chute. Key lines—main halyard and reef lines—run aft to the cockpit, while spinnaker and jib halyards remain at the mast to keep the companionway clear. The 105 percent jib tacks easily, and the double-ended mainsheet on the traveler sits right before the wheel, with a 60-inch wheel sized to the helmsman’s liking. A well-matched bulb keel and spade rudder give forgiving steering and surprising tracking for such high-aspect appendages; the generously sized high-aspect rudder held its load without stalling. The boat is light, responsive, and fast in light air, yet strong enough for offshore work.
Accommodations
Below, the modest beam and easy cabin sole give the interior a true sailboat feel rather than a condo aesthetic. The standard three-cabin layout was shown in the test boat, while the optional two-cabin plan places a guest stateroom aft opposite a second head. Headroom runs 6 feet 4 inches under attractive cherry joinery, with generous stateroom storage in large hanging lockers and cabinets. The forward master feels spacious despite the tube that houses the retractable sprit down the starboard side. The U-shaped galley to starboard braces a cook well but is stingy on stowage for the size; the nav station to port is a full desktop feature, not an afterthought, with room for useful electronics. Two settees flank the table as sea berths with lee cloths, and both heads carry well-placed toilets easy in a seaway, plus an effective wet locker in the aft head. Superb handholds mix vertical and horizontal strong points throughout.
Known Issues
The prototype showed some binding in the rudderstock bearing, which the J/Boat team was already correcting. The specific boat sailed by one reviewer lacked a bow roller—needed on a plumb stem for efficient anchoring—and its toerail stopped short of the mast. Limited tankage of 50 gallons each for fuel and water drew comment, and shallow cockpit coamings gave little back support.
Refits and Ownership
Base equipment is generous: Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast under 65 feet, AGM batteries, and a Force 10 propane stove. The 56-horsepower Yanmar ticks at about 2,300 rpm. A shoal-draft keel was offered as an alternative. The lazaret and enormous seat locker yield scads of cockpit storage, and the simple, robust rig suits owners who want performance without symmetric-spinnaker crew overhead.
The Verdict
The J/133 is a thoughtful extrapolation of the J/109 idea into a mid-40s performer that races credibly yet cruises with real comfort. Its infused balsa sandwich and clean deck plan reward the short-handed sailor, while the interior—though tank-limited—is ergonomic and seaworthy.
Pros
- Forgiving, precise steering from matched bulb keel and high-aspect spade rudder
- Asymmetric spinnaker on retractable carbon sprit simplifies downwind handling
- Infused SCRIMP laminate with void-reduced balsa core resists water damage
- Excellent nav station, superb handholds, and genuine sea berths
Cons
- Only 50 gallons each of fuel and water
- Shallow cockpit coamings lack back support
- Prototype rudderstock bearing bound; some boats lacked bow roller and full toerail
