Design and Construction
Alan Johnstone’s hull has a plumb or nearly plumb stem and stern, minimal sheer, and a truncated but purposeful cabintrunk. The result is a contemporary, no-nonsense profile. Both hull and deck are cored for lightness and rigidity. They’re joined with adhesive on an inward-turning hull flange rather than through-bolted through an outward lip.
A deep fin keel and powerful, transom-hung rudder give the 29-footer a sure-footed backbone. The rudder, in particular, provides dinghy-like control that rewards an active helm. The J/88 has a 9-foot 6-inch beam and draws 6 feet 6 inches. It’s small enough for single-point lifting, which eases storage and trailering, yet substantial enough to feel composed as the wind builds.
Rig, Sailhandling, and Performance
The J/88 carries a high-aspect, double-spreader carbon rig. It’s deck-stepped for easier stepping and tuning, and the aluminum boom is set high enough for crew to cross the cabin without hitting their heads.
A trademark J/Boats retractable carbon-fiber sprit simplifies spinnaker launching, while the nonoverlapping sailplan eliminates the need for genoas. In-hauler rings on the cabintrunk pull the headsail inward for close sheeting angles, and a vang that sheets to both port and starboard controls the leech.
All sail controls lead aft to clutches and winches on either side of the companionway. The Harken traveler sits on the cockpit sole within easy reach of the helmsman. The mainsheet has both gross and fine controls, and its position allows the driver to trim without leaving the tiller. The primary winches are also close enough for singlehanding.
Test sailors found the boat easily reaching 5-plus knots at apparent-wind angles in the high 30s and 7-plus knots on a reach. Those results support the broader assessment that the J/88 is fast and fun across a variety of conditions.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The T-shaped, open-transom cockpit has plenty of room for a crew of three to handle the boat with ease. Its open stern also makes boarding and spinnaker work simpler, reinforcing the J/88’s dual role as daysailer and racer.
For a 29-footer, the interior is surprisingly comfortable and has enough elbowroom to extend a day sail through the weekend. The saloon includes 6-foot 4-inch settees, while a fixed head sits forward of the main cabin. Just behind the forepeak, a compact navigation nook to starboard provides a small but dedicated place for instruments.
Equipment and Auxiliary Power
A 14-horsepower inboard Yanmar diesel provides auxiliary power and was noted as well silenced in period testing. A Harken below-deck jib furler keeps the foredeck clean.
Steering is by tiller only; there’s no wheel option. That arrangement suits the boat’s responsive, dinghy-like character and leaves the cockpit uncluttered. Together, the deep fin keel, transom-hung rudder, and led-aft control layout allow one person to manage sail changes and trimming without scrambling forward.
Verdict
The J/88 succeeds as a versatile, fun, and seaworthy little sloop that echoes the spirit of the J/29 that preceded it. Its cored hull and deck, adhesive inward-flange join, and trailering-friendly, deck-stepped carbon rig make it light and practical to own. Led-aft controls and tiller steering keep it engaging to sail, whether short-handed or with a small crew.
Pros
- Fast and fun across a range of conditions, with a documented 2014 Chicago-Mackinac second-in-class finish
- Cored hull and deck, with an adhesive inward-flange join for rigidity and light weight
- Deck-stepped carbon rig and retractable sprit simplify trailering and spinnaker handling
- All controls lead aft; tiller steering and reachable winches allow singlehanding
- Surprising weekend comfort, including 6-foot 4-inch settees and a fixed head
Cons
- 6-foot 6-inch draft limits access to shallow water
- Tiller-only steering excludes buyers who want a wheel
