Design and Construction
The J/99 is an Alan Johnstone design from J Boats and does not have chines, with a full beam of 3.4m that supports a beamier shape than earlier models Alan Johnstone design. On deck the attention to detail was very good indeed, and moulded toerails forward of the beam give extra security to foredeck excursions, while the rudder stock is positioned forward of the tiller stock to take the tiller aft and increase cockpit space very good deck detail. The cockpit itself is large, taking up a third of the overall deck length, and there is good access to the engine under the companionway steps large cockpit layout.
Rig and Handling
The J/99 uses tiller steering and carries a fixed bowsprit with a hank-on jib, while the bowsprit has double tack line fittings as standard that allow owners to switch between symmetrical and asymmetrical set ups without penalty fixed bowsprit design. Rope handling in the cockpit is excellent with light loads, and the jib is controlled using a longitudinal track with floating down- and in haulers, while a double-ended kicker can be led back to the helm excellent cockpit rope handling. One tester found the boat stiff and noted that a couple of bodies on the rail would benefit upwind performance, and helming upwind required very little input from the single rudder, though an optional twin-rudder version still leads to a single tiller stiff upwind feel.
Accommodations
Down below, the space isn’t palatial but it is practical, with a simple interior offering just enough comfort that will not suit everyone practical not palatial. She has twin double aft cabins and a saloon flanked by sofa berths with a central table built around the keel-stepped mast, while the forepeak is a spacious open sail storage area with a minimal heads plumbed-in behind the port bulkhead twin aft cabins. A basic galley with a two-burner gas cooker, sink and storage serves the crew, and the saloon uses fabric bags with pockets covering the hull sides, keeping amenities minimal where they are not needed basic galley setup.
Known Issues
The J/99 carries weight on the helm and provides great performance for her size, but one tester noted that the finish down below on hull number one was not of the highest quality, though this was an early hull early hull finish. The interior is basic and the minimal heads and sparse comforts mean the boat will not suit buyers seeking a plush cruiser, and she was felt slightly overpowered in gusts over 20 knots with a full main and J2 jib overpowered in gusts.
Refits and Ownership
Standard AGM batteries include one 70Ah for engine start and one 100Ah for house, with the standard engine alternator used for charging, and the curved tiller allows a liferaft mounted underneath standard battery package. The alloy mast from AG+ takes either a bolt-rope or captive-slide mainsail with no adaptation, and one tester noted the tested boat’s brand new 3Di carbon sails added to both cost and performance for the owner to consider custom alloy mast.
The Verdict
The J/99 is a thrilling, low-effort speed machine built for short-handed passage racing and fast coastal fun, giving up cruising plushness for control and pace that few 32 footers match. She is a considered choice for the sailor who values sailing well and fast over creature comforts.
Pros
- Effortless speed and quick passage times for her size
- Excellent cockpit rope handling and thoughtful deck detail
- Twin aft cabins and practical saloon for a racing-oriented 32ft
- Fixed bowsprit enabling symmetric or asymmetric setups
Cons
- Basic interior and minimal heads won’t suit all cruisers
- Weight on the helm and not ideal for sedate cruising
- Early hull finish below was not top quality
- Carbon sail upgrades add cost
