Jongert 19s Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Jongert 19s is a "momentum boat," designed for sea-kindliness rather than raw speed. With a displacement that typically exceeds 45 tons, the yacht possesses a high motion comfort ratio, allowing it to plane through heavy chop where lighter GRP vessels would labor. The ketch rig is central to its handling philosophy; by splitting the sail area between the main and a sizeable mizzen, the crew can easily balance the helm and reduce sail in increments as the wind builds.

Under sail, the 19s tracks with remarkable tenacity, thanks to a long-fin keel or a traditional full-keel arrangement (depending on the specific hull number's custom specifications) and a robust skeg-hung rudder. While its sail area-to-displacement ratio is conservative, reflecting its role as a heavy cruiser, it excels in reaching conditions and heavy air. Owners often report that the yacht "wakes up" in 15 knots of breeze, providing a stiff, upright sailing experience. However, the high wetted surface area means that in light winds under 10 knots, the yacht relies heavily on its auxiliary engine, typically a high-torque Mercedes-Benz or MTU diesel, to maintain progress.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Jongert 19s is a masterclass in traditional Dutch joinery, usually finished in high-gloss mahogany or teak. The layout is almost always centered around a spacious raised deck saloon that provides panoramic views and a sheltered transition from the cockpit. Because Jongert operated as a semi-custom yard, variations exist, but the most common configuration features a grand full-beam owner’s cabin aft. This cabin is a signature of the S-line, often featuring the iconic "stern windows" that provide a unique perspective of the yacht’s wake.

Forward of the saloon, the yacht typically accommodates two additional guest cabins and a dedicated crew cabin in the bow, though some owners opted for a larger galley and dinette area in lieu of the fourth cabin. The level of insulation is exceptional, a byproduct of the steel construction and the yard's focus on long-range comfort, which ensures a quiet interior even when running the generator or engine. Headroom throughout the 19s is generous, often exceeding 6'5" in the main saloon, a feat achieved by the yacht’s significant freeboard.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Jongert 19s must approach the vessel with a focus on its metal heritage and the complexity of its legacy systems.

1. Corrosion at the Dissimilar Metal Junction: While the hulls are steel, the superstructures are frequently aluminum. The bimetallic joint between these two structures requires rigorous inspection for signs of galvanic corrosion, which can manifest as bubbling paint or weeping at the seam.
2. Teak Deck Longevity: Jongert decks from this era were traditionally thick teak planks bedded over the steel sub-deck. If the caulking has failed and moisture has reached the steel, localized "blooming" of rust can occur under the wood, which is a costly repair involving the removal of sections of the deck.
3. Hydraulic System Age: Many 19s models were equipped with early hydraulic furling systems and winches. These systems are highly reliable but, at several decades old, require a specialist to inspect the hoses, pumps, and seals, as replacements for vintage Lewmar or Rondal parts can be difficult to source.
4. Tankage Integrity: The integral steel tanks (fuel and water) are built into the hull structure. If they have not been regularly inspected and treated with modern coatings, internal corrosion can occur. Buyers should insist on a pressure test and an ultrasonic thickness gauge reading of the tank floors.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are supported by the Jongert Owners Club, an organization that serves as a repository for technical drawings and historical data. This community is vital for refit projects, as it connects owners with the original Dutch craftsmen and suppliers who still support the legacy fleet. Furthermore, because many 19s models were designed in collaboration with De Vries Lentsch, the naval architecture firm remains a primary source for original design specifications and stability data.

The Verdict

The Jongert 19s is a "forever boat" for the sailor who prioritizes safety, craftsmanship, and a traditional aesthetic over modern racing performance. It is a vessel designed to be lived on for months at a time, offering a level of security in offshore conditions that few modern production yachts can match.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: The "built-to-last" philosophy of the 1970s and 80s Jongert yard is evident in every weld and cabinet pull.
• Sea-Kindliness: Heavy displacement and a balanced ketch rig make for an incredibly stable platform in heavy seas.
• Iconic Aesthetic: The clipper bow and stern windows ensure the 19s remains a standout vessel in any marina.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: As a steel yacht of a certain vintage, it requires a dedicated owner to manage paint systems and prevent corrosion.
• Light Air Performance: The yacht’s weight and wetted surface area make it sluggish in light winds.
• Operational Costs: Specialized systems (hydraulics, heavy-duty rigging) and a steel hull require a larger annual maintenance budget than a contemporary fiberglass equivalent.