Design Brief & Intent
The Jongert 19S was conceived specifically for the discerning bluewater cruiser aiming to undertake long-range, cross-ocean voyages in total security. Unlike its contemporary production competitors from France or the United States, which increasingly relied on lightweight fiberglass and modular, mass-production interiors, Jongert doubled down on heavy-gauge steel and bespoke craftsmanship.
The vessel features a classic, high-freeboard silhouette with a secure, deep-set center cockpit—often protected by a signature hardtop—and a secondary relaxation cockpit closer to the stern. Inside, Peter Sijm utilized premium, old-growth teak joinery, creating a warm, classical ambiance. The woodwork is characterized by solid-timber grab rails, finely matched grains, and robust cabinetry fitted with heavy-duty marine hardware. The main saloon is bathed in natural light through large, panoramic windows, offering a generous dining area to port and a comfortable lounge area to starboard, bridging the gap between a traditional sailing yacht and a raised pilothouse deck saloon.
Sailing Performance & Handling
At the heart of the 19S’s sailing philosophy is its massive displacement, which routinely scales between 38 and 52 metric tons depending on the specific layout and onboard equipment. This extreme weight, paired with a traditional full keel and a balanced ketch sail plan, dictates a highly dignified motion in a seaway. The capsize screening and comfort ratios are exceptional; the boat resists rapid rolling, does not slam when encountering head seas, and tracks with iron-clad stability even in gale-force conditions.
With an upwind sail area of approximately 220 square meters, the 19S requires a respectable breeze to come alive. It is not a light-wind ghoster, and the low sail area-to-displacement ratio means that in winds under ten knots, skipper rely on the robust diesel engine to maintain cruising speed. However, when the breeze builds past fifteen knots, the hull locks into its waterline, heels moderately, and shoulders aside heavy chop with remarkable ease. The ketch rig offers numerous sail-plan combinations, allowing the crew to easily adjust the center of effort and reduce sail area by dropping the mainsail while sailing comfortably under jib and mizzen in heavy weather.
Variations & Configurations
While the external steel hull, long keel, and ketch rig remained consistent throughout the production run, owners could customize the interior layouts. The classic "Owner’s Layout" features a magnificent, full-beam master stateroom aft, complete with a centerline double bed, comfortable seating, ample hanging lockers, and a private en-suite bathroom that occasionally included a small, integrated bathtub. Forward of the saloon, two twin guest cabins share a large second head, while a dedicated crew cabin in the forepeak—accessible via its own deck hatch—keeps professional crew separated from the guest quarters.
Some versions were configured with four distinct cabins and up to four heads to accommodate larger families or charter parties. Draft configurations generally hover around 2.6 meters (8.5 feet), providing a deep enough draft to ensure good righting moments while allowing access to most major cruising hubs and deeper anchorages.
Market Snapshot & Economics
On the brokerage market, the Jongert 19S is a rare and highly respected find, typically appealing to traditionalists and buyers planning serious, multi-year voyages. Because they were built in limited numbers to semi-custom standards, pricing varies significantly based on historical maintenance and the recency of major refits.
Prospective buyers must recognize that the acquisition cost of a 19S is only the entry ticket. Operating and maintaining a classic, 60-foot steel ketch demands a substantial annual budget. Mooring costs in popular cruising grounds like the Mediterranean can be exceptionally high for a vessel of this length and beam. However, because of the shipyard’s legendary reputation for build quality, these vessels retain their value remarkably well if kept in turn-key condition.
Known Issues & Triage
The primary adversary of any aging steel vessel is corrosion. A rigorous, non-destructive hull survey using ultrasonic thickness testing is mandatory prior to purchase.
- Steel Hull and Bilge Corrosion: Areas under the cabin sole, around gray and black water tanks, and in the chain locker are notorious for trapping moisture. Any breakdown in the original epoxy protective coating can lead to localized pitting.
- Teak Deck Wear: The original teak decks were laid over steel sub-decks. Over decades, water can seep through worn caulking or around fastening points. If moisture gets trapped between the teak and the steel, hidden rust can bubble up, necessitating the complete removal of the teak, spot-welding steel repairs, sandblasting, and laying new synthetic or natural teak.
- Black Iron Tanks: Fuel and water tanks are often integrated directly into the steel hull structure. Condensation over forty years can cause internal scaling and rust, occasionally requiring cutting access hatches into the salon floor to clean, blast, and coat the interiors of the tanks.
Modernization & Upgrades
Many veteran owners have invested heavily in modernizing these platforms to make them manageable for short-handed couples.
- Rig and Winch Hydraulics: Upgrading the traditional mechanical winches to electric or hydraulic units is a common modification, as the heavy loads of the 19S's large sail plan can otherwise be physically exhausting.
- Electrical Infrastructure: Transitioning the house battery bank to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) is a popular upgrade. Given the high energy demands of modern onboard luxuries like watermakers, air conditioning, and induction cooktops, a robust lithium bank paired with high-output alternators reduces the runtime required for the onboard generator.
- Bow Thruster Retrofit: Given the long keel's resistance to turning in tight marina spaces, retrofitting a high-thrust electric or hydraulic bow thruster is highly recommended for anyone planning to dock without a professional crew.
The Verdict
The Jongert 19S is not a boat for casual weekend sailing or tight-budget, do-it-yourself cruisers. It is a serious, industrial-grade ship disguised as a luxury yacht. For those whose cruising dreams involve crossing oceans, facing heavy weather in absolute safety, and living aboard in classical, handcrafted luxury, few vessels of this era can match its pedigree.
Pros
- Exceptional heavy-weather comfort and motion in a seaway due to massive displacement.
- Legendary Dutch build quality with superb exterior welding and interior teak joinery.
- Highly secure center cockpit design with excellent protection from the elements.
- Extreme fuel and water capacity, offering immense range and autonomy.
- Excellent layout options with a luxurious, private aft master cabin.
Cons
- Sluggish performance in light winds, requiring frequent motoring.
- High susceptibility to hidden corrosion if paint systems and bilge coatings are neglected.
- Exceptionally high maintenance, docking, and refit costs compared to fiberglass vessels of similar length.
- Heavy helm and sail-handling loads that necessitate electric or hydraulic assistance for short-handed crews.