The patented SCRIMP process pulls triple the normal vacuum-bagging levels to draw all the air out of cored hull and deck laminates and to draw a slow-curing resin into every void in a single step. It's a better and healthier way to build boats because toxic styrene emissions are eliminated. It offers higher strength (65 percent versus typical 40 percent glass content) and a void-free laminate far superior to hand lay-up or chopper gun construction. The savings in weight is added to the bottom of the keel in the form of a lead bulb, shaped as an inverted wedge with a tapered tail aft. This is why J/42's center of gravity (CG) is so much lower than other cruisers.

A low VCG means greater stability, which means better sail carrying ability. The greater sail area dampens the motion of hull / deck / rig in waves. Pitch and roll create resistance to water flow around the hull and air flow past the sails. By reducing resistance, the J/42 sails faster and more comfortably. Seakindliness, how a boat handles the sea, also relates to how it handles the crew at sea and how the crew may subsequently enjoy interior amenities when arriving in port.

Sailing J/42 is easy for one person, thanks to superb wheel response and a common-sense sailplan. J/42-balances well and sails upwind faster under mainsail only (over six knots) than some cruisers using both main and large genoa. Since a mainsail is the easiest of any sail to operate: there's less need for expert crews - no need to reef when it blows 25 knots; and, visibility is greatly improved. A 100 percent jib is all one needs for cruising upwind at 7.2 knots. You get an added bonus of better visibility and there's little need for grinding of winches. When you sail a J/42 you soon learn that progress in yacht design and construction makes a big difference in your sailing enjoyment.

The Ideal Cruising Interior

The J/42 interior is designed to fulfill two goals: Privacy for each of two couples when cruising or ample space and convenience for one couple living aboard for an extended period of time.

From bow to stern: A self-draining deck anchor storage locker, behind the standard Lewmar electric windlass, is big enough for an anchor rode and cruising spinnaker, ready-to-fly in a ''snuffer" sock. A forepeak bulkhead separates this locker from a spacious owners stateroom with twin berths (convertible to an over-size double) and ample drawer, bin, cabinet & hanging locker space to store a permanent onboard wardrobe. The forward head /shower combination is private to the forward stateroom. The aft head serves multiple needs: it's ideally located for use at sea; as a wet hanging locker; as a private head for guests; and as a "separate shower" when there are no guests. Interior styling features bulkheads with exceptional joiner work in varnished cherry with cold-molded fiddles and door trim - a detail that's rarely seen, because of the tooling expense, in "one-off' custom construction. Hull lining slats, cabinets and drawers are also in varnished cherry.

Two six foot six inches main settees double as sea-berths and are pitched outboard five degrees for secure sleeping at anchor. Stainless overhead grab rails are excellent handholds, drying racks and lee-cloth anchors. The cherry drop-leaf table is ruggedly built for security in a seaway. It's arranged away from the bulkhead, so guests aren't "trapped" during dinner. An optional bulkhead fold-down table is also available. The "J" galley is well ventilated next to the companionway and features a recessed, deep, double sink. Unique is the combination cutting board, serving tray and drop-in galley seat for easier meal preparation at sea. A Force Ten stainless LPG range has both broiler & oven. There is flip-panel access to a tall trash bin.