The J/109 Class Association Forum

My primary winches have become slippery enough that 4+ wraps are required to hold the modern jib sheets in a breeze. As discussed elsewhere in this forum, resurfacing isn’t a very attractive option.
The Harken Performa seems to the popular choice.
However, Ronstan has recently introduced their new ...

Just wondering if anyone might be willing to share these measurements?
It would be easy to tape or paint them on in the off season with the rig out of the boat.

The seals on my Sailtec unit failed at the end of last season. The yard is recommending moving to the Harken unit in lieu of rebuilding the Sailtec unit.
I read the posts and was wondering if there was any further conversation about how the Harken unit has performed or any other issues with ...

Has anyone installed the Spinlock XTX series clutches in lieu of the Ronstan/Cousin-Trestec unit?

https://www.spinlock.co.uk/en-GB/usa/products/xtx

It seems like it is a fabric constrictor with the added benefit of protecting the fabric sleeve in a metal housing.
This might help it perform better ...

The yard disassembled the outhaul for #301 today. It had been incredibly stiff ever since we bought the boat. Upon disassembly, the yard pro noticed that in addition to the triple block system and doubler, the boom had a second doubler. If I remember my college physics correctly, the triple blocks ...

Thanks Dan. We also send the lines down the companionway. I stopped using the windows because replacing the window gaskets from the lines wearing them out is a pain.
We use the sheet bags to stow the halyards while on the mooring (or the reef lines, etc.).

Does anyone have a good source for replacement cabin top halyard bags?
Is it a custom job for sailmakers or can they be ordered from a canvas company?
I'm guessing that either of those sources might be good. Just wondering what other owners have done and what materials have worked best?

Has anyone successfully installed Firefly batteries in the french-built boats? Those boats have the house bank under the salon table. That is good for weight placement but problematic for space considerations. I have switched the original European lead acid battery (group 4d?) for a group 31 Firefly ...

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm sure a lot of owners appreciate these tips which go beyond the J-boat service manual recommendations.
A couple of further questions:
1) Has anyone else replaced their forestay tang? What is the ballpark on the cost for most owners? My yard estimates up to $2,000 ...

What type of replacement or upgraded furlers are permitted under the class rules? I've seen some boats with newer, more compact Harken furling units. My original unit still works but I would think the newer models function more smoothly for smaller people pulling the furling line and freeing up more ...

Does anyone know either the waterline or keel offset used for the depth transducer on the French-built boats?
The transducer is in hull, under the berth on the starboard side.

Thanks for asking. As I measured it last summer, it was maybe 20 mm too long.
Chuck at Sound Rigging has offered to help me get the rig totally sorted this spring. That starts with moving the mast base, then removing the old Spartite, etc.

Looks like I will have to drill new holes to really get the mast in the right position. The existing base bolts required quite a bit of effort to remove them from the factory bores. Just so I have a sense of what to expect, what material is under the gelcoat beneath the mast base? Hopefully, that ...

I'm not sure about the TPI boats but the french-built boats have the heavy house battery, along with lots of wiring, located in the bottom of the cabinet that supports the table.

I assume the goal of removing the table is a main saloon that is clear of obstructions with a flat cabin sole.

If the ...

Mine does not have a trim piece to remove. Maybe none of the French boats have a trim piece at the bottom of the bulkhead?