The J/109 Class Association Forum

Class Rules Discussions :: Replacement Wheel for Helm :: Reply by 35601

no_email@example.com (35601) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 21:13:03 -0400

My understanding is French boats had the option from the factory for different wheels and sizes. USA built boats did not have that option. So for USA boats that carbon wheel isn't class legal. It is legal for the French boats.
It probably takes about 6 hrs to put the Edison wheel cover on.

Class Rules Discussions :: Salt Batteries CATL Naxtra Drop-In – Some Thoughts Before You Buy :: Reply by Dan Corcoran

no_email@example.com (Dan Corcoran) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 17:18:31 -0400

Never mind, new information, early 2026 will not have 12 volt product. First out is 24 volt batteries for heavy equipment.

Class Rules Discussions :: Seeking 20 names to support future vote on lithium batteries. Add your name :: Reply by caryjames

no_email@example.com (caryjames) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:39:56 -0500

Thanks for the interesting conversation during the class meeting. I honestly had not looked much into it previously. In doing some reading as this season winds down - I would support a future vote on lithium.

Like everything new, it seems like this is an evolution, and when done correctly, the results seem positive and most of the cons in terms of safety have been resolved. I believe it is worth a conversation about the option of switching in the future and some of the 105's (and the industry) are heading down the same decision path during future boatyard projects.

Cary James
Sunny Side - USA 37

Maintenance Topics :: Bilge Pump :: Reply by jkalucki

no_email@example.com (jkalucki) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:51:39 -0400

I think I've had nearly all of these, plus:

The Beckson access plate above the rudder post will eventually leak. I've replaced the gasket once, and then a few years later, the whole plate as well.

90% of my water comes in from speedo insertions and a chronically leaking freshwater system. The rest is the rain and washdown water.

Maintenance Topics :: Mast Spreader Doublers and Bars :: Reply by bmastror

no_email@example.com (bmastror) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:39:14 -0400

Unfortunately I didn't take many pictures after the fix. The photo below is where the spreader intersected with the mast. There was a lot of wobble at this connection and you can see the spreader bar holding the spreader was starting to wear on the mast.

The spreader bar was replaced and now there are doubler plates that protect this surface of the mast.

Screenshot 2025-06-20 133558.png

Attachments

IMG_4383.jpg (66.37 KiB)

Screenshot 2025-06-20 133558.png (22.58 KiB)

Maintenance Topics :: salt water leak :: Author 7200

no_email@example.com (7200) — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:23:26 -0400

Gut Feeling is #72 build in 2003. For the first 2 years I used to find water only after sailing in the 2 compartments in front of the steps. I complained mightily to TPI. The source could not be found until I had a call from them. They had discovered that screws used to hold the fairing plate were too long and were allowing water to track up into the grid around the engine and then into the space I just described. Fix was simple, done in a few hrs hauling the boat. The screw holes were sealed with probably some polyester bondo. I was not there to see what actually was done.

Fast forward to last year. The same type of water accumulation started each time I sailed the boat. No source could be found so last winter, we took the fairing plate down. Could see the 4 hole sites that were filled. Reglassed the the entire lip. This year, no leak(so far).

That original leak occured in several boats around mine

Attachments

1E49F7EC-AE45-4D8A-8DF1-9256E30C1B85_1_105_c.jpeg (185.06 KiB)

372035D0-C2BE-42EE-B925-F3D0704A4CF6_1_105_c.jpeg (145.57 KiB)

Maintenance Topics :: Keel Mast Step. OSR securing options. :: Reply by Vento Solare

no_email@example.com (Vento Solare) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 11:24:35 -0400

exactly

Maintenance Topics :: Backstay rebuild :: Reply by caryjames

no_email@example.com (caryjames) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:16:44 -0400

I reached out to the folks at Sailtec -- they were very helpful going direct.

kevin anthony savitt
SAILTEC USA
Marine Hydraulics
2930 Conger Court
Oshkosh, WI 54904
Phone: +1 920.233.4242 (GMT -6)
Mobile: +1 920.203.2827
www.sailtec.com

Maintenance Topics :: What to know, Spin Halyard Substitute Jib Halyard :: Reply by jkalucki

no_email@example.com (jkalucki) — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 22:53:05 -0400

Sail California strongly recommended taking all the load off the clutch with the winch before opening the jib and main halyards. Especially when boned-on.

And so I always do. Been on the same halyards for 13 years -- and they're more worn on the shackle ends than at the cleat.

Maintenance Topics :: Gebo Portlight Replacement Parts :: Reply by Phoenix251

no_email@example.com (Phoenix251) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 23:07:29 -0400

Just came across this same issue.

I ordered several feet of the sealing rubber earlier this year. It was a bummer they no longer carried the pre-formed seals. It was challenging getting wrinkles out of the seal while going around the bends, but it is possible.

First, clean out the old track very well. Mine had some hard sealant near the hinges. Then, using (and reapplying) soapy water, start halfway at the top and force the seal within the track. Corners are most challenging. I found doing this from inside the cabin provides a better angle. Once you have gone all the way around you will want to cut/shorten the strip to make things more manageable. At this point the corners will still look like garbage. To fix this, you need to stretch the seal within the track. Start by pulling the top tighter and try to spread the tension throughout. Do this a few times. I was surprised by how much it can stretch. Once it is tight enough the corners should have very little or no wrinkles. Cut the excess again to match the starting point.

My plan is to come up with some sort of 3d printed tube that will cover the seals and prevent chafe from lines. Will post if I have success.

Attachments

IMG_9813.jpeg (555.09 KiB)

IMG_9812.jpeg (415.69 KiB)

Maintenance Topics :: Intermittent Engine Water Issue :: Reply by PourDecisions

no_email@example.com (PourDecisions) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:18:16 -0400

No it wasn't related to battery state. The alternator is on a serpentine. It could be ( have been ? ) ambient temperature and maybe there is a glazed spot on the belt. I haven't changed it yet, just made it tighter and it hasn't happened since.

Maintenance Topics :: LiFePO4 battery storage, good article :: Author Dan Corcoran

no_email@example.com (Dan Corcoran) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:08:43 -0400

Continuing on my reminder that drop-in batteries are not drop in, here is a good article about storage.

"LiFePO4 batteries have a special wrinkle, here is a good article explaining. As written by another commentor "This was an excellent, timely, well thought out article and, as the leaves north of the Artic Circle (considered by Floridians to be the FL/GA border) are starting to turn (+/-), boats with LFP batteries are going to be laid up soon. Your recommendations are spot on. LFP batteries with internal BMS’s and no method for measuring and displaying individual cell voltages are especially susceptible." ... a Panbo commenter

https://panbo.com/dont-murder-your-batt ... ent-591813

Maintenance Topics :: Basic AGM battery replacement :: Reply by Dan Corcoran

no_email@example.com (Dan Corcoran) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:04:57 -0400

Lastly, you also want an alternator protection device wired into the engine compartment as well, especially if your battery has a battery management system (BMS) that can cut off the battery suddenly.

Here is more info:
Sterling Power Pro Protect 24v Alternator Protection Device Overview:

The Pro Protect is a highly effective alternator protection device which prevents high voltage back EMF spike events that can destroy your alternator's expensive regulator and internal diode pack. These events can be caused by:

Loose wiring
Failure in a split diode/relay charging system
Switching off engine electrical power while engine is running
Defective rotary battery selector switches
Failure of a fuse in alternator's circuit
Any of the above events, and many more, could easily destroy the sensitive components of an alternator; this device will prevent damage from these events by diverting any high spike to ground, and is effective for full-power to no-power fault events. The Pro Protect is designed to absorb/divert spikes in excess of 36v in 24v nominal systems.

Please note that this device is sacrificial by design: a severe voltage spike may destroy the device; the point is that the spike destroyed the device rather than your alternator.

Maintenance Topics :: Traveler set up :: Reply by Vento Solare

no_email@example.com (Vento Solare) — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 20:04:42 -0500

That was a mod somebody made. Just remove it.

Sails & Tuning :: Repeating Vang Settings :: Reply by Vento Solare

no_email@example.com (Vento Solare) — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:52:52 -0400

This is an old picture that shows the mast end for double ending. The lead aft goes through the deck organizer and uses the port inboard Spinlock clutch. You can follow the Harken Vang Manual diagram for disassembly and reassembly.

double-ended-vang.jpg

Improved with turning block at center

turning-block-vang-base (1).jpg

Attachments

double-ended-vang.jpg (928.25 KiB)

turning-block-vang-base (1).jpg (1588.64 KiB)

Sails & Tuning :: Trying to measure mast rake - no black band :: Reply by Vento Solare

no_email@example.com (Vento Solare) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:29:42 -0400

Yes - that is the correct datum point.

Sails & Tuning :: Bolt rope luff :: Author marcdesouter

no_email@example.com (marcdesouter) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:51:24 -0400

I'm considering ordering a new class main sail with a bolt rope luff (currently using slugs). Couple of questions.

Searching around different forums, the pros/cons are mostly performance vs ease-of-use. Is the performance gain on a J/109 worth the extra effort(s) for hoisting/flaking/wear-and-tear? I'm racing the boat almost exclusively. I understand any potential gain is in a few percent efficiency, but seeking others opinions here.

And, are there any discussions in j109.org (I've searched around with no hits yet) that describe the modifications needed to open the mast sail slot and relocating the gate? I see the class rules permit such a modification (section 4.4.5), and was hoping someone has posted some discussions and/or pictures. And do other people think that the sail slot modification is worthwhile when switching to a bolt rope main (compared to just using the existing slot and being super careful when hoisting)?

Any other thoughts/comments are appreciated! Thanks much.
Marc

Racing Tools and Techniques :: J109 Airmar DST810 Speedo Calibration :: Reply by jkalucki

no_email@example.com (jkalucki) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:56:52 -0400

Yes, moving the sensor is the dream! Also the water catchment. And the keyed housing.

There's a guy in Richmond CA who does these sorts of reinforcement and glass jobs -- it's common enough to move the sensor. Besides the expense, there's some layup time and there always seems to be a calendar issue, and, well, I always have bigger fish to fry with racing improvements than the speedo. I hope what I currently have is good enough?

Events & Scheduling :: Charter North American Championships :: Reply by raydouglas

no_email@example.com (raydouglas) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:54:32 -0400

Pete (or whoever posted this)....

I would be happy to discuss a charter or a team arrangement for the 2025 J109 North American Champion in Chicago.

My cell is 224-475-6303. Feel free to call.

Ray Douglas
J109 Fleet 11 Captain

Crew Position Wanted/Available :: 2025s NA in Chicago Very experienced Fill in Crew available :: Author peterspev

no_email@example.com (peterspev) — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 08:46:11 -0400

Broken finger? Sick child? Stuff Happens. I'm suddenly/unexpectedly available Verve Cup weekend. In Chicago. Reach out for sailing resume. Did the 2021 NAs.

Boats for Sale :: ISO J109 Southern California :: Author Trashfarmer

no_email@example.com (Trashfarmer) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 03:16:18 -0400

Prefer one with transferable slip. Occasional racer , Occasional cruiser, possible teaching boat.
Possible 1999 or 2004 J80 club racer partial trade.

Vaughn Miller
720-212-9375

Sails & Equipment for Sale :: Wanted: Racing Main and Jib, North 3DI or similar :: Author Meinhard

no_email@example.com (Meinhard) — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 15:38:24 -0400

Looking for used Racing Sails for my J/109 in Germany/Kiel. North 3DI would be nice but comparable Racing sails would also be good.
m.braedel@gmx.de

Sails & Equipment for Sale :: Wanted to buy your used Sails after Chicago North American this August. :: Author peterspev

no_email@example.com (peterspev) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:15:20 -0400

We will pickup at Harbor or wherever is convenient. Preferably of a set.

Sails & Equipment for Sale :: Sails for sale Seattle area J109 :: Reply by sfbarber

no_email@example.com (sfbarber) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:54:53 -0400

Hi,

Do you have photos of the tradewind sail? Dimensions? Thank you

Sails & Equipment for Sale :: SOLD - 2021 Evolution A2 (120 sq meter) :: Author JohnGreifzu

no_email@example.com (JohnGreifzu) — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 20:54:26 -0400

2021 Evolution (NZ) A2 Spinnaker
120 square meters (for handicap racing or Great Lakes use)
White AirX
Turtle bag
Used but still has a lot of life left. Great for weeknight racing.

$1,250 OBO

Sail is in CT
Email: johngreifzu@gmail.com

Evo A2.jpg

Attachments

Evo A2.jpg (69.17 KiB)

Sails & Equipment for Sale :: L/m jib :: Author jabrams

no_email@example.com (jabrams) — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 21:12:47 -0400

Looking for a good light medium class jib to get us through the season until new one can be built.

Looking to Buy Something :: Looking for a J-109 :: Author Smremer1+

no_email@example.com (Smremer1+) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:26:29 -0400

We’re in the market for a J-109. 2003 or newer. We’re in the Great Lakes region but open to discussing boats on the East Coast or in the South. We’ve inquired about some boats for sale on the West Coast but shipping costs are prohibitive.

Please contact Greggremer@yahoo.com

Looking to Buy Something :: Wanted - J-109 Boat near Great Lakes Region (Cleveland, OH) :: Author Rush

no_email@example.com (Rush) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:31:48 -0400

Looking for a deep keel J109 in the Great Lakes region to race (Cleveland, OH).

Contact Ethan - (216) 409-1435
Ethan.h.rush@gmail.com

Looking to Buy Something :: WANTED: J/109 in the NorthEast :: Author aherring

no_email@example.com (aherring) — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 11:07:43 -0400

I'm looking for a J/109 with a deep keel.

Located in Marblehead, MA so something between here and Annapolis would be great but open to all options. I keep checking the major boat-listing websites but hoping that someone here might know of something coming on the market this offseason.

I appreciate the insight and thanks for your help!

Contact:
Nathaniel Herring
781.913.2382
arthurnherring@gmail.com

Looking to Buy Something :: Anchor roller and a Doger frame :: Reply by 35601

no_email@example.com (35601) — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 06:55:20 -0400

I got mine from Thurston sails and canvas in Bristol RI. They had the pattern and made it for me without having to measure on boat.

Looking to Buy Something :: Wanted: Trailer and anchor Roller :: Reply by ryanF

no_email@example.com (ryanF) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:26:36 -0400

Did you ever end up getting the trailer? I'm looking for one -- any advice on locating

Fleet #3 - California & Hawaii :: Eecommend a surveyor for Southern California? :: Author peterspev

no_email@example.com (peterspev) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:39:11 -0400

Obviously for a racing J/109.