J/Boats J/109 User manual

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J/109 Owner Guide
Yacht Name:…………………………………….
Owner Name:……………………………………
COPYRIGHT J/BOATS, INC., 2003

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Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Important Contacts .................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Commissioning Checklist.................................................................................................................................................................................7
Getting Started With Your J/109...................................................................................................................................................................8
Diagrams, Layouts, &Schematics .........................................................................................................................................................12
Deck Hardware Layout...................................................................................................................................................................................12
Mainsheet &Traveler Diagram..................................................................................................................................................................13
Adjustable Genoa Leads.............................................................................................................................................................................14
Halyard Layout ....................................................................................................................................................................................................15
Reefing System Diagram..............................................................................................................................................................................16
Chainplate Tie-Rod System........................................................................................................................................................................17
Steering System.................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Engine Layout .....................................................................................................................................................................................................19
Exhaust System Layout ................................................................................................................................................................................20
Fuel System Layout .........................................................................................................................................................................................21
Thru-Hull Locations...........................................................................................................................................................................................22
Fresh Water System Layout .......................................................................................................................................................................23
Sump Layout ........................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Bilge Pump Layout ...........................................................................................................................................................................................25
Main AC/DC Distribution Panel..................................................................................................................................................................26
DC Component Layout ..................................................................................................................................................................................27
DC Wiring Schematic.......................................................................................................................................................................................28
DC Battery Monitor............................................................................................................................................................................................29
AC Component Layout ..................................................................................................................................................................................30
Galvanic Isolator.................................................................................................................................................................................................31
Propane System Layout ...............................................................................................................................................................................32
Bonding System.................................................................................................................................................................................................33
Tuning The Rig........................................................................................................................................................................................................34
Engine System.......................................................................................................................................................................................................35
Sail Drive..................................................................................................................................................................................................................35
Fuel System...........................................................................................................................................................................................................35
Engine Cooling System.................................................................................................................................................................................36
Exhaust System..................................................................................................................................................................................................36
Engine Safety Precautions.........................................................................................................................................................................37
Fueling ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................38
Engine Maintenance .......................................................................................................................................................................................38
Plumbing Systems ..............................................................................................................................................................................................39
Fresh Water System.........................................................................................................................................................................................39
Thru-Hulls ................................................................................................................................................................................................................39
Pump Systems.....................................................................................................................................................................................................39
Head System........................................................................................................................................................................................................40
Electrical System.................................................................................................................................................................................................40
DC Electrical System........................................................................................................................................................................................40
110 VAC Shorepower System...................................................................................................................................................................41
Galley Stove LPG System.............................................................................................................................................................................42
Safety.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................43
Maintenance Tips .................................................................................................................................................................................................44
Annual Maintenance Checklist..................................................................................................................................................................46
Storage Tips .............................................................................................................................................................................................................47
TPI Composites Limited Warranty...............................................................See Warranty Package Included with Boat

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Introduction
WELCOME ABOARD and welcome to the J/Boats family of owners. Your boat is designed and engineered to
be the strongest, best performing, easiest-to-use, and most comfortable sailing boat of its type.
Sailing involves risk, most of which can be minimized with advance planning and proper seamanship. The
J/109 owner should become proficient in all aspects of handling the vessel under sail and power, and be well
versed with emergency procedures before undertaking any offshore passage. The owner is further
responsible for any required state registration or federal documentation, accident reporting, outfitting the
vessel with proper safety equipment, and the safe operation of the vessel. J/Boats is happy to refer the
owner to Boating Safety Courses or other seminars available.
This guide is prepared to help owners understand proper rigging, tuning, and operation of the J/109. Please
be sure to complete the enclosed warranty card and mail to TPI Composites, Inc.
This guide is furnished for your benefit, but shall in no way be construed as any sort of warranty or contract,
express or implied, creating any obligation on the part of J/Boats, Inc., with respect to any fact or facts or any
advice or opinions contained herein. The sole and exclusive warranty of the product is the TPI Composites,
Inc. Warranty described in the appendix hereto and on the Warranty Card furnished with the yacht. J/BOATS,
INC. HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR APARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY.

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Specifications
LOA
35.25'
LWL
30.50'
Beam
11.50'
Draft
7.0' (std.), or 5.75' (opt.)
Ballast
3,900 lb. (std.), 4,300 lb. (opt.)
Ballast Type
Cast lead strengthened with antimony
Displacement (std boat)
10,900 lbs.
100% Sail Area
644 sq ft
I
46.50'
ISP
49.60’
J
13.30'
P
43.25'
E
15.50'
Headstay Pin to Pin Length
48.23’ (14700 mm)
Recommended Step Location
Center mast step slot around standard bolt
location
Engine
Yanmar27HP 3GM30SD (3-cylinder Sail Drive)
Fuel Capacity
23 US gallons
Engine Alternator
Balmar 100 amp
Battery Capacity
210 amp hours (add'l 105 amp optional)
Battery Type
AGM Glass Mat Batteries
Water Capacity
35 US gallons (std.) plus 35 gal. (opt.)
Interior Cabin Headroom
6.15’ (6’2”)
Limit of Positive Stability
124 degrees
LPG Capacity
(1) 10 lb. Bottle
Hull &Deck Core Material
BaltekAL-600 CK-57 End-Grained Balsa
Hull &Deck Molding Process
SCRIMPResin Infusion
Hull Blister Warranty
10 Years: Owner Transferable
Mast Height Above Water
53.50' (not including masthead instruments)
Displacement/Length Ratio
165
Sail-Area/Displacement Ratio
21
ISO Stability &Bouyancy (CE Mark)
Category A
Recommended PHRF Rating
72

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Important Contacts
J/Boats Inc. Phone: [phone]
PO Box 90; 557 Thames St. Fax: [phone]
Newport, RI 02840 Email: [e-mail]
www.jboats.com
President Jeffrey S. Johnstone Email: [e-mail]
VP/Technical/Design R. Alan Johnstone [e-mail]
Sales Coordinator James M. Johnstone [e-mail]
Office Manager Marilyn Murphy [e-mail]
PR Assistant Kendra Wilson [e-mail]
Design: Rodney S. Johnstone Phone: [phone]
PO Box 222 Fax: [phone]
Stonington, CT 06378 Email: [e-mail]
Marketing: Robert L. Johnstone Phone: [phone]
7Church Street Fax: [phone]
Charleston, SC 29401 Email: [e-mail]
Factory: TPI Composites, Inc. Main Ph: 401-245-1200
PO Box 328; Market St. Service: 401-247-1050
RI 02885 Fax: [phone]
www.tpicomp.com Email: [e-mail]
Cushions: Alimar, Inc. Phone: [phone]
116 Tupelo St. Fax: [phone]
Bristol, RI 02809 Email: [e-mail]
Spars/Rigging: Sparcraft/Charleston Spars Phone: [phone]
3901 Pine Grove Circle Fax: [phone]
Charlotte, NC 28206 Email: [e-mail]
Canvas: Thurston Sails (Neil Thurston) Phone: [phone]
Tupelo Street Fax: [phone]
Bristol, RI 02809

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Commissioning Checklist
Pre-Launch
___ Read equipment owner manuals
___ Pre-rig mast and check installation of:
•halyards
•blocks
•electronics
•shrouds
•spreader chafe guards
•lifeline pins
___ Pre-rig boom
___ Bottom painted or touched up
___ Check propeller/zinc
___ De-winterize engine and check status of:
•engine oil/ filter
•coolant level
•transmission fluid level
•water intakes/filter
•fuel lines/filter
___ Check battery charge
___ Align prop vertically &mark shaft
___ Check all hose clamps, tighten as required
___ Close all seacocks
Loose Gear
___ Fenders and lines
___ Dock lines
___ Winch handles
___ Ignition keys
___ Bilge pump handles
___ Mast wedges/Spartite lubed
___ Double-check sling locations and mark
Launch
___ Check for leaks
___ Check seacocks
___ Check engine seal for leaks
Engine Start
___ Read engine owner’s manual
___ Align engine and shaft
___ Start engine
___ Check exhaust for cooling water flow
___ Check oil press., water temp., charging gauges
___ Check transmission- forward/reverse
___ Check transmission leg seal
Step Mast
___ Install pre-molded Spartite wedge onto mast butt
___ Locate table and mast step wood trim pieces
___ Hoist spar and lower into boat
___ As mast butt lowers into interior, slide on wooden
table trim and mast step trim pieces.
___ IMPORTANT!! Attach tie-rod from forward side of
mast to padeye on under side of deck and tighten.
___ Attach furler to stemhead fitting
___ Attach hydraulic cylinder to backstay and SS
extender
___ Attach all shrouds and hand tighten
___ Run abead of clear silicone around mast collar at
mast junction and collar junction.
___ Run and connect mast junction box wires
Rigging
___ Install boom
___ Lead all halyards to stoppers on cabin top
___ Rig reef lines
___ Install and connect boom vang
___ Rough tune spar per tuning guide
SystemsCheck
___ Fill water tank(s)- flush twice to eliminate anti-freeze
___ Check water pressure system, bleed air if necessary
___ Fill and check LPG system
___ Fill fuel tanks
___ Check operation of electrical systems and pumps
___ Check sailing electronics
Trial Sail
___ Raise and lower sails to check for fit
___ Monitor engine performance
___ Check bilge for leaks
___ Check sailing electronics
___ Mark locations in cockpit to install teak foot braces
(shipped loose)

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Getting Started With Your J/109
Generally, your dealer or commissioning yard will help you prepare your boat before launching. And in
most instances they will undertake the entire commissioning job. They are experts in the field and are
capable of completing most commissioning tasks.
Before Proceeding
Before you begin to assemble your new boat you should become familiar with the different sail control
systems and associated hardware. All running rigging and loose deck hardware items are shipped
from the factory in parts boxes complete with part inventory sheets. To help you properly install these
items please refer to the rigging and hardware sections and diagrams in this guide.
The Commissioning Checklist: will help you double check that the J/109 is assembled properly and
all systems and rigging are functioning properly. If aboatyard other than an authorized J/Boat dealer
is performing the work, review this list with them to establish what needs to be done and by whom.
Topsides: wash off all dirt and grime accumulated from delivery. Use only non-abrasive cleansers on
the gelcoat. Then apply acoat of high quality car or boat wax or use asynthetic poly-based coating.
Either finish will prolong the life and sheen of the gelcoat.
Bottom: preparation is critical to long-lasting enjoyment. To ensure aprofessional finish, carefully
review the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for preparing the bottom and have your dealer roll it
or spray it on. Be sure that there are aMINIMUM of 4coats of epoxy primer covering the keel and
rudder prior to final coating of bottom paint.
Chainplates: are machined of polished stainless steel. Each fitting is mounted to the deck and
attached to atie-rod that anchors directly into the structural grid of the boat in the main salon. These
fittings are pre-tensioned at the factory. No changes or adjustments are to be made to these without
specific authorization from TPI Composites. The backstay chainplate through-bolts directly to a
reinforced area of the transom.
Stemhead Fitting: is acustom polished stainless fabrication with integrated genoa tack loop. The
stem head fitting is designed to withstand all headstay loads, and is attached with bolts directly to the
stem of the hull.
Mast Collar: is acast aluminum fitting and incorporates stainless pins for halyard and reefing line
turning blocks. Acustom molded Spartite wedge fits between the mast and this collar. This wedge
should be installed into the boat with silicone at the interface with the mast collar and with the mast.
The rubber mast boot then fits over the flange of the collar to help seal the interior.
Foredeck Toe Rail: is molded into the deck on the J109 and extends from outboard of the mast
forward to the bow pulpit.
Stanchions &Pulpits: are designed for proper offshore safety as well as to facilitate access to the
boat. Included are two lifeline gates to port and starboard and astern boarding gate. The bow pulpit
is properly braced, houses the bow running lights under the mid-height bar across the front end. The
stern push-pit is standard with an aft gate and stern running light. This is aconvenient place to mount
aman overboard module, outboard bracket, etc.. All stanchions are 1” diameter tapered stainless
steel and are secured into their custom designed bases with machine set screws.
Lifelines:are SS wire in accordance with ORC safety regulations and are fastened at either end by
stainless forks and turnbuckles. Each lifeline is clearly marked from the factory and is intended to fit a
specific portion of the lifeline/stanchion system. The installation follows:

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•Insert all lifeline gates/stanchions into the sockets provided along the edge of the deck. Secure
each stanchion in place by tightening the two set screws in each base. We recommend that you
dip the screws in blue Loctite or sealant before securing, so they don’t work themselves loose over
time.
•Install all lifelines without tightening the turnbuckles. Remove the eyes at the ends of the lifelines
and thread them through in the stanchions. If the boat is equipped with the optional lifeline pads,
thread the lifeline through these prior to attaching to stern rail. The longer lifeline pad will be sized
for the upper lifeline and the shorter for the lower lifeline.
•Finish off the job by tightening the turnbuckles, adjusting the lifeline gate pendants for the proper
length, and taping off the turnbuckle “split rings” (or cotter pins) for afinished appearance.
•Aft Lifeline Tip: To protect the hydraulic cylinder handle from the wire lifelines, get apiece of
snap-on plastic lifeline coating from West Marine and cut two small 4” pieces and install one on the
upper and the other on the lower lifeline centered about the handle.
Skylight Ventilation Hatches:are made of extruded anodized aluminum frames and scratch-resistant
acrylic covers. Each hatch comes equipped with aventilation position and 180 degree articulation and
screens.
Ports and Opening Ports:are of painted aluminum frames with bronze colored acrylic and arrive
“ready-to-use”. The opening ports are specifically engineered and located to maximize cross-flow
ventilation screens are also provided for each of the opening ports.
DO NOT PERMIT ACETONE OR OTHER HARSH CLEANSERS TO GET ON PORTS, OR HATCHES
AS THEY MAY DAMAGE THE FINISH &CLARITY OF SOME DECK HARDWARE.
Deckhouse Handrails: Stainless handrails are standard for easy maintenance and ownership.
Winches: Standard winches are aluminum self-tailing models from Harken Yacht Equipment. The
location of these winches facilitates sailing with one or two aboard. Each is geared to match the load
requirements of the specific task.
J/109 Steering System
The steering system is carefully engineered to provide finger-tip control. This is achieved by utilizing
Edson rudder bearings and steering system components. The pedestal is custom designed and
incorporates molded foot-rests, aRitchie compass and additional instrumentation space on the
stainless wheel guard.
Wheel: is a54” Edson “Diamond” series aluminum wheel with aleather cover. The wheel is mounted
to the pedestal by through-bolting the hub to the stainless hub bracket. When installing, first center
the rudder, then install the wheel with the name plate vertical. Then place amark at the top of the rim
or on the vertical spoke as acenterline reference point.
Rudder: is made of unidirectional glass, with two halves bonded together, and ahighly reinforced
fiberglass shaft that extends to 80% of the depth of the rudder. The rudder is engineered to withstand
tremendous shear loads in ocean conditions. The high aspect shape helps reduce the “torque”
tendency of most rudders, thereby reducing helmsman and auto-pilot fatigue.

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Rudder Stock Stuffing Box: is located at the top of the fiberglass rudder tube beneath the decks. It
is asimple design that prevents water from entering the hull. Astainless sleeve bearing surface
surrounds the rudder shaft at the point where arubber seal is forced against it to prevent water from
rising up the tube.
Emergency Tiller: is operated by lifting off the access plate (amidships), and placing the base of the
tiller over the head of the rudder stock. Rudder is rotated using the T-shaped handlebars. Fit the
emergency tiller NOW to see how the system works BEFORE you get caught in asituation where you
won’t have the time!
J/109 Rigging
The running and standing rigging items supplied with your boat are designed for efficiency. Awealth
of racing and cruising experience has gone into the deck layout to make sailing and boat handling
safe and easy to handle by acouple and for aracing crew.
The most unique system on your J/109 is the bow sprit system for the asymmetric spinnaker. We
believe this system is amajor improvement over conventional systems and so let's start by explaining
how it works.
•Carbon Fiber Bow Sprit: The carbon fiber bow sprit is custom made by Advanced Composites and
is designed to withstand the loads associated with the asymmetric spinnaker without any additional
support. The pole consists of acarbon tube finished with two molded end fittings. The forward
end fitting has a"U" bolt which serves as the attachment point for the tackline block. The aft end
fitting houses all hardware necessary for the adjuster line and shock cord retrieval system.
•Bow Sprit Launching Line: The control line to pull out the bowsprit is designed to be adjusted
without leaving the cockpit. The line is dead-ended to the inboard pad eye on the forward most
bulkhead in the forepeak. The line then leads through the thru-pole blocks on the aft end fitting of
the carbon fiber pole (be sure the "U" bolt on the other end of the pole is up), forward through a
block on the outboard padeye on the forepeak bulkhead, then through the stainless handrail in
the main salon, through the head, and finally to acam cleat mounted on the aft side of the cabin
top to starboard.
•Harken Headsail Furling: Astandard Harken Furler is provided with the boat and requires assembly
prior to installing the mast. Acomplete instruction manual is included with this hardware detailing
the procedure. The pin-to-pin headstay length necessary to complete this task for the J/109 is
14700mm or 48’2-7/8”.
•Mast: Rigging the J/109 mast is acommon procedure, and best handled by aqualified marine
rigger. All spreaders, shrouds, and halyards are installed and properly taped and secured. The
masthead anchor light and the steaming light are shipped loose with the J/109 Sparcraft mast to
prevent damage during shipping. Be sure these and all other mast related electronics and wind
indicators are properly wired and installed prior to stepping the mast. After stepping the mast it is
VERY IMPORTANT to install the wire fitting from the forward face of the mast in the interior up to
the underside of the deck and tighten prior to going sailing. We also recommend that asmall cord
is tied and taped approx. 24” above each lower spreader between the intermediate shroud and
upper shroud. Simply tie this line to each shroud (allowing for some slack) and tape ends over with
rigging tape. This prevents the asymmetrical spinnaker (during atake down) from potentially
dropping into the Vthat is formed at the lower spreader between these shrouds.
•Hydraulic Backstay: The J/109 is equipped with an integral hydraulic backstay to help you fine
tune your rig and sails for optimum performance. This hydraulic unit is simple to operate, easy to
maintain, and highly reliable. The cylinder is affixed at its lower end to astainless backstay

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extension rod that attaches to the tang on the transom and at its upper end to the eye at the end
of the backstay. In order to make the cylinder fit, you must release the hydraulic valve and pull out
the SS shaft and fully extend it.
•Boom: Run the reef lines so the red line (port) is led through the port sheaves and the green line
(starboard) is led through the starboard sheaves at both the outboard end and the gooseneck.
The starboard reef doubles as the cunningham.
•Boom Vang: The Hall QuikVang is amechanically operated spring loaded boom vang with a
Harken block and tackle purchase system. This vang system allows for quick and easy adjustment
and also acts as aboom topping lift. The vang is affixed to the vang plate welded underneath the
boom and to the mast at the vang gooseneck located just above the mast collar. See the
QuikVang operating instructions for how to adjust the internal spring for best results.
Sail Control Systems
After stepping the mast and connecting the boom, QuikVang, Harken furler, and integral backstay, rig all
halyards and the remaining sail control systems.
•Main Halyard: exits the mast on the port side, runs through aturning block at the mast collar,
through the inboard port organizer block and then aft through the port double stopper (inboard
hole) and finally to the halyard winch. The tail end is stored in asupplied line bag to be mounted
outboard and forward of the stopper.
•Jib/Genoa Halyard: exits the mast to port, leads through the forward mast base block, aft to the
outboard sheave on the organizer block, through the outboard stopper hole, and store tail in line
bag. (additional jib/genoa halyard option leads to starboard).
•Spinnaker Halyard: exits the mast to starboard and leads to the outboard sheave and stopper.
(additional spinnaker halyard option leads to port).
•Mainsheet Traveler: is aHarken low friction system. The 4:1 purchase system on each side
controls aHarken Car mounted on midrange track (see diagram).
•Outhaul: is adjusted at the cleat on the underside of the boom and comes pre-assembled.
•Cunningham: The cunningham doubles as the starboard reef line. To set it up as acunningham
simply tie aknot at the boom end tail of the reef line. The line leads forward to the sheave at the
gooseneck, up to the cunningham block with S.S. hook back down through abullseye on the
mast, down to the mast base block and aft to the inboard stopper.(see diagram). To use the
continuous reef system simply run the boom end tail through the clew reef grommet, back down
around the boom and tie abowline.
•Mainsheet: is a24:1 system with a6:1/4:1 set-up (see diagram). The system is designed to allow
easy adjustments of the mainsheet. The location of the traveler also facilitates single-handed
sailing and adjustments. The fixed centerline cleat base rotates to port and starboard for aproper
lead. Be sure to put a"stopper knot" like afigure-eight at the end of the mainsheet.
•Jib/Genoa Sheet: attaches to the roller-furler headsail by asimple knot, leads to the jib/genoa
block on the track, aft to the turning block on the cockpit coaming and then to the primary winch.
•Spinnaker Sheets: lead from the clew of the spinnaker aft outside the lifelines through the
spinnaker sheet blocks turning forward to afairlead block mounted on the padeye along the rail
and then into the primary cockpit winches or secondary cabin top winches.

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Diagrams, Layouts, & Schematics
Deck Hardware Layout

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Mainsheet &Traveler Diagram

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Adjustable Genoa Leads

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Halyard Layout

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ReefingSystem Diagram

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Chainplate Tie-Rod System
The J/109 Chainplate Tie-Rod system is installed at TPI Composites and shall not be tapered with
unless specifically authorized by TPI (Phone [phone]). The tie-rod itself is assembled into the
Trunnion using anon-permanent Loctite and brought up to afactory specified torque setting. No
additional adjustment should be needed as any further tension may deform or crack the deck. The Tie
Rod is not designed for and shall not be used to adjust rig tension or tuning.
The illustration above is an exploded isometric view of the Tie Rod Assembly. The Tie Rod is not
shown at its full length. When assembling the Screw In Cap to Chain Plate the same non-permanent
Loctite is to be used.

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Steering System

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Engine Layout

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Exhaust System Layout