J/Boats J/145 User manual

J/145 Owner Guide
COPYRIGHT ©J/BOATS, INC., 2001

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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/145
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/145. 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 A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY.

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Introduction 2
Specifications....................................................................................................................................................................5
Important Contacts...........................................................................................................................................................6
Commissioning Checklist...............................................................................................................................................7
Getting Started With Your J/145.....................................................................................................................................8
Before Proceeding..........................................................................................................................................................8
J/145 Steering System....................................................................................................................................................9
Sail Control Systems.......................................................................................................................................................9
Diagrams, Layouts, & Schematics...............................................................................................................................12
Mainsheet & Traveler Diagram...................................................................................................................................12
Halyard Layout.............................................................................................................................................................13
Reefing System Diagram............................................................................................................................................14
Checkstay System.......................................................................................................................................................15
Jib & Genoa Hardware Layout....................................................................................................................................16
Deck Hardware Layout................................................................................................................................................17
Engine & Exhaust System Layout..............................................................................................................................18
Fuel System Layout.....................................................................................................................................................19
Thru-Hull Locations......................................................................................................................................................20
Fresh Water System Layout.......................................................................................................................................21
Head Sump Layout......................................................................................................................................................22
Bilge Pump Layout.......................................................................................................................................................23
Head Plumbing System...............................................................................................................................................24
Main AC/DC Distribution Panel...................................................................................................................................25
AC/DC Component Layout.........................................................................................................................................26
Standard Battery Wiring Schematic............................................................................................................................27
Optional Battery Upgrade Wiring Schematic.............................................................................................................28
DC Fan Layout.............................................................................................................................................................29
AC Layout with Forward Head Only...........................................................................................................................30
AC Layout with Aft Head Only ....................................................................................................................................31
AC Layout with Both Forward & Aft Heads................................................................................................................32
Optional Inverter Wiring...............................................................................................................................................33
Propane System Layout..............................................................................................................................................34
Bonding System...........................................................................................................................................................35
Rudder Shaft Detail .....................................................................................................................................................36
Keel Installation Instructions......................................................................................................................................367
Tuning The Rig................................................................................................................................................................38
Engine System ................................................................................................................................................................39
Sail Drive........................................................................................................................................................................39
Fuel System...................................................................................................................................................................39
Engine Cooling System................................................................................................................................................39
Exhaust System............................................................................................................................................................40
General Hints To Avoid Problems..............................................................................................................................40
Engine Safety Precautions...........................................................................................................................................41
Starting The Engine......................................................................................................................................................41
Turning Engine Off........................................................................................................................................................42
Fueling the Diesel Tanks..............................................................................................................................................42
Engine Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................................42
Plumbing Systems..........................................................................................................................................................43
General..........................................................................................................................................................................43
Fresh Water System.....................................................................................................................................................43
Thru-Hulls & Seacocks.................................................................................................................................................43
Pump Systems..............................................................................................................................................................43
Head System.................................................................................................................................................................44
Electrical System............................................................................................................................................................45
DC Electrical System....................................................................................................................................................45
110 VAC Shorepower System.....................................................................................................................................45

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Galley Stove LPG System............................................................................................................................................46
Safety................................................................................................................................................................................47
Maintenance Tips............................................................................................................................................................48
Annual Maintenance Checklist.....................................................................................................................................50
Storage Tips.....................................................................................................................................................................51

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Specifications
LOA 48.1'
LWL 42.5'
Beam 13.0'
Draft 8.9'
Ballast 8,350 lb.
Ballast Type Nickel Aluminum Bronze Fin w/Lead Bulb
Displacement (std boat) 19,000 lbs.
100% Sail Area 1,295 sq ft
I 63.0'
ISP 65.0’
J 18.0'
P 58.25'
E 20.5'
Engine Yanmar®56HP Diesel w/Saildrive (4-cylinder)
Fuel Capacity 75 US gallons
Engine Alternator 115 amp
Battery Capacity 266 amp hours (add'l 210 amps optional)
Water Capacity 96 US gallons
Interior Cabin Headroom 6’ 5”
Limit of Positive Stability 130+ degrees
Ice Box Capacity 6.5 cubic feet
LPG Capacity (2) 10 lb. Bottles
Hull Core Material Baltek®AL-600 CK-57 End-Grained Balsa
Hull & Deck Molding Process TPI SCRIMP®Resin Infusion
Hull Blister Warranty 10 Years: Owner Transferable
Deck Core Material Baltek Airlite Foam Core
Hull & Deck Composite Material E/glass, Toray carbon fiber w/vinylester resin

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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/strut/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 shaft 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 shaft seal
Step Mast
___ Remove interior headliner at mast opening
___ Hoist spar and lower into boat
___ Attach furler to stemhead fitting
___ Attach hydraulic cylinder to backstay and plate
___ Attach all shrouds and hand tighten
___ Install wedges/Spartite and mast boot
___ 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
Systems Check
___ Fill water tanks- 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 and check shaft seal
___ Check bilge for leaks
___ Check sailing electronics
___ After sailing, re-caulk main chainplates
___ Mark locations in cockpit to install teak foot braces
(shipped loose)

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Getting Started With Your J/145
Generally, your dealer or commissioning yard will help you prepare your boat before launching. And in
most instances with a boat this size they will undertake the entire commissioning job. They are experts in
the field and are capable of completing the required 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/145 is assembled properly and all
systems and rigging are functioning properly. If a boatyard 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 a coat of high quality car or boat wax or use a synthetic poly-based coating. Either
finish will prolong the life and sheen of the gelcoat.
Bottom: preparation is critical to long-lasting enjoyment. To ensure a professional finish, carefully review
the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for preparing the bottom and have your dealer to roll or spray
it on. Be sure that there are a minimum of 4 coats of epoxy primer covering the keel and rudder prior to
final coating of bottom paint.
Chainplates: are custom built of polished stainless steel. Each pair surrounds the fiberglass main
structural bulkhead and is anchored directly to it with staggered bolts. The backstay chainplate is also 316
grade and through bolts directly to a reinforced area of the transom.
Stemhead Fitting: is a custom polished stainless steel fabrication with removable integrated bow roller
and anchor retainer pin. 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 polished stainless steel and incorporates welded rings for halyard and reefing line blocks
and a forward halyard bar. The mast boot fits over the flange of this collar to seal the interior.
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 a stern boarding gate. The bow pulpit includes
the bow running lights, and two mid bars across the front end. The stern push-pit is standard with an aft
gate and stern running light. All stanchions are 1” diameter tapered stainless steel and are secured into
their custom designed bases with machine set screws.
Lifelines: are uncoated 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:
•Insert all lifeline gates/stanchions onto their respective base provided along the perimeter of the deck.
Secure each stanchion in place by tightening the 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 the stanchions. For aft lower and upper lifelines, thread the lifeline through the
padded lifeline covers included with the boat.

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•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 a finished appearance.
Skylight Ventilation Hatches: are made of extruded anodized aluminum frames and scratch-resistant
acrylic covers. Each hatch comes equipped with a ventilation position and 180 degree articulation.
Ports and Opening Ports: are of painted aluminum frames with colored acrylic and arrive “ready-to-use”.
The opening ports are specifically engineered and located to maximize cross-flow ventilation.
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.
Winches: Standard winches are aluminum self-tailing models from Lewmar Marine. 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/145 Steering System
The steering system is carefully engineered to provide finger-tip control. Most of the steering system
components are manufactured by Edson. The pedestal is custom fabricated by TPI to incorporate the 5”
Ritchie SF 500 compass and an integral handrail.
Wheel: is a 60” Edson “Ultra-Light” series wheel with an elkhide comfort grip cover. The wheel is
mounted to the pedestal by a series of bolts to the hub. When installing, first center the rudder, then place
a mark at the top of the rim or on the vertical spoke as a centerline reference point.
Rudder: is made of unidirectional glass & carbon fiber, with two halves bonded together, and a highly
reinforced carbon fiber rudder shaft from Advanced Composites which extends to 80% of the depth of the
rudder. The rudder is engineered to withstand tremendous shear loads in ocean conditions.
Rudder Stock Stuffing Box: is located at the top of the lower rudder bearing beneath the deck. It is a
simple design that prevents water from entering the hull. An epoxy sleeve bearing surrounds the rudder
shaft at the point where a rubber seal is forced against it to prevent water from rising up the rudder tube.
Emergency Tiller: is operated by lifting off the plastic access plate and placing the base of the tiller over
the head of the rudder stock. Secure a line to each eye at the end of tiller, and lead outboard through the
spinnaker sheet turning blocks, forward to either the mainsheet or primary winches. If you pull the
starboard line the boat turns to port. Pulling the port line steers the boat to starboard. Fit the emergency
tiller NOW to see how the system works BEFORE you get caught in a situation where you may not have
the time!
Sail Control Systems
The J/145 sail control systems are designed for maximum efficiency and ease of handling. Below is a
brief description of each system:
Mainsail Controls:
Main Halyard: exits the mast on the port side, runs through a turning block at the mast collar aft to the
organizer and then aft to the rope clutch leading into the cockpit halyard/secondary winch.
Main Sheet: is a 2:1 continuous system running to both port and starboard side mainsheet winches. The
line is led from one winch through a deck mounted turning block to one block on the traveler car, up to the

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single boom block, back down to the second block on the traveler car, and out to the other deck block and
finally to the other winch. The system is designed to allow extremely easy adjustments of the mainsheet
by any size or age person. The self-tailing winch feature also facilitates single-handed sailing and rapid
adjustments during sailing maneuvers. Be sure to put a “stopper knot” at both ends of the sheet.
Traveler: consists of a traveler track and traveler car mounted in the cockpit. The car is controlled by a
7:1 purchase system led to either side of the cockpit. The traveler control line dead-ends outboard on the
becket of the control block, then runs back and forth between the traveler car and end fitting, finishing at
the “head-knocker” cleat assembly mounted just forward and outboard of the traveler track.
Reef Lines: are designed to be fully functional from the cockpit. The system includes a single line reef
system and an additional clew & tack reef. Please refer to the rigging diagram for details.
Outhaul: is 18:1 internal tackle system pre-assembled by Hall Spars and cleated on the underside of the
boom.
Backstay: A Sailtec hydraulic backstay and vang adjusters are included with the J/145 to enable you to
control the upwind shape of the mainsail by bending the mast and tensioning the leech of the main. The
pump and release valve on the two function panel mounted on forward face of pedestal in the cockpit
control the operation.
Jib/Genoa Controls
Jib/Genoa Halyards: exit the mast on the port and starboard sides of the mast and run through a turning
block at the mast collar aft to the forward halyard winches. (see Halyard Layout Diagram).
Jib/Genoa Sheets: are attached to the headsail with large J-Lock shackles. For a small jib, lead the
sheet inboard of the shrouds, through the jib or genoa car on the track then aft to the primary winches. If
a large genoa is used, the sheets lead outboard of the shrouds and to then to the winch. The J/145 is
equipped with two “stand-up” Harken blocks outboard of the cockpit. These are designed to deflect the
genoa sheet around the dodger when the dodger is rigged.
Jib/Genoa Blocks & Tracks: are located port and starboard along the cabin sides. Adjustable pin stop
jib lead blocks are supplied for the forward in board & outboard tracks and can double as outboard cars
for the genoa if necessary. The genoa system is standard with a Harken adjustable system to allow fine
adjustment while racing or under load.
Spinnaker Equipment
Spinnaker Halyards: exit each side of the mast and lead through a turning block at the mast collar to the
forward halyard winches to port and starboard.
Spinnaker Sheets: attaches to the clew of the spinnaker with Tylaska T-12 shackles and leads aft
outside the lifelines through the spinnaker sheet blocks (just in front of the stern pushpit), forward through
the double foot blocks, then to either the cabin top or primary winches. When hooking up the
asymmetrical spinnaker the windward (or lazy) sheet should be led in front of the headstay.
Tack Line: The tack line leads from the spinnaker clew through a Harken 75mm block on the bow sprit
and aft to a rope clutch forward of the starboard halyard winch.
Bow Sprit Control Line: The Bow Sprit Control Line leads from large padeye thru-bolted on forward
bulkhead below deck, through the blocks on the bow sprit back through the bulkhead into anchor locker
area, through the deck and aft through bullseye fairleads to rope clutch forward of starboard halyard
winch.

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**Special Builder Instructions for Installing Additional Deck Hardware
The following instructions should be provided to owners / dealers when installing additional deck
hardware on J/145's:
1. Drill oversize holes in deck for hardware fasteners, minimum of twice the fastener diameter
(e.g. drill min. 3/4" hole for 3/8" diameter fastener).
2. Fill oversize fastener holes with epoxy putty, and allow to cure.
3. Redrill fastener holes through cured epoxy to correct size.
4. Install fasteners with large washers or backing plates.
Following these instructions will prevent crushing the Airlite foam in areas of the deck where (high
density Penske Extreme 2000) provisions were not made for hardware installation.