J/Boats J/88 User manual

J88 OWNER MANUAL 2
J/88 Owner Manual
HIN:…………………………………
Yacht Name:…………………………………
Owner Name:…………………………………
COPYRIGHT J/BOATS, INC., 2013

J88 OWNER MANUAL 3
Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
CE Certification ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Specifications.................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Important Contacts......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Commissioning Checklist ...........................................................................................................................................14
Important Commissioning Follow-up........................................................................................................................ 15
Tuning the Rig ...............................................................................................................................................................16
Diagrams, Layouts, & Schematics.............................................................................................................................18
Mainsheet Diagram.....................................................................................................................................................18
Traveler System Layout..............................................................................................................................................19
Adjustable Jib Lead System.......................................................................................................................................20
Cabin Top Layout........................................................................................................................................................21
Reefing System Layout...............................................................................................................................................22
Backstay System.........................................................................................................................................................23
Cunningham System ..................................................................................................................................................24
Spinnaker Sheet Blocks..............................................................................................................................................25
Engine Fueland Exhaust Layouts............................................................................................................................. 26
Bilge Pump Layout & Switch ......................................................................................................................................27
Thru-Hull & Seacock Locations..................................................................................................................................28
Head & Holding Tank Schematic................................................................................................................................ 29
DC Distribution Panel.................................................................................................................................................. 30
DC Component Layout ..............................................................................................................................................31
DC Battery Charging Schematic................................................................................................................................ 32
AC Optional Schematic & Panel ................................................................................................................................33
Bonding System .........................................................................................................................................................34
Engine System ..............................................................................................................................................................35
Sail Drive......................................................................................................................................................................35
Fuel System................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Engine Cooling & Exhaust Systems.......................................................................................................................... 35
Engine Safety Precautions.........................................................................................................................................36
Engine Start & Shutdown............................................................................................................................................37
Engine Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................38
Plumbing Systems........................................................................................................................................................39
Thru-Hulls & Seacocks...............................................................................................................................................39
Pump Systems............................................................................................................................................................ 39
Head System...............................................................................................................................................................39
Electrical System ..........................................................................................................................................................40
Optional 110V AC System............................................................................................................................................41
Safety..............................................................................................................................................................................43
Maintenance Tips & Checklist ....................................................................................................................................45
Storage Tips...................................................................................................................................................................48
APPENDIXA- Best Practices - Boat Inspection.......................................................................................................50
APPENDIX B -ABS(Dated) Guidelines for SurveyAfter Construction...................................................................55
APPENDIX C - Care and Cleaning Recommendations forAcrylic Portlight............................................................ 56
APPENDIX D - J/88 Supplier List...............................................................................................................................58
CCFC Limited Warranty.....................................................................See Warranty Package Included with the Yacht

J88 OWNER MANUAL 4
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/88
owner should become proficientin all aspects of handling the vesselundersail and power, and be wellversed with
emergencyprocedures before undertaking any offshore passage. The owner is further responsiblefor any required
state registration or federal documentation, accident reporting, outfitting the vessel with proper safety equipment,
and the safe operation of the vessel. Your J/Boats Dealer will be happy to refer you to Boating Safety Courses or
other seminars available.
Please be sure to complete the enclosed warranty card and mail to C&C Fiberglass Components, Inc. (CCFC)
This owner manual is furnished for your benefit, but shall in no way be construed as any sort of warranty or contract,
express or implied, creating anyobligation 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 CCFCWarranty described in the
appendix hereto and on the Warranty Card furnished with the yacht.
J/BOATS, INC. HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALLWARRANTIES, EXPRESSOR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 5
CE Certification:
CE Design Category:
With standard equipment the J/88 meets Category B or C Requirements for CE Certification.
CE Certification Notice:
This manual has been compiled to help you to operate your J/88 with safety and pleasure. It contains details
of the J/88, the equipment supplied or fitted its systems and information on its operation. Please read it carefully,
and familiarize yourself with the craft before using it.
Even when your boat is categorized for them, the sea and wind conditions corresponding to the design
categories A, B, and C range from strong gale to severe conditions, open to the hazards of a freak wave or
gust, and are therefore dangerous conditions, where only a competent, fit and trained crew using a well
maintained boat can satisfactorily operate.
Ensure that the anticipated wind and sea conditions will correspond to the design category of your boat, and
that you and your crew are able to handle the boat in these conditions.
This owner's manual is not a course on boating safety or seamanship. If this is your first boat, or you are
changing to a type of boat you are not familiar with, for your own comfort and safety, please ensure that you
obtain handling and operating experience before "assuming command" of the boat. Your dealer or national
sailing federation or yacht club will be pleased to advise you of local sea schools, or competent instructors.
This owner's manual is not a detailed maintenance or trouble shooting guide. In case of difficulty, refer to the
boat dealer, builder or its representative. Always use trained and competent people for maintenance, fixing
or modifications. Modifications that may affect the safety characteristics of the craft shall be assessed,
executed and documented by competent people. The boat builder cannot be held responsible for
modifications he has not approved.
NOTE: Any change in the disposition of the masses aboard may significantly affect the stability, trim and
performance of your boat. Users of this boat are advised that:
All crew should receive suitable training;
The boat should not carry more than the manufacturer's recommended load;
Bilge water should be kept to a minimum;
Stability is reduced by anyweight added high up;
In rough weather, hatches, lockers and doorways should be closed to minimize the risk of
flooding;
Stability maybe reduced when towing or lifting heavy weights using a davit or boom;
Breaking waves are a serious stabilityhazard.
In some countries a driving license or authorization are required, or specific regulations are in force.
Always maintain your boat properly and make allowance for the deterioration that will occur in time and as a
result of heavy use or misuse of the boat.
Any boat – no matter how strong it may be, can be severely damaged if not used properly. This is not
compatible with safe boating. Always adjust the speed and direction of the craft to sea conditions.
If your boat is fitted with a life raft, read carefully its operating manual. The crew should be familiar with the
use of all safety equipment (harness, flares, life raft, etc.) and emergency maneuvering (man overboard
recovery, towing, etc.); sailing schools and clubs regularly organize drill sessions.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 6
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SECURE PLACE, AND HAND IT OVERTO THE NEW OWNERWHEN YOU
SELL THE CRAFT.
Definitions of CE design categories:
A OCEAN: Designed for extended voyages where conditions may exceed wind force 8 (Beaufort scale) and significant wave
heights of 4 m and above but excluding abnormal conditions, and vessels largelyself-sufficient.
B OFFSHORE: Designed for offshore voyages where conditions up to, and including wind force 8 and significant wave heights
up to, and including, 4 m may be experienced.
C INSHORE: Designed for voyages in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers where conditions up to, and
including, wind force 6 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 2 m may be experienced.
D SHELTERED WATERS: Designed for voyages on sheltered coastal waters, small bays, small lakes, rivers and canals when
conditions up to, and including, wind force 4 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 0,3 m may be experienced, with
occasional waves of 0,5 m maximum height, for example from passing vessels.
NOTE: The significant wave height is the mean height of the highest one third of the waves, which approximately corresponds
to the wave height estimated by an experienced observer. Some waves will be double this height.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 7
J/88 Recommended Loading
ISO 12217-2
Category B - Maximum Crew = 6 People at 75 kg (165 lbs.) each.
Category C or D - Maximum Crew = 8 People at 75kb (165 lbs.) each.
Category B or C Manufacturer's Recommended Maximum Total Load = 911 kg (2,008 lbs.) - includes crew
This assessment has been made assuming that all standard equipment is aboard and that the boat in light craft condition has a
mass of 2,302 kg. (5,078 lbs.) This recommended maximum load takes into account the mass of the following:
a) The number of persons onboard: Where children are carried as part of the crew the maximum number of persons may be
exceeded provided that each child's mass does not surpass a limit of 37.5 kg (83 lbs.) and the total persons mass (75 kg) is not
exceeded.
b) basic equipment mass of (LH-2.5)^2 considered not to be less than 10kg.
c) stores and cargo (if any), dry provisions, consumable liquids [not covered by d) or e)], and miscellaneous equipment not
included in the light craft mass or in b);
d) consumable liquids (fresh water, fuel) in portable tanks filled to the maximum capacity;
e) Consumable liquids (fresh water, fuel) in permanentlyinstalled tanks filled to the maximum capacity;
f)a life raft or dinghy when intended to be carried.
This boat has been assessed using the Stability Index(STIX), which is a measure of the overall stability safety and considers
the effects of boat length, displacement, hull proportions, stabilitycharacteristics and resistance to downflooding. This
assessment has yielded the following data:
J/88 Minimum Operating Condition:
STIX = 31.36
Angle of Vanishing Stability = 131 degrees
J/88 Loaded Displacement Condition:
STIX = 28.82
Angle of Vanishing Stability = 123 deg.
J/88 is equipped with 610mm height double wire lifeline system supported by SS stanchions as well as SS bow
and stern rails for man overboard prevention. A stern boarding ladder is standard for man overboard recovery.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 8
Specifications
MODEL
J/88
LOA (Lh)
8.90m (29.19')
LWL (Lwl)
8.18m (26.84')
Beam (Bh)
2.90m (9.50')
Draft : [Max Loaded Draft]
1.98m (6.50') :[2.024m (6.64’)]
Ballast
830kg (1,830 lbs.)
Ballast Type
Fabricated SS spar/GRP skin/with cast lead with 3% antimony
Displacement - standard boat
2,264kg (4,990 lbs.)
100% Sail Area
40.80sqm (439sq ft)
IM
11.79m (38.67')
ISP
12.68m (41.60’)
J
3.44m (11.28')
P
11.22m (36.82')
E
3.66m (12.00')
Engine
Yanmar 2YM15, 10.0kw (13.2hp), SD 20 Saildrive
Fuel Capacity*
57 liters (15 US gallons)
EngineAlternator
80 amp standard Yanmar marine alternator
House Battery Capacity
90 amp hours, add’l 90 amp option
Standard Propeller
Flex-O-Fold gearedfolding prop 14”dia x11”pitch
Battery Type
AGM Group 27 Glass Mat
Holding Tank Capacity
23 liters (6 gal.)
OptionalWater Capacity**
19 liters (5 US gallons)
Limit of Positive Stability (mMOC)
131 degrees
Hull & Deck Core Material
Hull - BaltekAL600 Balsa, Deck - Corecell Foam
Hull & Deck Molding Process
Hull & Deck - Resin Infusion,
Hull Osmotic Blister Warranty
10 Years: Owner Transferable
Mast Height AboveWater
13.68 m (44’ 10”) not including masthead instruments
Displacement/LengthRatio
112
Sail-Area/Displacement Ratio
24
CE Certification Design Category
Category B or C
*Fuel capacity may not be completely usable depending upon trim and loading of the craft and a 20% reserve should be kept on board.
**All water capacity may not be usable depending upon trim and loading of the craft.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 9
Important Contacts
Dealer:
Phone:
Street:
Web Site:
City, State, Zip:
E mail:
Marketing & Design J/Boats, Inc. Phone: [phone]
PO Box 90 Fax: [phone]
Newport, RI 02840 email: [e-mail]
www.jboats.com
Builder: CCFC, Inc. Phone: [phone]
75 Ballou Blvd. Fax: [phone]
Bristol, RI 02809 email: [e-mail]
www.ccfci.com
Cushions: Ken’s Upholstery Phone: [phone]
101 Narragansett Ave. Fax: [phone]
Barrington, RI 02806 email:
Spars/Rigging: Hall Spars & Rigging Phone: [phone]
33 Broadcommon Rd. Fax: [phone]
Bristol, RI 02809 email: [e-mail]
www.hallspars.com
Canvas: Thurston Sails Phone: [phone]
112 Tupelo Street Fax: [phone]
Bristol, RI 02809 email: [e-mail]
Note: SeeAppendix D for specific J/88 equipment supplier list

J88 OWNER MANUAL 10
Getting Started With Your J/88
Generally, your dealer or commissioning yardwillhelp you prepare yourboatbefore 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.
BeforeProceeding
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 loosedeck hardware items are shipped from the
factory in parts boxes. To help you properly install these items please refer to the rigging and hardware
sections and diagrams inthis guide.
The Commissioning Checklist: will help you double check that the J/88 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 to prolong the life and sheen of the gelcoat.
Bottom: Bottom preparation is critical to long-lasting enjoyment. To ensure a professional finish, carefully
review the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for preparing the bottom. Be sure that there is a healthy
amount of epoxyprimer (using paint manufacturer build-up recommendations) to cover the keel and rudder
PRIOR to final coating of bottom paint. Avoid use of copper or anymetallic based bottom paints on or in the
proximity the aluminum Saildrive leg. Saildrive leg should also be thoroughlycoated with epoxyprimer and
any nicks or scratches properly sealed.
Chainplates: are manufactured of polished stainless steel. Shroud chainplates are mounted directlyto a
highly reinforced area of the hull flange and attached to large aluminum backup plates. The backstay
stainless steel padeyes are bolted to a reinforced area of the transom.
Stemhead Fitting: is a custom stainless fabrication bonded to the hull inside the foredeck anchor locker
area. The stem head fitting is engineered to withstand all headstay loads.
Mast StepTabernacle: is a custom stainless fitting for a deck stepmast arrangement and incorporates two
large stainless pins that attach to a matching mast step plate bolted to the deck. This deck plate includes
an internal chase way to allow mast wires to enter the boat. There are locations for halyard and reefing line
turning blocks on each side. The carbon mast sits atop a G-10 mast base plug and a SS thru-bolt prevents
the mast from jumping off the plug. With the forward pin removed, the tabernacle arrangement allows the
mast to hinge aft during unstepping.
Toe Rail: J/88 is equipped with molded toerails at the deck edge forward of the mast and support toerails
in the cockpit for the helmsman and mainsheet trimmer just aft of the cockpit seats.
Stanchions & Pulpits: are designed for proper offshore safety as well as to facilitate access to the boat.
Optional are two full length lifeline gates to port and starboard. The double lifeline arrangement includes (2)
standard sternlifelines. All stanchions andrails are1”diameter stainless steelwith smaller diameter inboard
support legs on the stanchions. Optional black powder coat is available for stanchions and rails.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 11
The J88 is equipped with Hall Rigging provided 5/32” 1 x 19 SS wire lifelines. To assemble the system:
Attach jaw to bow rail termination points port and starboard.
Remove threaded eye from swage fitting and thread through stanchions.
Thread through aft stanchion and through optional lifeline pad if so equipped.
Secure threaded eyes to lifelines.
Lash to stern rail with provided lashing lines.
Attach and lash ends of stern gates between stern rails across transom.
Your lifelines and lashings should be checked for wear as part of a regular boat maintenance program.
Potential chafe areas are stanchion pass-throughs and lashing points. Also remember to rinse lifelines
whenever you rinse your boat and deck hardware, as sharp salt crystals deposited when sea water dries
can be a source of corrosion.
Flush Skylight Ventilation Hatch: is made of extruded anodized aluminum and scratch-resistant acrylic
cover. The hatch comes equipped with 180 degree articulation. Care should be taken when opening the
hatch to prevent the lid from slamming onto the deck.
Fixed Acrylic Portlights are pre-installed and sealed. Owners should take great care not to use any
abrasiveorharshcleanersontheseports. Specificcleaninginstructionsfrom themanufacturerareincluded
in the appendix.
Optional Opening Ports: are of painted aluminum frames with scratch-resistant acrylic and arrive “ready-
to-use”.
DO NOT PERMIT ACETONE OR OTHER HARSH CLEANSERS TO GET ON PORTS OR HATCHES
ASTHEY MAY DAMAGE THE FINISH & CLARITYOF SOME DECK HARDWARE.
Deckhouse Handrails: Stainless handrails are standard for securemaneuvering on deck and ease of
maintenance.
Winches: Standard winches are aluminum self-tailing models. The location of these winches facilitates
sailing shorthanded. Each is geared to match the load requirements of the specific task.
Rudder,TillerandSteeringHardware
J/88 rudder is molded with E-glass & VE resin with an epoxyfoam core. The skins include triaxial glass
fabric with several unidirectional supporting layers. There is additional reinforcement and/or blocking at all
hardware penetrations as well as along the leading and trailing edges and the rudder head. The trailing
edge is very narrow and as such is a damage prone area when handled poorly. Owners should use great
care when removing and installing the rudder to avoid trailing edge damage.
The tiller is a molded gelcoat and E-glass curved tiller with an extendable offshore tiller extension. This is
attached to the top of the rudder and articulates. Care should be taken not to stress the tiller by placing
unnecessary weight on top of the forward end while sailing as this could lead to gelcoat cracks and other
issues where it attaches to the rudder.
The rudder hardware includes two SS rudder straps bolted to the rudder, two SS transom mounted
gudgeons and two SS rudder pins. Be sure to installthe retaining rings below each gudgeon once the
pins are installed.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 12
J/88Rigging
The running and standing rigging items supplied with your boat are designed for efficiency. A wealth of
racing and cruising experience has gone into the deck layout to make sailing and boat handling safe and
easy to handle bya couple or a racing crew.
Harken Headsail Furling: The Harken furler is provided with the boat standard and requires assembly
prior to installing the mast. A complete instruction manual is included with this hardware detailing the
proper procedure. The provided pre-feeder should be lashed and taped halfway between the feeder
gate and the lower extrusion leg.
Mast: Rigging the J/88 mast is a commonprocedure,and best handled by aqualifiedmarine rigger. Be
sure all 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 properly secure the mast to the mast step
with the provided through-bolt. We recommend that a small cord is tied and taped approx. 24” above
each lower spreader between the intermediate shroud and upper shroud if you plan to sail with a
spinnaker. Simply tie this line to each shroud (allowing for some slack) and tape ends over with rigging
tape.Thispreventsthespinnaker(duringatake-down)frompotentiallydroppingintotheVthatisformed
atthe lower spreader between these two shrouds.
Backstay Tackle: The J/88 is equipped with a double ended cascading 24:1 backstay adjustment
system that leads to each side of the cockpit just forward of the traveler. Please refer to the complete
system diagram included in the next section of this manual for proper configuration.
A WORD ABOUT DYNEEMA (soft) BACKSTAYS: The standard Dyneema backstay may need to be
properly stretched out in order to allow cascade legs in the system to fit properly. You can expect some
stretching of the upper backstay and the cascade legs initially, but this should work itself out after a couple
of nights of tensioning the system. If you find any of the parts are too short, then please try a temporary
Dyneema lashing and some tension on the system to attempt to stretch things out and make everything fit.
Boom: The J/88 is provided standard with one continuous reef line. Single line reefing is achieved by
first tying off the outboard end on the boom after running through the clew reef grommet on the reef at
the leech of the mainsail. This line then runs forward and deflects up at the inboard end sheave on the
boom (see diagram) to a block with a hook and then down through the padeye on the side of the mast
and aft to the inboard starboard rope clutch.
Boom Vang: The Hall QuikVang is a mechanically 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 a boom 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 step. See the QuikVang operating
instructions for how to adjust the internal spring for best results.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 13
SailControlSystems
After stepping the mast and connecting the boom, Quikvang, furler, and backstay, rig all halyards and the
remaining sail control systems on deck.
Main Halyard: exits the mast on the port side, runs through the aft mast block on the mast step out to
the inboard triple organizer and then aft through the inboard rope clutch and finally to the winch when
necessary.
Jib Halyard:exitsthemasttoport,leadsthroughamastbaseblock,outtothemiddleorganizerposition
aft to the outboard rope clutch.
Spinnaker Halyard: exits the mast to starboard, leads through mast base block, out to the middle
ferrule of the organizer aft to the outboard rope clutch.
MainsheetTraveler: isa 4:1 Harken lowfriction mid-rangesystem.The purchasesystem oneach side
of the cockpit controls a Harken traveler car mounted on the track (see diagram for set--up).
Outhaul: is an internal 8:1 system adjusted at the cleat on the underside of the boom and comes pre-
assembled from Hall Spars.
Cunningham: The cunningham is a simple 6:1 system that is installed at the mast. See diagram for
details.
Mainsheet: system is a 6:1/18:1 system (seediagram). The system includes a strop for the rough tune
tominimize length of line in cockpit. The system is designed to allow easy and quick adjustments of the
mainsheetwithpower onthefinetunefor highlyloaded adjustments. The hardwareiswithineasyreach
of the helmsman and facilitates short-handed sailing.
Jib Sheet: attaches to the headsail and leads to the adjustable jib block on the track,aft tothe deflector
eye on the deck and then directly to the primarywinch.
Spinnaker Gear: The J/88 includes hard points for the spinnaker at the forward leg of the sten rails
and on the stanchion bases just outboard of the cockpit. See the deck hardware layout diagram for
more info.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 14
Commissioning Checklist
Pre-Launch
___ Read equipment owner manuals
___ Pre-rig mast and check installation of:
halyards
blocks
electronics
shrouds
spreader end chafe guards
shroud spinnaker protection
lifeline pins
___ Pre-rig boom
___ Bottom painted or touched up
___ Saildrive leg touched up – engine intakeholes
clear of any debris or growth.
___ Check propeller/zinc
___ De-winterize engine andcheck status of:
engine oil/ filter
coolant level
transmission fluid level
water intakes/filter
fuel lines/filter
___ Check batterycharge
___ Check all hose clamps, tighten as required
___ Close all seacocks
___ Wire tie wooden plugs nearall thru-hulls
LooseGear
___ Fenders and lines
___ Dock lines
___ Winch handles
___ Ignition/boat keys/combination
___ Bilge pump handle
___ Double-check sling locations and mark
___ Anchor,chain and rode
___ Fire extinguishers installed
___ First aid kit
___ Coast Guard Required Safety Gear
Launch
___ Check for leaks
___ Check seacocks
___ Check engine seal for leaks
EngineStart
___ Read engine owner’smanual
___ Openraw water valve on Saildrive leg
___ Start engine
___ Check exhaust for cooling water flow
___ Check oil press., water temp., charging gauges
___ Check transmission- forward/reverse
___ Check Saildrive seal
SteeringSystem
___ Attach TillerExtension
___ Check for free rotation of rudder
___ Check SS pins are secured
StepMast
___ Check & remove SS deck mast step bolts
___ Hoist spar and lower to deck (or pin aft hole of stepand
rotate mast up in place with a safe means of lifting)
___ Be sure to thread mast wires down the chase way into
the interior
___ Install both SS bolts for the mast step
___ Thread headstay through furler drum and attach
turnbuckle to stemhead fitting inanchor locker.
___ Attach all shrouds and hand tighten.
___ Dock tune shrouds.
___ Attach and rig backstay and cascadesystem.
___ Install themast through bolt just above the step.
___ Run and connect mast junction box wires (on centerline
forward to main bulkhead and to junction box in head
area).
Rigging
___ Install boom
___ Lead all halyards to stoppers on cabin top
___ Rig single line reef system.
___ Install and connect boom vang
___ Rough tune spar
SystemsCheck
___ Fill optional water tank
___ Fill fuel tank
___ Check operation of electrical systems, pumps, head,
etc.
___ Check sailing electronics
TrialSail
___ Raise and lower sails to check for fit
___ Monitor engine performance
___ Check bilge for leaks
___ Check sailing electronics
___ Check for backstay stretch

J88 OWNER MANUAL 15
Important Commissioning Follow-up
The initial sea trial period, or the first 30 days after launching a new boat always requires important follow-up by
the owner including sail fit checks, rig tuning and adjustments, instrument and compass calibration, maintenance
and systems checks, etc... Your dealer and their support staff and other local suppliers will help you with this
process. It is imperative that the following areas of the boat are inspected and confirmed to be operating
properly after the initial 30 days.
30 DAY INSPECTION LIST:
SAILDRIVE ZINC - Inspection of the Saildrive zinc is very important in the first 30 days following launch.
Accelerated zinc corrosion may be a sign that the galvanic isolator on the boat has been defeated or
indicate some other electrical wiring problem onboard. RAPID CORROSION OF THE SAILDRIVE
ZINC SHOULD NEVER BE IGNORED. IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IS REQUIRED BY THE OWNER &
DEALER. Failure by the owner or dealer to respond to this important sign of electrolysis may lead to
severe damage to and/or failure of the aluminum saildrive leg.
MAST, SPARS, RIG & RIGGING – The standing rigging terminations willseat and the SS wire and the
Dyneemabackstaywill stretch during initial sea trials. It is prudent to inspect all fittings,terminations,
turnbuckles, halyards, mast step, to look for any signs of unusual wear after sea trials. Checking and
adjusting rig tuning is also recommended.
The following ship systems must also be tested for proper operation:
ENGINE, THROTTLE CONTROL & FUEL SYSTEM.
OPTIONAL FRESH WATER SYSTEM.
HEAD SYSTEM.
MANUAL AND ELECTRIC BILGE PUMP SYSTEMS.
Finally:
REVIEW PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT – confirm all required safety gear is onboard and in working
order.
CHECK ALL LIFELINE TERMINATIONS & LASHINGS – Confirm cotter pins in end fittings are properly
set-up.
RE-VISIT & REVIEW COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST
Any problem areas identified above must be addressed promptly.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 16
Tuning the Rig
TuningtheMast
Following is a general guide to tuning your J/88 mast. Please consult your sailmaker for “fine-tuning” the mast
to match the sails in varying wind conditions.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSURETHE MAST THROUGHBOLT IS PROPERLY INSTALLED TO PREVENT
THE MAST FROM JUMPING OFF THE MAST STEP.
With the standard length J/88 headstay (turnbuckle ½ open) the mast rake as measured from the back of the
mast at deck level to a plumb on the main halyard should be approximately 12-14 inches.
For shroud location the “Uppers” (V1) are attached to the aft outside chainplate hole, the “Lowers” (D1s) are
connected to the hole on the portion of the chainplate that angles inboard. The “Intermediates” (D2s) are
positioned in the forward location at each lower spreader and attach to the forward outboard position on each
chainplate.
Begin by hand tightening the upper shrouds, being careful to keep the mast centered aloft. Check alignment by
hoisting a tape measure up the main halyard and comparing measurements to the port and starboard
chainplates. When the top of the mast is centered, sight up the mast track to check foralignment of the lower
part of the mast. Adjust the shrouds as necessary to center the mast.
After the rig is centered and hand tight, we recommend additionally tightening the shrouds. Here is a good
conservatively tight all-purpose setting based on the initial J/88 sea trials as measured with a PT2 Loos Gauge.
Shroud Wire Load Loos Gauge
Uppers (V1) 6mm 1850 lb. 40
Lowers (D1) 6mm 860 lb. 33
Intermediates (D2) 5mm 229 lb. 17
Typically the Intermediates should remain loose until the Uppers and Lowers are close to their intended
tensions. Thereafter the Intermediates can be taken up to hand tight and adjusted after going sailing and
checking the mast on both tacks for straightness.
You’llfind it easiest to tighten the Upper shrouds if you apply some backstay tension first to bend the mast and
thereby reduce load. Under sail, it is easiest to adjust the leeward shrouds, then tack to adjust the other side.
The shroud turnbuckles are best adjusted with a crescent wrench and strong screw driver. It is also a good idea
to use grease on the threads of the turnbuckles to help reduce friction as the loads increase.
Once you have initially tuned your J/88, go sailing in a brisk breeze, spending equal time on both tacks. Even
though compacted strand wire rigging is a lowstretch material, you’ll still see a little loosening after the initial
breaking in period. Be sure to sight up the mast while it is under load to confirm that the mast remains in
column. Make the appropriate adjustments as necessary.
A note about the standard Dyneema backstay. When reaching and running you maynotice a vibration sound
that can take place due to the larger relative diameter of the backstay vs. wire. There are some tricks to making
this go away like wrapping shock cord up the backstay about 2’ or so like a hockeystick grip. This harmonic
typically only happens in some decent breeze (15 knots or so) and is considered normal.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 17
RiggingtheBoom
Run the reef line from the clew to the forward end of the boom, up through a sheave on the boom, to an
individual turning block attached to the tack reef grommet in sail. This line will then lead down through the
SS padeye on the side of the mast near the gooseneck then down to a turning block at the mast collar,
through the organizer and aft to a rope clutch to starboard (inboard position).
Attach boom gooseneck to lug on mast.
Attach QuikVang to mast lug at deck and then boom lug (hoist end of boom with main halyard if
necessary).
Install mainsheet blocks.
Rig the mainsheet per the rigging diagram.

J88 OWNER MANUAL 18
Diagrams, Layouts, & Schematics
MainsheetDiagram

J88 OWNER MANUAL 19
TravelerSystemLayout

J88 OWNER MANUAL 20
AdjustableJibLeadSystem