shavdog Posted August 23, 2015 Report Share Posted August 23, 2015 I was looking for alittle project so I just now purchased a 1984 J22...I currently own a Cape Dory 22 which has a full keel and weighs 3200 pounds....I've been sailing for over 20 yrs and wanted to experience something with alittle more speed....I single handed most of the time so I am curious about the sailing characterisics of the J22...when you should be thinking of a reef,pointing ability etc...some people say I can't sail a J22 alone while I read that it's a great training sailboat used by schools to teach sailing...I cant imagine someone new to sailing introduced to a sailboat that's unmanageable...anyway my J shows up tomorrow so any advice is welcome...This forum is very helpful and I have read many articles elsewhere..thanks for any help..craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 The boat is by no means unmanagable...quite the oppoiite. It is well balanced when properly set up and the rudder is huge. It goes upwind beautifully..quick and close-winded. It will plane! You will be impressed!! There are 2 reasons it is difficult to singlehand. First, the jib sheet winches are on the cabin top. You can't get to them. However, if you use a 2:1 jibsheet and rachet blocks you seldom need the winches but you will need to re-route the sheets back to where you can reach them. Second, the boat is fullly powered up at about 12 kts. You need more rail meat. Great daysailor. Great PFRF racer. Awesome one-design racing. You are going to love your new boat!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shavdog Posted August 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2015 Thanks for the response....with a tiller extension and being 6'3 , I hope to handle the tacks ok.....I plan on using a 100 headsail so it shouldn't be that hard to bring in...on my cape dory I have a 150 but then my winches are way back....I'm not sure what the 2:1 is however.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted August 26, 2015 Report Share Posted August 26, 2015 Fasten the end of the jib sheet to the jib sheet block. Threading it through the shackle and using a figure-8 as a stopper works fine. Then run it through the clew and back, through the block this time. This doubles your purchase. You will not need to use the winches except in heavy air. You will need longer sheets. I don't know if a Cape Dory's mainsheet goes to mid-cockpit or stern. In a J22 you will still have to manuever the tiller extension behind the mainsheet so your range forward will be limited tacking or gybing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shavdog Posted August 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 Thanks for the explanation Eric....there will be trial and error.....but I am looking forward to a change... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 You're welcome! I'd like to hear what you work out. Maybe the spinnaker sheet turning bocks can be re-puposed to bring things closer to hand if you're not flying the chute. Let us know what wou work out. I'd also like to hear your impressions on sailing a J22 after sailing the Cape Dory (pretty boat). I bet you'll enjoy keeeping up the the 30 footers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J22geek Posted April 16, 2016 Report Share Posted April 16, 2016 I single-hand the J22 a lot...sitting in front of the traveller allows you to easily reach the jibsheets and other controls. Have a blast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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