1990 J Boats J/37

1990 J/37C 

The 1990 J/37C is a rare opportunity to own one of Rodney Johnstone's most respected performance cruiser-racers. Designed for sailors who appreciate responsive handling, offshore capability, and genuine cruising comfort, the J/37C delivers the legendary sailing performance J/Boats is known for while offering a spacious, practical interior for extended cruising or weekends aboard. Built from 1989 through 1991, the J/37C combines a proven offshore hull with a more cruising-oriented deck and cabin layout than the original J/37.

Under sail, the J/37C is quick, balanced, and confidence inspiring. Its deep fin keel, efficient masthead rig, and responsive spade rudder provide exceptional upwind performance, while the easily driven hull makes light-air sailing enjoyable and offshore passages comfortable. Whether racing around the buoys, cruising the coast, or planning longer offshore adventures, this yacht performs with confidence in a wide range of conditions.

Below deck, the warm teak interior is thoughtfully arranged with generous accommodations for family and guests. A private forward stateroom, spacious salon with opposing settees, functional U-shaped galley, walk-through head, navigation station, and dual quarter berths provide the comfort and storage expected in a true cruising yacht. Excellent ventilation, abundant natural light, and quality craftsmanship create an inviting atmosphere whether at anchor or underway.

Powered by a dependable 28 HP diesel engine, the J/37C offers reliable maneuverability in tight marinas and efficient motoring when the wind subsides. Its solid fiberglass construction, quality hardware, and timeless design have earned the model a loyal following among experienced sailors seeking a vessel equally at home racing, cruising, or passage making.

If you've been searching for a classic performance cruiser that blends speed, comfort, and offshore pedigree, this 1990 J/37C deserves your attention. Well-balanced, beautifully proportioned, and built to a standard that has stood the test of time, she is ready for her next owner to enjoy countless miles under sail.

MONITOR WINDVANEW/3 VANES AND SPARE PARTS

2 WATER TANKS

ROD RIGGING NEW IN '23

HARKEN FURLER NEW IN '23

MAST RETROFITTED AND PAINTED '23

HARKEN MECHANICAL BACKSTAY ADJUSTER

120% GENOA

90% JIB

SPINNAKER W/DOUSING SOCK

MAIN: FULL BATTENED

700 W RENOLOGY PURE SINE WAVE INVERTER

REFRIGERATION '20

REVERE REGATTA LIFE RAFT '24

VHF, DSC AND AIS RECEIVING

DYNEEMA LIFE LINES '25

MASTHEAD TRI-COLOR

ROCNA 20 W/110' C/200' R

BRUCE 33 W/30' C/120' R

25# DANFORTH

LEWMAR OCEAN CONCEPT 1 WINDLASS

STANDARD HORIZON MATRIX W/AIS VHF

HANDHELD VHF

RAYMARINE A50 CHART PLOTTER

B&G NETWORK QUAD/NAV STATION/KNOT METER

B&G NETWORK QUAD/NAV STATION DEPTH SOUNDER

COMPASS WEEMS & PLATH

MERCURY OUTBOARD MOTOR 6HP

PROPANE STOVE/OVEN

SOLAR PANEL RENOGY/SOLAR BOAST 2000 CHARGE CONTROL

NEWMAR CHARGER

LIFE SLING

EPIRB 1

SPINNAKER POLE

2 BARIENT 24-45 ST

2 BARIENT 28 ST

2 BARIENT 22-39 ST

1 BARIENT 24 ST

The standard engine installed in the 1990 J/37C was:

• Engine: Yanmar 3GM30F
• Type: 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated marine diesel
• Horsepower: 27 HP @ 3,400 RPM
• Displacement: 0.95 L (58 cu in)
• Cooling: Freshwater-cooled with heat exchanger
• Transmission: Kanzaki marine gearbox
• Drive: Direct drive to a 1-inch stainless steel shaft
• Fuel: Diesel
• Starting: 12-volt electric

Performance

• Cruising Speed: Approximately 6–6.5 knots
• Maximum Speed: Approximately 7–7.5 knots, depending on propeller, loading, and sea conditions

The 3GM30F is widely regarded as one of Yanmar's most reliable small marine diesels. It is known for:

• Simple, dependable mechanical fuel injection
• Excellent fuel economy (roughly 0.5–0.8 gallons per hour at cruising RPM)
• Easy parts availability

For the 1990 J/37C, the standard masthead sloop rig dimensions are:

MeasurementDimension I (Foretriangle Height) 51.5 ft (15.70 m) J (Foretriangle Base) 14.8 ft (4.51 m) P (Mainsail Luff) 45.0 ft (13.72 m) E (Mainsail Foot) 16.5 ft (5.03 m)Standard Sail Areas

• Mainsail: 371 sq. ft.
• 100% Working Jib: 381 sq. ft.
• Total Sail Area (Main + 100% Jib): 752 sq. ft.

Approximate Headsail Sizes

Using the standard I and J dimensions:

SailApprox. Area100% Jib381 sq. ft.110% Genoa419 sq. ft.135% Genoa514 sq. ft.150% Genoa572 sq. ft.Forestay Length

• Estimated Forestay: 53.6 ft (16.33 m)

If you're ordering new sails, I can also provide the recommended dimensions for a symmetric spinnaker (SL, SMW, SF) or an asymmetrical cruising spinnaker, which are the measurements sailmakers typically request for the J/37C.

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.