J/Boats J/112E Review

In this detailed review of the J/112E we discuss features and advantages of the yacht that combines top performance with impressive comfort on board. After conducting some of our own tests, we talk about how the yacht is made, its rigging, interior and exterior, as well as safety and handling. Unbiased reviews from other yachting journalists are included together with video footage of the yacht in action.

The J/112E looks like a wild panther prepared to strike – its angled surfaces are mixed together by one and only Alan Johnstone to not only provide you with the most spectacular exterior design, but also to allow maximum possible performance for a monohull of this size.

Just at first glance, the J/112E exudes a sense of elegance and modernity. Its sharp and purposeful design showcases a well-balanced hull and a sleek deck layout, optimized for both racing and cruising – the best of two worlds. The saloon’s roof seamlessly blending with the deck, as you can see on the picture above, creates a sleek profile that is not only easy on the eyes, but also lowers wind resistance and keeps the deck uncluttered.

The yacht’s cockpit is surprisingly spacious and ergonomic. In our opinion, it gives plenty of room for crew members to move comfortably during a boating trip, and thanks to the open transom design you get easy access to the water for swimming or attaching a tender if needed. The deck doesn’t have anything extra, giving you control lines and sail handling systems that are neatly organized and concentrated aft at the cockpit, which allows for efficient sail adjustments and easy handling.

Crafted with precision and uncompromising attention to detail, the J/112E surely must make their creator J/Boats proud. The yacht's hull is made using advanced resin infusion technology, providing the owner with a strong and lightweight structure that is fully optimized for performance and durability. The infusion method allows for precise control over the laminate, resulting in high stability and longevity of the structure along with weight reduction.

And here are some technical specifications: that’s what this technology allows for.

Features of J/112E

Price calculator

Review of J/112E by topRik Team

It always feels exciting to step into the cockpit of such a sporty cruiser – we already somewhat know what to expect from, let’s say, Lagoon, but with J/Boats it’s intriguing with every model they have. We immediately discover a well-designed space that combines functionality and comfort, with a huge inviting helm at the center of it.

As you can see, it’s all about optimization of crew efficiency and providing a comfortable space for both sailing and socializing – just imagine comfy cushion going over these benches with lockers inside. It doesn’t have a stern, so the water on board is very easy to get rid of, it also simplifies movement and clear communication among the crew. Whether racing or cruising, the cockpit looks versatile and adaptable, without unneeded luxury.

The helm station is positioned just right, providing clear visibility of the sails, deck, and surrounding areas – from here the skipper really gets a commanding view of the yacht. J/Boats is traditionally good at positioning the winches as close as possible to the helm, allowing for efficient trimming and adjustment of sails. This layout allows for precise control and effortless maneuvering even with a small crew.

Rigging

The J/112E boasts a well-thought-out sail handling system that simplifies the process of setting, adjusting and reefing sails: the lines and sheets are led aft to the cockpit, allowing the crew to manage the sails without the need to run around like in the Benny Hill Show. This arrangement makes it little bit safer for the crew to handle the yacht and facilitates efficient sail changes or adjustments, even in challenging conditions. From winches to blocks, from navigation instruments to deck hardware, every component is chosen with meticulous attention to detail – you will not hear squeaks or find the parts that don’t quite line up.

Cleats and winches are strategically positioned to enable effective control and quick line handling - whether you're tacking, gybing, or reefing, the J/112E's sail handling systems got you covered.

The sails are something else indeed, just look at the size of the mainsail:

The yacht features a fractional rig, which gives you more versatility (see the pattern yet?) and easy adjustment of the headsail size to accommodate all possible wind conditions. The carbon fiber mast and boom contribute to the yacht's lightweight construction, enhancing its performance capabilities ever further and the self-tailing winches together with well-positioned cleats guarantee that sail handling will take minimal effort.

Comfort and Safety Features

Here at topRik team we have quite some experience in the charter business and our passengers’ problems and health concerns over countless trips are already engraved in our minds.

The J/112E, as our tests have shown, is also concerned with comfort and safety on deck, allowing the crew to remain comfortably seated during long passages or exciting regatta. The high coamings provide excellent backrest support and serve as secure seating while heeled, the deck layout incorporates secure handholds and non-skid surfaces, ensuring safe movement on deck even when waves want to swallow the boat whole.

High stanchions and lifelines offer additional security, allowing you to relax even when sailing offshore or in rough weather. And the open transom design also allows for easy access to the water for swimming, boarding a tender, or deploying water toys.

Amazing Performance for a Cruiser

The focus on speed and measurability was completely welcomed by our team (it’s J/Boats after all!). Every aspect of the yacht's design, from the lightweight construction to the efficient deck layout, contributes to its outstanding sailing capabilities. It accelerates quickly, maintains high average speeds and responds to subtle adjustments when it comes to sailing trimming – all that makes it a true miracle on the water with cruising capabilities included.

J/112E truly shines during a heated race, where its performance-oriented design goes unhinged. The yacht's sleek hull, optimized for speed and stability, allows it to cut through the water effortlessly while the carbon rig and high-tech sails contribute to the J/112E's impressive upwind and downwind performance, making it a formidable competitor in any regatta.

But the yacht's exceptional performance extends beyond the racecourse. The J/112E's balanced hull and precise handling make it a pleasure to sail in a variety of conditions: whether cruising along coastal waters or embarking on a bluewater adventure - it will always be pleasant to stay behind this extremely responsive helm.

Interior of J/112E

As we step below deck, the J/112E reveals a thoughtfully designed interior that is supposed to marry comfort and functionality - and it’s not a shotgun wedding either! The main saloon is full of light thanks to having much more windows hatches than the previous models. The use of high-quality materials and finishes throughout the interior creates the feel of both understated elegance and minimalism.

The saloon offers two large sofas around the folding dining table, with the cabins nearby. J/112E offers much more comfortable berths for a cruising crew or racing team: with three private cabins, including an owner's stateroom forward, the yacht can comfortably accommodate up to six individuals.

The well-equipped galley ensures that onboard meals can be prepared with ease. Here you also have the control panel and well-placed lockers. It’s actually surprising to have this much storage on such a fast boat. And even though it might look a little cramped, it is still definite progress compares to J/99 or J/111.

Comparison of J/112E to Other Popular J/Boats Yachts

It is not just a copy of its brothers with a heftier price tag and bragging rights. When compared to the J/109, a widely acclaimed racer-cruiser, the J/112E offers a more modern hull shape and enhanced performance capabilities. And the J/112E's much more spacious interior, featuring an additional cabin, give you more comfort for extended cruising or accommodating a larger crew.

It’s smaller sibling, the J/111, is a more nimble and highly competitive yacht and is optimized more towards racing while still able to be used for cruising. While the J/112E offers a similar level of performance, its additional living space and cruising amenities make it an even more versatile choice for sailors seeking a dual-purpose vessel that excels both on the racecourse and during extended cruising adventures – you get much more living area, storage, dining space, more comfortable berths.

So, if something feels amiss on board the model J/111, this model might be just right for you. And compared to light racer like J/70 this one is a full-blown palace on the water. Of course, the J/112E is more expensive, but it offers an attractive combination of performance and affordability overall. The yacht's price is justified by its construction quality and unexpectedly luxurious amenities.

Who It Is Built For

Basically, J/Boats dared to hit two birds with one stone, and after cooking a couple of meals on our sailing trips, we can confirm that they succeeded. It is built for those who want to race but also don’t want to exclude cruising from their activities.

With its spacious interior, the J/112E can accommodate families or groups of friends looking to embark on memorable cruising adventures. Its versatility allows for comfortable coastal cruising as well as offshore passages. Here’s the layout of the deck and living areas:

As you can see, J/Boats really tries to create their own version of yin and yang with this boat, judging from the amount of space below deck and minimalistic approach above.

J/Boats offers various packages and options to customize the J/112E to suit individual preferences and sailing requirements, so even if it doesn’t fit you need right away, there’s a high change that it can be fixed. The packages can include additional equipment, upgraded systems, and enhanced comfort features. With our price calculator you can estimate the final price with such additions like 2nd jib and spinnaker halyard, jib roller furler or shoal draft keel. Whether you prioritize racing performance, cruising amenities, or a combination of both, there are options available to tailor the J/112E to your specific needs.

At the Sea

Handling the J/112E is a truly exciting experience thanks to its exceptional design and construction. After we borrowed this yacht to check out how it handles, returning it to the owner was the saddest experience of the whole trip: the yacht feels responsive and nimble on the water, effortlessly responding to any touch from the helm.

Our weather conditions during testing allowed for 10-12 knots - at such speed the combination of a well-designed hull, precise rigging, and ergonomic cockpit layout contributes to the overall feel of the yacht during handling. The J/112E's performance-oriented design ensures that it is agile and responsive – our skipper eventually just rejected any help, and made our crew sit there watching how he switched from winch to winch, not allowing the helm to get carried away at the same time.

For easy sail handling, the J/112E can be fitted with furling systems, such as a roller furling headsail, which simplifies sail changes and adjustments – very much appreciated by our daring skipper. The yacht's high-quality winches are designed to handle the loads of the sails in the most efficient way, allowing for smooth and controlled trimming. The combination of well-designed sails, furlers and well-placed winches allows you to focus on the sailing process itself instead of technical hurdles.

Advantages of J/112E

The J/112E offers a host of advantages that set it apart from other yachts in its class.

• Firstly, its versatility gives you both exhilarating racing experiences and comfortable cruising adventures. Even though it was meant to outperform most of your friends’ yachts, it comes with a spacious and well-crafted interior, which makes it an ideal choice for those who seek a vessel that can deliver both speed and comfort at the same time.
• The J/112E's well-balanced hull shape and optimized sail plan ensure exceptional upwind performance, allowing sailors to maintain impressive speeds and pointing ability. Off the wind, the yacht's stability and responsiveness enable exhilarating downwind sailing. Whether participating in regattas or embarking on extended cruises, the J/112E offers an experience that will satisfy the most discerning sailors.
• Cruising capabilities. Whether you are an owner of this vessel of an entrepreneur, passengers on board will be pleasantly surprise with the saloon, galley and the cabins, allowing for maximum comfort on board a sporty vessel like this.
• Ergonomic and beautiful design. The practicality often looks spectacular, and this yacht proves it. Sharp clean lines of the hull allow for advanced performance and will definitely turn heads at the marina.
• Speed. It is very rare that any company risks that much with cruisers – putting so much performance into the hands of the skipper along with such a huge sailing area is a risky move, that paid off thanks to all thrill lovers out there.

Reviews of J/112E from Professionals

Let’s now give a word to best in the business: Adam Cort, Mark Pillsbury and Rupert Holmes.

Adam Cort Article

In Adam Cort's review of the J/112E, he first discusses J/Boats' history of creating boats that balance performance and comfort, with this model being their latest wonder. In his opinion, the boat's sleek design, reminiscent of historic racing yachts, fits well with the carefully crafted construction, including a resin-infused deck, hull with a balsa core and vinylester barrier coat.

Cort notes that the J/112E's deck and rig arrangement follow trademark J/Boats features, such as a double-spreader tapered aluminum mast and a retractable carbon bowsprit.

He writes that the boat's well-balanced helm and spade rudder contribute to its excellent control and handling. Under power, the J/112E proves to be maneuverable and easy to handle, thanks to its slippery hull and powerful rudder. Just like us, Cort concludes by praising J/Boats for their consistent success in creating fast and seaworthy boats, recommending the J/112E to sailors seeking a boat that offers both comfort and exhilarating sailing performance.

Moving on to the on-deck experience, Cort praises J/Boats' mastery of creating well-laid-out and ergonomic cockpits with J/112E taking the cake in this regard.

Mark Pillsbury Article

Pillsbury, with his experience as a Boat of the Year judge, assesses the boat carefully, and for the J/112E, it's clear that its main goal is to sail with comfort. Pillsbury highlights the boat's ability to deliver an enjoyable sailing experience, with impressive speed and responsiveness.

Pillsbury notes that the J/112E's build quality is commendable, with a balsa-cored hull and SCRIMP resin-infused construction. The boat offers options such as different draft lengths, a choice of spar materials, and various deck and cockpit accessories. He also blessed the cockpit with his approval due to the flexibility of seating positions.

Below deck, the J/112E offers modern and practical saloon and cabins, including an owner's cabin forward with ample storage and varnished walnut woodwork and white panels in the saloon. The interior provides a comfortable space for relaxation after a long day of sailing.

Pillsbury concludes that the J/112E is designed for coastal cruising and daysailing, as well as occasional racing, and it excels in fulfilling these purposes: the boat's performance, comfort, and versatility make it a compelling option for skippers looking for a sailboat that offers both excitement and amenities for cruising.

Rupert Holmes Article

In Rupert Holmes' review of the J/112E, he explores the boat's balance between cruising and racing capabilities. Holmes highlights J-Boats' approach of moderation in designing the J/112E, which offers comfortable accommodation and simple handling while incorporating three key elements: streamlined hull shape, high stability, and an efficient deck layout. According to him, the boat presents a unique combination of fun and complexity in terms of hull, rigging and interior design.

The boat features a relatively narrow, well-balanced hull without chines or maximum beam carried to the transom, coming with a single rudder. The hull construction makes use of end-grain balsa sandwich with biaxial and unidirectional glass, with vinylester resin in the outer layer.

Holmes notes the boat's attention to small details that enhance onboard life, including good handholds, deep fiddles, and proper fastening of cabin sole boards. He suggests the addition of a crash bar in front of the gimballed cooker (we approve).

The author recommends the J/112E to those who value the sense of fun and achievement that comes with sailing a high-performance yacht - the boat stands out from ordinary cruising yachts with its efficient deck layout, quick performance and handling that doesn’t require jumping through hoops. Simultaneously, the J/112E offers attractive and comfortable accommodation, appealing to yachstmen from both performance-focused backgrounds and those seeking a faster boat with precise controls.

Overall, Holmes believes the J/112E is a successful model that delivers fun and pleasure to owners who sail short-handed or with a small group of friends or family.

Video Reviews of J/112E

We tried to find the most suiting videos out there, showing off this boat in all its glory.

No better way to start other that with this short teaser from Cruising World with great footage on the water:

Moving on to informative conversation with an owner of J/112E and his opinion on it:

Review from Sail California, that is three and a half minutes long, but very helpful:

Short summary of the boats main features coming from the cockpit of the yacht:

And another no-nonsense video from BoatTube – just the footage on board J/112E:

Conclusion

We already talked about versatility benefits in our previous review of J/111. But this boat really takes it up a notch – more room on board, larger fuel tanks, larger size, more storage, more freedom for everybody who likes to hop from marina to marina crossing half of the globe in the process.

The J/112E stands out as a remarkable yacht that excels in performance, comfort, and versatility. It is not made for those, who want the most asceticism on board though – some other models of this line might be more fitting for minimalists. Instead, it fills the niche of balance seekers, those who look for sporty vessel to also be very comfortable. In the end of the day, not everyone gets excited when they see a completely empty and cramped cabins of a performance monster: if your family goes with you on a trip, they might not be that thrilled about “doing it just like in the old times”. Some people just need more comfort and it’s understandable.

We hope you have enjoyed our review and may your future adventures on the water be filled with the free sailing spirit that this yacht embodies.

Where to Buy J/112E at a Bargain Price

The answer is rather simple: right here. At topRik marketplace we train our employees to answer all the questions and provide succinct consultation on demand: on anything regarding boats, rigging, maintenance – you name it. And, of course, when purchasing J/112E they will also help you out with:

providing whatever additional equipment you need, whether its batteries, dinghies or fenders.

• handling all the negotiations with the manufacturer or dealer;
• taking care of all the headache-inducing documentation, whether its registration or customs;
• hauling your boat at the location you specify, with clear schedule and your full control over the process;

Feel free to contact us by sending an e-mail to [email protected], through the website feedback form or call the phone number above – whatever is easier for you. We will try our best to provide you with the yacht of your dreams and hassle-free experience while purchasing it. Take care!