J/70 Owner Guide
Page
© Copyright 2013, J Boats, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Appendix A: Best Practices -‐ Boat Inspection
J Boats has compiled, with the help of several industry experts, the following “best practices” inspection,
maintenance and use guide for J/Boat owners. We urge each owner to read carefully the
recommendations, to proactively and periodically inspect all critical components of your boat, and to
contact anyone in the J/Boats network of dealers, builders and class associations if you need any
assistance.
INSPECTION OVERVIEW
Considering the typical high-‐frequency use seen by many J/Boats, at a minimum, we recommend that
owners have their boats inspected on an annual basis and that a professional survey be done every five
years. An inspection should include a detailed review of the high-‐load areas, such as the rudder and keel
attachments, rigging terminals, structural bulkheads, keel floors, mast step, mast partners, steering
systems, mast and boom fittings, lifelines, etc. Inspection should also include identifying any possible
leaks, including thru-‐hull fittings, as well as identifying worn rigging and hardware. Additional
inspections/surveys should be performed immediately after any instances of grounding, collision, and/or
extreme weather sailing.
According to Carter Gowrie of the Gowrie Group, most insurance companies mandate a professional
survey for boats at 10 years. A survey may indicate a structural or safety issue that an owner needs to
address in order to continue insurance coverage. For boats that haven’t changed hands (which usually
triggers a pre-‐sale survey), it’s otherwise left entirely to the owner to determine when a survey should
occur.
KEEL/ KEEL FLOORS
Overview -‐ One of the most critical areas of a modern, fin-‐keeled composite boat is the keel and keel floor
area. This is an area that absorbs incredible loads and enormous stress.
Use Considerations:
1)
Groundings
-‐ after any grounding or collision with any underwater object, soft or hard, be sure
to carefully inspect the keel, sump area and keel floors for any signs of cracking or weakness.
This is best handled by a qualified marine surveyor. Even a seemingly minor grounding can
weaken the overall structure, particularly if left un-‐repaired for any length of time and/or if the
boat continues to sail without repairing. There have been cases where a moderate grounding
revealed no visible damage (due to the bottom of the boat absorbing the impact and then
returning to shape), only later to reveal the presence of fractured glass on the inner hull laminate
just aft of the keel. Have repairs done by a professional yard with a follow-‐up survey.
2)
Trailering/ hauling
-‐ boats that are actively trailered can be subject to excessive stress and
strain. In fact, years of trailering alone can subject a hull and keel to excessively sharp vertical
accelerations that can cause significant wear and tear on the composite structure.
Be particularly careful when strapping a boat down to the trailer. It’s not uncommon at regatta
venues to see boats quickly hauled and lowered onto their trailers, with little time to get the boat
aligned and sitting properly on the supports, then strapped down hard onto the trailer with
powerful ratcheting webbing straps and then driven off. In short, the hull is being pulled down
hard and in a very short period of time is potentially subjected to excessive stresses and strains.
