With so many years of experience (and owners to source feedback from) it’s no surprise that J/boats is innovating with the latest in their lineup, the J/7. Created to be a family-oriented daysailer, the cockpit takes a modern approach and can fit four adults across one side, a likeness to the J/70 but improved by ergonomic molded cockpit seats inspired by her sister, the J/9. The spaciousness adds to the ease of switching sides and the comfort of relaxing onboard. The J/7 features a 46% ballast-to-displacement ratio with a 3.8-foot draft. That’s a 1,050-pound lead keel on a boat that weighs 2,300 pounds. This improves stability both underway and at anchor and helps the boat maintain speed through maneuvers. The sole is slightly raised aft by the transom, providing a secure-feeling cockpit while also delivering the benefits of an open transom, including the perfect swim platform (with the optional swim ladder).
LOA 23’1” Beam 8’1” Draft 3’10” Displacement 2,300 lbs Ballast 1,050 lbs Sail Area 256 sq ft (upwind) Power Outboard
J/7: Top 10 Best Boats 2026 Nominee Editor Review
For more of SAIL’s Top 10 Best Boats of 2026, click here.
