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So...It's March, J Boats is throwing a party and my buddy
is buying a J/42. This must mean road trip! We drive up to TPI and it's
not what I expected. You see, I worked in a boat factory for all of one
day about 25 years ago. It was so bad I never went back. But TPI is
different. Clean, no fiberglass dust, no odor. They sure build them
environmentally friendly. The interiors are assembled separately and
dropped into the hull. TPI's secret molding process contains the harsh
fumes. And they have other tricks that I promised not to reveal. The
end result is a strong and light boat. |
| Rod and Co. lectured on various subjects and we wandered
around the factory. The production manager gave us the big tour
explaining how different parts are manufactured and how they all come
together to make a boat. Even if you're not a J Boat fan (which I wouldn't
understand) you'll want to have this experience. And you even get to
see some finished boats! |
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When first learning to sail, my mentor once said, "it
doesn't matter how big your boat is, as long as it's fast." And J Boats
fit the bill. So sure they're known for racing, but they're also great
cruisers. You're more likely to sail the boat when it can still move in
light air and it is stable and comfortable in a blow.
Now about that white interior, what a great idea. It makes the salon
brighter and easier to keep clean and the laminates make the whole boat
lighter. If you don't like it you can get teak or cherry, beautiful
and traditional. |
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