J/Boats J/109 Owner's Manual - page 9
J/109 OWNER GUIDE
9
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Insert all lifeline gates/stanchions into the sockets provided along the edge of the deck. Secure each
stanchion in place by tightening the two set screws in each base. We recommend that you dip the
screws in blue Loctite or sealant before securing, so they don’t work themselves loose over time.
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Install all lifelines without tightening the turnbuckles. Remove the eyes at the ends of the lifelines and
thread them through in the stanchions. If the boat is equipped with the optional lifeline pads, thread the
lifeline through these prior to attaching to stern rail. The longer lifeline pad will be sized for the upper
lifeline and the shorter for the lower lifeline.
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Finish off the job by tightening the turnbuckles, adjusting the lifeline gate pendants for the proper length,
and taping off the turnbuckle “split rings” (or cotter pins) for a finished appearance.
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Aft Lifeline Tip: To protect the hydraulic cylinder handle from the wire lifelines, get a piece of snap-on
plastic lifeline coating from West Marine and cut two small 4” pieces and install one on the upper and
the other on the lower lifeline centered about the handle.
Skylight Ventilation Hatches: are made of extruded anodized aluminum frames and scratch-resistant
acrylic covers. Each hatch comes equipped with a ventilation position and 180 degree articulation and
screens.
Ports and Opening Ports: are of painted aluminum frames with bronze colored acrylic and arrive “ready-
to-use”. The opening ports are specifically engineered and located to maximize cross-flow ventilation
screens are also provided for each of the opening ports.
DO NOT PERMIT ACETONE OR OTHER HARSH CLEANSERS TO GET ON PORTS, OR HATCHES AS
THEY MAY DAMAGE THE FINISH & CLARITY OF SOME DECK HARDWARE.
Deckhouse Handrails: Stainless handrails are standard for easy maintenance and ownership.
Winches: Standard winches are aluminum self-tailing models from Harken Yacht Equipment. The location
of these winches facilitates sailing with one or two aboard. Each is geared to match the load requirements of
the specific task.
J/109 Steering System
The steering system is carefully engineered to provide finger-tip control. This is achieved by utilizing Edson
rudder bearings and steering system components. The pedestal is custom designed and incorporates
molded foot-rests, a Ritchie compass and additional instrumentation space on the stainless wheel guard.
Wheel: is a 54” Edson “Diamond” series aluminum wheel with a leather cover. The wheel is mounted to the
pedestal by through-bolting the hub to the stainless hub bracket. When installing, first center the rudder,
then install the wheel with the name plate vertical. Then place a mark at the top of the rim or on the vertical
spoke as a centerline reference point.
Rudder: is made of unidirectional glass, with two halves bonded together, and a highly reinforced fiberglass
shaft that extends to 80% of the depth of the rudder. The rudder is engineered to withstand tremendous
shear loads in ocean conditions. The high aspect shape helps reduce the “torque” tendency of most
rudders, thereby reducing helmsman and auto-pilot fatigue.
Rudder Stock Stuffing Box: is located at the top of the fiberglass rudder tube beneath the decks. It is a
simple design that prevents water from entering the hull. A stainless sleeve bearing surface surrounds the
rudder shaft at the point where a rubber seal is forced against it to prevent water from rising up the tube.