JS-4800
The JS-4800 has been jointly developed by John Swarbrick and Bruce Kirby, designer of the famous Laser dinghy.
- The design brief was specifically aimed to come up with a dinghy that would appeal to sailors that have owned/sailed a Laser or Laser-type design.
- The hull form is 100% the design/artistic works of Bruce Kirby with the balance of the design and engineering carried out by John Swarbrick. Prototypes have been tested over time in Australia and Turkey.
- Similar to other boats in the JS Yachts range, this dinghy has optional sail and spar plan configurations.
- The JS-4800 has high topsides that minimize water spray coming over the gunnel. The cockpit is self-draining via the open transom.
The JS-4800 has a large foredeck hatch that allows for easy access to equipment. - Laser replica sail and spar configurations are interchangeable with JS Yachts design proprietary configurations.
Specifications
Features
The JS designs: JS-4300, JS-4600, JS-4700, JS-4800 and JS-4900 represent a body of work (design, evaluation and engineering) that has been carried out over the past 5 years. All designs contain the same “core values” of the famous Laser – “minimalism and simple”
Sail and spar options to allow for sailors independent of skill, stature and weight
Depending on skill level and sailor’s size, sail and spars are optioned with sail area and spar dimensions to suit. For entry level, to minimize costs, dacron sails and aluminium spars can be employed ie beginners and recreational sailors. For advanced level performance sailors, carbon composite spars and mylar sails are available.
Single or double handed crew potential
The JS-4800 is primarily designed for single-handed sailing, The JS-4800 can also be sailed double handed.
Deck and spar equipment (ergonomics): user friendly for all skill levels
Independent of sailor’s size and skill level, placement of all control lines for adjustment allow for easy access and operation.
Structural durability – lifelong: CE standards
Material selection and scantling (specific dimensions for structure) have been engineered to ensure lifelong integrity of all parts of the JS-4800 – hull/deck, appendage mouldings and spars.
Low cost maintenance: minimal/non- complex
The number one rule of boat design/building is that there should be easy access to all mechanical fastenings and equipment. The core value of “simplicity” underpins the design of the JS-4800. All fit up equipment can be easily accessed for service and/or replacement. The JS-4800 features two proprietary inspection ports and one catalogued inspection port that provides storage for personal items.
Engineered (set up) for both recreation and performance / sailing
Spar and sail plan selection, along with control lines set up, allows for sailors to achieve their sailing potential handling skills of the JS-4800. The JS-4800 supports novices/beginners extending to the most advanced and experienced Olympic sailors. Every sailor can enjoy the JS-4800 at a recreational as well as at a superior performance level.
Vang, cunningham and outhaul: single or split (port & starboard) set up
he standard set up of the JS-4800 is the same single line set up as on the Laser. Optional set up for a split system for the JS-4800 is by way of attaching additional blocks and jam cleats. Positions for these are marked up on the deck moulding should the sailor choose this option after purchase. Alternately these can be factory-fitted.
Toe straps adjustable to suit hiking style and sailor size
The toe straps selected for the JS-4800 provide the best connection for the JS-4800 boat’s dynamics. The JS-4800 toe straps allow each sailor to hike hard and for longer whilst keeping your feet relaxed.
Hull and appendage geometry optimized for sail plan – helm and balance properties
The JS-4800 has undergone rigorous evaluation of hull form and centerboard and rudder configurations. Under development is a ladder system to be deployed at the transom to assist in boarding the boat after a capsize.
Spar material: optional – carbon composite and /or aluminum
Depending on skill level and sailor’s size, spars are optioned with spar dimensions to suit. For entry level, to minimize costs, aluminium spars are available ie beginners and recreational sailors. For advanced level performance sailors, carbon composite spars are available.
Sail material: optional – mylar or dacron
Depending on skill level and sailor’s size, sails are optioned with sail dimensions to suit. For entry level, to minimize costs, dacron sails are available ie beginners and recreational sailors. For advanced level performance sailors, mylar sails are available.
Mainsheet
The JS-4800 mainsheet is centrally located on the boom with the purchase system at a 4:1 ratio.
Rudder configurations: fixed or pivoting
Standard rudder configuration on the JS-4800 is fixed. An optional pivoting rudder configuration is also available. The pivoting rudder configuration is similar to the Laser.
Hull and deck structure: cored composite carbon & glass
The JS-4800 hull and deck mouldings are a cored composite carbon and glass laminate structure. The JS-4800 hull and deck is chemically and mechanically fastened. The gunnel geometry on the JS-4800 has a large radius to accommodate crew comfort and windage drag reduction. This ergonomic design aspect specifically eliminates painful “gunnel bum”. Additional reinforcing laminate is located in way of all mechanical fastenings.
Optional Upgrades & Accessories
- Mylar Sail (size optional)
- Pivoting (swing) or cassette rudder assembly
- Dual (port/starboard) control line set-up
- Launching trolley (316 stainless steel)
- Ripstop transport top cover
- Ripstop transport undercover
- Ripstop regatta top cover
- Padded comb bag
- Padded rudderstock/tiller bag
- Mast padded cover – bottom part
- Mast padded cover – top part )
- Padded boom cover
Other Dinghies in the Range
JS-4300
Design parallels the single-handed Laser on all aspects.
JS-4700
Provides maximum performance for light-weight sailors.
JS-4900
Exhilarating hiking single-handed performance on a contemporary classic design