HPBCANADA.COM

Sorry CJ, didn't mean to hijack......

lol no worries, it's good to hear from ppl with a passion and knowledge for the older J's

J HINs usually start with ZLS
but that probably wasn't until the mid 70s.
Post a picture. That usually have the hump as you describe.

Going to see it in person soon... thanks for the help

The Spaeth's may still have a 16' J craft project for sale. Floor, core, transom is done, but it's just a shell.

Actually I talked to him 2 weeks ago, yes he still has the 16' but I'm going to get him to check out the one I'm buying first.

My 16ft was a 1973 model and it did not have the bump you mentioned (can't remember if there is a picture on my profile or not) , all my 17ft ones had the hump (oldest one was an 81) and my 19 has the hump as well. John has told me that anytime I want a hull checked out to bring it by and he will put it up in the slings and check out the core as one of my 17's had a rotten core. Good luck with your new purchase