jCraft

Q&A with Johan Attvik
J Craft Chief Executive Officer

Q: Is there a waiting list for the new J Craft Torpedo and if so how long?
A: There are eight boats planned in production and these look as if they are all taken, which means that in a sense there is a waiting list. However if clients order on time and we can plan production then they should be able to receive the boat by next season. The production time is seven to eight months due to the craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Q: If the J Craft Torpedo were a car, which make and model would it be?
A: It would be the Bentley of the seas.

Q: How is the Torpedo different from previous J Craft models?
A: It is larger, 42ft vs 39ft. The shape is slimmer and more sophisticated. The technology used is a state-of-the-art propulsion system and the latest there is using the Volvo Penta IPS500 system. The Cabrio Cruiser has been used as a floating test bed and everything has been improved to the smallest detail. The layout of the boat is different with an extra captain’s cabin and more space.

Q: In your view, what makes the J Craft Torpedo unique?
A: It is the combination of the classic and beautiful look from a bygone era with the latest in technology and high quality. Also the range of the boat of this size - you can easily and comfortably go to Sardinia for instance. It is a boat with a heart and a soul.

Q:Where is the J Craft Torpedo built?
A: The J Craft boats are built in a very modern shipyard on the Swedish Island of Gotland. This is an island with a very strong boat-building heritage and very experienced craftsmen.

Q: Which makes and models are your competitors and how are you different?
A: We do not really have any direct competition at the moment. Of course Riva is a competitor being the brand most recognized for the classic wooden boat. However, they no longer produce the model they are so famous for. Of course all other young and up-and-coming brands such as Wally, Van Deutch, Zeelander, etc. with similar size boats are indirect competitors. But no-one else produces a classic boat inspired by a bygone era with the latest technology and of our size.

Q: What are your financial ambitions and forecasts for the company?
A: At the moment we are in a development phase which of course comes with a lot of development costs. However our goal is to sell 10-12 boats in 2010, 20 boats in 2011 and 25 boats in 2012.

Q: Where are your customers from and do they participate at J Craft events during the year?
A: All over the world. We have a very sophisticated client who appreciates beautiful and classic thing. A typical classic car buyer. I have to say that our clients are all very different but the one thing they have in common is that they fall in love with the boat and are very passionate and enjoy life. We do invite everyone to all of our events as it is important that everyone feels that they are part of the J Craft world.

Q: How can a business producing such an expensive product survive in these hard financial times?
A: With a strong persistent management team, strong financial backing and a lot of passion and hard work. Furthermore we are a small, very focused team and a company with low overhead costs. It is also a niche product for a very discerning client. We believe that there is always a market for true quality.

Q: Which elements of the Swedish identity and character are most relevant to the J Craft and the Torpedo?
A: Quality, craftsmanship, sea worthiness, the Swedish boat building heritage, honesty and trustworthiness and class.

Q: Why is the new boat called 'Torpedo'?
A: Due to the shape of the boat, the shape of the cleats and how it runs in the water. It’s an easy name to remember and reflects a high performance boat.

Q: Is the Torpedo designed for use on the sea or on the lake and where does it most come alive?
A: It is designed and built for high seas, which is why it is ideal on the French Riviera and will therefore also cross any lake with ease.

Q: What is J Craft doing to be greener?
A: The wood used is Rainforest free and the Volvo Penta Motors are built to the environmental criteria for 2015. The boat is built in a very safe environment for the builders in a vacuum infusion space so that they do not have to wear masks or protective clothing. Furthermore it has a very low fuel consumption.


Q&A with Johan Hallén
J Craft Chief Technical Officer

Q: How long does each boat take to manufacture?
A: We have the capacity to produce one boat per month and normal delivery time is approximately seven to eight months.

Q: Do your artisans require any particular J Craft training or do they simply use Swedish boat building skills handed down through generations?
A: They are very skilled and highly trained in the traditional craftsmanship of the wood and all the details. The boat is also built using a vacuum infusion system for the laminate which requires special training and is a very modern technique… so yes they also use Swedish boat building skills that have been handed down from generation to generation.

Q: Which technological innovations and features on the Torpedo are you most proud of and why?
A: The classic design combined with the latest in technology: The wooden details and work is second-to-none and the design of the hull. The stainless steel details are handcrafted specifically for the Torpedo. On the technique side it is the Volvo Penta IPS system, which makes the boat extremely easy to maneuver, especially in tight harbours. Whoever drives the boat will feel like a pro with the joystick system. The boat can move sideways and turn 360 degrees on the spot. The Torpedo has driving qualities like a car, just that it is a boat on water.

We are very happy to be working so closely with VOLVO Penta as we feel secure that we are delivering a high quality product with an engine that can be trusted. Volvo Penta has a service network worldwide and representatives in most major harbors around the world.