Cal 34's. Anyone have any experience with these? Would you own one?? Thanks in advance for any info you might provide. Beth
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Good Boats, Beth
We have a club member who races his... that he purchased new and is largely original. He wins everything. It is a Mk1 and is light compared to another club member who has a later Mk3. The 34 is a really fast boat and weatherly. For the era, it had a large and light interior. See this link below for more information, Rick D.
We have a club member who races his... that he purchased new and is largely original. He wins everything. It is a Mk1 and is light compared to another club member who has a later Mk3. The 34 is a really fast boat and weatherly. For the era, it had a large and light interior. See this link below for more information, Rick D.
Beth Like everything else about boats, it depends on the condition of the boat. A friend of mine bought one for $14,000 a few years ago and put $10,000 into upgrading it. I've seen them advertised from $25K to $34K, depends on year, condition and amenities. His had an Atomic 4, still working, but difficult to access. The electric systems was a shambles and useless, we ripped it our and put in a new inverter/charger and new batteries. The "roominess" of a Cal 34 is arguable. The head is right up against the aft end of the V berth. Compared to a Catalina 34, the size belowdecks is tiny. It has a starboard side galley with a portside dinette. The quarterberth is hard to access. The tiller on this boat was HEAVY. Very heavy. The boat sailed well. Another friend had one with a wheel and a diesel engine, never did sail on her, but did have some fine wine! One had a fridge (Adler Babour) that was under the dinette seat, a bad place for equipment that needs ventilation. A "Good Old Boat" and pretty standard for its time, somewhat dated now, especially down below, but, again, they do sail well. Good luck, Stu
Depends somewhat on which Cal 34 model...
Beth, to second Stu's central point, Cal 34's are now not only of dated design but also offer dated construction methods. Chainplates e.g. are bolted into plywood bulkheads, so wood rot would be a big concern of any buyer. And that rudder, now 30 years old +/-, would be something I'd look at very closely. But of course, this just acknowledges what you already know: you're looking at an older boat. Having said that, I think they deserve a good look given the 'value' they can be on the market, especially if you are willing to invest a little sweat equity while upgrading them. Here are some points you might consider: 1. A not-terribly young couple have been cruising their Cal 34 in the South Pacific for some years now, they did sensible upgrading & replacement of key systems, and they seem to be doing well. I apologize for not knowing their URL (perhaps someone reading this can offer it) but a google search would offer you some good pics of a liveable interior and a list of sensible upgrades. This is not the first Cal 34 I know of that's done extensive offshore cruising in the Pacific, in season, with few problems beyond those with systems that are somewhat inevitable. 2. I'm troubled by Stu's description of her helm. I've cruised (coastal SoCal sailing but across to the islands and back) for over a week on 2 Cal 34 Mk I's, both with tillers, and I'd describe her as balanced and light on the helm in varying wind strengths and sea conditions. This is relevant even if the boat has a wheel; no sense in dragging an offset rudder around the ocean. I can't explain the opposite conclusion vs. Stu's report. 3. Cal found this model so well received that it did a 'cruising' upgrade to a Mk II (diesel, wheel, etc.) and later a Mk III. These boats won't be quite as tired and will be better equipped...but perhaps not offer as much of a value purchase. 4. Not having all the volume of e.g. a Catalina isn't a bad thing insofar as her handling & sailing ability is concerned. Remember that Cal 34's were raced for many years in large numbers, and then cruised with families aboard after the race ended. She became less competitive over time as gear was added in the later models. We cruised coastal and later offshore with an alongside galley in a boat this size and I personally would find that the #1 disappointment of the arrangement; others like the counter space and linear working surface. IMO its best counterbalancing asset offshore are those two quarterberths - great sea berths. Jack
Beth, to second Stu's central point, Cal 34's are now not only of dated design but also offer dated construction methods. Chainplates e.g. are bolted into plywood bulkheads, so wood rot would be a big concern of any buyer. And that rudder, now 30 years old +/-, would be something I'd look at very closely. But of course, this just acknowledges what you already know: you're looking at an older boat. Having said that, I think they deserve a good look given the 'value' they can be on the market, especially if you are willing to invest a little sweat equity while upgrading them. Here are some points you might consider: 1. A not-terribly young couple have been cruising their Cal 34 in the South Pacific for some years now, they did sensible upgrading & replacement of key systems, and they seem to be doing well. I apologize for not knowing their URL (perhaps someone reading this can offer it) but a google search would offer you some good pics of a liveable interior and a list of sensible upgrades. This is not the first Cal 34 I know of that's done extensive offshore cruising in the Pacific, in season, with few problems beyond those with systems that are somewhat inevitable. 2. I'm troubled by Stu's description of her helm. I've cruised (coastal SoCal sailing but across to the islands and back) for over a week on 2 Cal 34 Mk I's, both with tillers, and I'd describe her as balanced and light on the helm in varying wind strengths and sea conditions. This is relevant even if the boat has a wheel; no sense in dragging an offset rudder around the ocean. I can't explain the opposite conclusion vs. Stu's report. 3. Cal found this model so well received that it did a 'cruising' upgrade to a Mk II (diesel, wheel, etc.) and later a Mk III. These boats won't be quite as tired and will be better equipped...but perhaps not offer as much of a value purchase. 4. Not having all the volume of e.g. a Catalina isn't a bad thing insofar as her handling & sailing ability is concerned. Remember that Cal 34's were raced for many years in large numbers, and then cruised with families aboard after the race ended. She became less competitive over time as gear was added in the later models. We cruised coastal and later offshore with an alongside galley in a boat this size and I personally would find that the #1 disappointment of the arrangement; others like the counter space and linear working surface. IMO its best counterbalancing asset offshore are those two quarterberths - great sea berths. Jack
Cal 34 Amendment
Beth Thanks to Jack, I should have said the tiller was very heavy when the engine was on. I don't know for sure, but I am assuming that my friend had a two bladed prop on that Atomic 4. I think he repropped later, but don't know for sure and with what. While sailing the helm was well balanced. Stu
Beth Thanks to Jack, I should have said the tiller was very heavy when the engine was on. I don't know for sure, but I am assuming that my friend had a two bladed prop on that Atomic 4. I think he repropped later, but don't know for sure and with what. While sailing the helm was well balanced. Stu
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