I have a Cal 39 (ALL THAT JAZZ) that that I bought in 1979. There are a number of Cal 39s on Chesapeake Bay. I plan to do more blue water sailing and for the last 2 years debated on trading up to a newer boat or renovating my Cal. After talking to many blue water sailors and hearing the comment "why do you what a different boat", I started the renovation this spring. Being the original owner I keep the boat in excellent condition, however there is a lot that must be done after 27 years. The deck was stripped of all wood and hardware. Deck, haul and mast were painted with Awl Grip. Of course the mast was pulled and new hardware added, including a Strong Track and new rigging. All ports and hatches were refurbished or replaced. The fixed ports on the Cal 39 are large and these had to be custom built. The chose was aluminum or wood frames. I decided to go with white oak exterior frames (finished with Awl Grip) and teak interior frames. I have pulled all new electrical wiring and added all new electronics. I am presently removing the vinyl head liner and replacing it with ABS board (about 1/8 inch plastic sheets) that is trimmed with teak over the joints. There is still a good bit to do. The battery capacity is being more than doubled and will power one of two air conditioners (they still need installing) when at anchor for 12 hours before charging is needed. Of course this means a larger alternator on the engine. I have used a number of marine consultants in the process and will be glad to discuss any aspects that may help others planning or considering major renovations. I would also like to hear from anyone that has added a power windlass and how they modified the anchor locker for the windlass and chain. Thanks John T. Cookson 410-626-1878 Cookson@xdd-llc.com
Complete Renovation of a Cal 39
- Thread starter John Cookson
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Interesting Project
John, your project sounds very interesting. It's rare to hear of a long-time owner doing a major overhaul. If you decide to post any pictures of the renovation, please let us know. I'd like to learn more about Cal 39s and their potential as blue water boats. Jim H
John, your project sounds very interesting. It's rare to hear of a long-time owner doing a major overhaul. If you decide to post any pictures of the renovation, please let us know. I'd like to learn more about Cal 39s and their potential as blue water boats. Jim H
New Cal39 Owner
I recently bought hull #118 ("Anticipation") in Rockhall, MD and have started a minor renovation. Do you know where I can get a copy of Lapworth's line drawings and rigging specs.? Thinking about adding an inner forestay and I understand that Jensen offered a cutter rig. Bill F
I recently bought hull #118 ("Anticipation") in Rockhall, MD and have started a minor renovation. Do you know where I can get a copy of Lapworth's line drawings and rigging specs.? Thinking about adding an inner forestay and I understand that Jensen offered a cutter rig. Bill F
Drawings
I am part of a Cal group that had purchased signed copies of plans from Bill Lapworth. Some of the people belonging to this list personally knew and worked with Lapworth building Cals. Very helpful to me when I was upgrading my 1977 Cal 34 III. You can now see his drawings as they were all donated to Mystic Maritime Museum by his estate. Good Luck
I am part of a Cal group that had purchased signed copies of plans from Bill Lapworth. Some of the people belonging to this list personally knew and worked with Lapworth building Cals. Very helpful to me when I was upgrading my 1977 Cal 34 III. You can now see his drawings as they were all donated to Mystic Maritime Museum by his estate. Good Luck
Inner forestay
Cal 39 did have as a cutter version. I am also planning to add an inner forestay to hold a storm sail if needed. I am also adding an electric windlass. It would be wise to obtain the Cal 39 cutter design informatiom. Are you still in the Annapolis area? If so we are within 15 - 30 minutes of each other and I would like to get together sometime to discuss approaches to verious renovations to the cal 39.
Cal 39 did have as a cutter version. I am also planning to add an inner forestay to hold a storm sail if needed. I am also adding an electric windlass. It would be wise to obtain the Cal 39 cutter design informatiom. Are you still in the Annapolis area? If so we are within 15 - 30 minutes of each other and I would like to get together sometime to discuss approaches to verious renovations to the cal 39.
Design Plans
Thanks for your information. Who did you buy yur design planns from? Can they be obtained from Mystic Maritime Museum?
Thanks for your information. Who did you buy yur design planns from? Can they be obtained from Mystic Maritime Museum?
Re Inner Forestay
John, I am no longer in MD. Boat is berthed in Melbounre, FL. There was another Cal 39 still in Rockhall at Tolchester Marina when I left there in '05. Drop me line at bryanteng@netzero.net, I would enjoy swapping ideas on renovations.
John, I am no longer in MD. Boat is berthed in Melbounre, FL. There was another Cal 39 still in Rockhall at Tolchester Marina when I left there in '05. Drop me line at bryanteng@netzero.net, I would enjoy swapping ideas on renovations.
mast overhall info needed
Mast overhaul info needed I have cal 39 hull no 3 built in 1970 can anyone tell me definitively what the aluminum alloy used in this mast is and better yet has anyone had any welding done to one of similar construction and materials
Mast overhaul info needed I have cal 39 hull no 3 built in 1970 can anyone tell me definitively what the aluminum alloy used in this mast is and better yet has anyone had any welding done to one of similar construction and materials
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