Looking at a used Cal 20: Outboard/Rudder/Cushions

Bob Kessler

Bob Kessler

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Jan 24, 2022
10
Vandenstadt & McGruer Siren 17 Sister Bay
I looked at a '64 Cal 20. The owner says it was his father's baby and it was well taken care of. Initial inspection seems to be consistent with that but I'll be looking more closely. Meantime, I have a few questions maybe someone could help with.

I have a Honda 2.3HP outboard I use on my Siren 17. I realize that's a little underpowered for the much heavier Cal 20 but could that work? I'll be cruising (not racing) in Door County WI.

She needs a new rudder. I saw Ruddercraft has them for around $800. Any market for a used one?

Also, she's missing some cushions. Has anyone slept sans cushions using a camp air mattress + sleeping bag instead? I'm pretty comforble doing that on the ground when camping. Am I missing anything by doing basically the same thing on the boat? Eventually, I'd get the proper cusions.


Thank you!
 
Bob Kessler

Bob Kessler

.
Jan 24, 2022
10
Vandenstadt & McGruer Siren 17 Sister Bay
it has one cusion - looks like it's for quarter berth/cockpit so I'd need Vee birth and 2 1/4 berths, I believe!
 
P

Project_Mayhem

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Sep 24, 2018
3,913
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
The motor will work but it won't get you out of heavy winds or waves so you'll need to pick and choose your sailing days based on weather

Finding a used rudder will be difficult. You might be able to use a used rudder off of a similar boat if you're up for swapping hardware. New hardware could run you upwards of $200

A full set of cushions will probably run $1000-2000. Sailrite just came out with a video on how to make a cushion in as little as 30 minutes
 
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shemandr

shemandr

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Jan 1, 2006
7,760
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
Modern blow up mattresses are a viable option. I'd pay extra for a 12 v blow up pump and deflator. The power inflate can get a level of support lung powered could not achieve. I'm good on the powered for about 4-5 nights. Then I want my bed. But I'm older and each morning is a new experience in pain.
 
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Alan Gomes

Alan Gomes

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Nov 22, 2011
1,272
Ericson 26-2 San Pedro, CA
Alan Gomes said:
Contact Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club in San Pedro, CA. There is an active Cal 20 fleet there, and many people restore these boats. You might be able to find a spare rudder there.
Click to expand
In fact, I should mention that Jib Kelly--who used to run Kelly Marine and is a former Commodore of CBYC--did a brisk business of restoring Cal 20s. These boats are still avidly raced and he knows them like no one else. But he seems to have closed down his business lately; I assume he has retired. Still, calling CBYC would be a really good idea. You may be able to get in touch with him there, or find another club member with a rudder he could sell you.

Also, another important source for Cal 20 stuff is Seal's Spars and Rigging.

In case you don't already know it (since you just got the boat), the Cal 20 is a fantastic sailing boat. I think it was really ahead of its time in many ways. I had one back in the 1980s and absolutely loved sailing it.
 
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