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

fred1diver · Dec 5, 2025

What cushions are you looking for? You can easily get them made

Project_Mayhem · Dec 5, 2025

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

Alan Gomes · Dec 5, 2025

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.

shemandr · Dec 5, 2025

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.

Alan Gomes · Dec 5, 2025

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.

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.

Kings Gambit · Dec 7, 2025

Project_Mayhem said:
The motor will work but it won't get you out of heavy winds

That should be what the sails do. The motor is auxillary propulsion; i.e., when there is no wind; or perhaps when docking. However, the Cal 20 fleet at our yacht club (not Cabrillo Beach YC) is not equipped with motors at all, thankfullly. There’s a paddle aboard to get up the fairway when windless, although one cannot paddle and steer easily at the same time.

Those boats never go far from the marina. So, the Honda 2.8 hp is plenty to putt around in light air, IMO.

dlochner · Dec 17, 2025

Bob Kessler said:
I got another look at the boat. Keel bolts look like this - is replacement recommended?

They look OK. Replacing keel bolts is a major repair. The cost would exceed the value of the boat.

Alan Gomes · Dec 17, 2025

dlochner said:
Replacing keel bolts is a major repair.

Not on a Cal 20 it isn't. Again, I'd recommend getting in touch with the folks at CBYC. There are people there who refurbish Cal 20's and do this all the time. I'm sure they'd be happy to pass along any helpful hints as well as info on sourcing the bolts, torque specs, and whatever else. It's definitely in the DIY category.

dlochner · Dec 17, 2025

Alan Gomes said:
Not on a Cal 20 it isn't. Again, I'd recommend getting in touch with the folks at CBYC. There are people there who refurbish Cal 20's and do this all the time. I'm sure they'd be happy to pass along any helpful hints as well as info on sourcing the bolts, torque specs, and whatever else. It's definitely in the DIY category.

How are the keel bolts installed in the keel? Threaded into cast iron?

Alan Gomes · Dec 17, 2025

dlochner said:
How are the keel bolts installed in the keel? Threaded into cast iron?

If I recall correctly, they just go up through a flange in the keel that bolts to the bottom of the boat.

The bigger job is sandblasting the cast iron keel and epoxy coating it. But that, too, is commonly done on these boats.

dlochner · Dec 17, 2025

Alan Gomes said:
If I recall correctly, they just go up through a flange in the keel that bolts to the bottom of the boat.

The bigger job is sandblasting the cast iron keel and epoxy coating it. But that, too, is commonly done on these boats.

That would make a huge difference in the job. It is an unusual approach to attaching a keel.

Alan Gomes · Dec 17, 2025

dlochner said:
That would make a huge difference in the job. It is an unusual approach to attaching a keel.

Yes, that makes it much easier. I just double checked and the bolts do pass through a horizontal flange.

Project_Mayhem · Dec 17, 2025

Bob Kessler said:
thanks for all your input, folks! The other thing is the trailer needs some work too: new rear bunks and a brake job, so I'm not sure I want to get this much of a project!

Both of those are easy jobs. Replace the bunk while the boats in the water. The boat is around 2000lbs plus 500-1000lbs for the trailer. I have a boat and trailer that's around 3500lbs with no brakes. I've traveled a couple of hours away with no issues. I never felt unsafe.

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

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