Reputation of Cal yachts

[Tim R.]

I currently own a Pearson and have been perusing the Ericson sites but I ran across a Cal and after a lot of searching I cannot seem to find out much about the builder. The prices are lower than Pearsons and Ericsons if that is any factor. I have decided that my next boat needs to be of high quality just like my Pearson.Any help is appreciated.Tim R.

 

[Calif. Ted]

There is a Cal forum on this board that may

be helpful, I'll try posting the link here.

 

[Rick D]

In General...

...very good reputation. However, they are getting long in tooth like the Pearsons and Ericsons you mention, so look carefully at the individual boat. People here on the left coast are putting in more money than they paid for them in updating, a good sign of how they are regarded IMHO. Rick D.

 

[Rick Sylvester]

Bill Lapworth's boats

SAIL! If you weren't aware, he just passed away a few days ago. I crewed on a Cal 25 as a youngster. A good friend owns a Cal 34 that we've raced against many times. And as Rick points out, I've watched with amusement (but not disbelief) as owners buy the legendary Cal 40s, invest huge sums outfitting them and then race like nobody's business in a TransPac Cal 40 one design fleet!The common denominator is that these are great sailing boats.The fit out down below isn't sumptuous. They're also older boats with all the issues that come with older boats. This might explain the price differences you mention. That being said, the potential for these boats often transcends dollars and cents (read: you'll never make money on a boat anyway so make sure you've got a sailboat that'll SAIL!)

 

[garyandliz]

Ericson 34

Tim, I noticed an Ericson 34 the other day and spent sometime last weekend checking it out. Great cockpit and plenty of creature comforts below. I still think you should look at the Ericson 32-3. A big step up from the P28 and somewhat fast. I couldn't see much difference between th E34 and the E32, except for the space in the V berth/head area. If I had to live on one or the other, I would pick the E34...for sailing, there didn't seem to be much difference in equipment. I know the E32-3 sails great. We did look at a Cal 34 before we bought the Ericson 32-3 and we couldn't justify the difference vs the price. We never sailed the Cal 34 and while we were thinking about "this and that" it sold. Whatever...there are tons of boats for sale in Kemah. Check out Higgins,Smyth and Hood. If you are interested in something, I will stop by and check it out and give you my 2 bits. There must be a couple of hunderd sail boats for sale with in a mile from the house.Gary Lizajan E32-3

 

[barnacle14434]

I Also agree

A lover of Bill Lapworth's boats,sure miss my Cal-27

 

[Joe]

cal yachts....

here's a link to get you started on your CAL sailboats research. They're well designed and constructed boats that have remained popular with racers and cruisers.  http://www.calyachts.org/

 

[Tim R.]

Calyachts.org

I have been all over this site and it really does not have much content. Especially for the Cal 35-II.Thanks to everyone for all the responses.Gary, I have been thinking about going and looking at an E32 but for nearly the same price I could buy an E34 or even an E35. Texas is a little far for me to boat shop but I sure do appreciate the offer.Tim R.

 

[sailortonyb]

Boat Shopping

Check out yachtworld.comBest place to start boat shopping. Lets you know whats out there and also asking prices, which seem to be about 10% higher than the actual selling price. But that depends on how reasonable the asking price is.

 

[Rich]

Not just one "Cal"

What you need to understand about boats that go under the "Cal" marque is that after Lapworth's primary company folded or got bought out (I don't know the specific fate of it) the molds and name got sold around and used for different projects that went under the "Cal" name. The 28' and 33' boats from 1985-1989 were designed by Ray Hunt and manufactured in the Pearson factory in Fall River, Mass., (alongside Pearsons and O'Days) by Lear/Siegler, a subsidiary of Starcraft powerboats. In late '89 Pearson bought up the Cal and O'Day names at auction. I've seen some information that seems to indicate someone was manufacturing a Cal 34 or 35 in the '90's, but don't know more about it.In any event, you're not looking at one entity here. You need to know the year and size of the boat to trace its lineage on the various web sites.

 

[Tim R.]

1984 Cal 35-II

I believe this is a Lapworth design.Tim R.

 

[NYSail]

Cal group on Yahoo.......

I am selling my Cal 34 III. The Cals are great boats! Actually, the designer, Bill Lapworth just passed away last week. On the Yahoo site are many people that own and continually discuss Cals. A few of the guys worked in the Cal factory with Lapworth and really know the boats. Alot of info can be found through these people. Also, some people frequent Sailnet. The group got seperated a bit from Sailnet to Sailjazz to Yahoo and some back to Sailnet. I have belong to this group for several years and they have taught me everything about the boats.Cals are great boats. Mine is a 1977...she sails great! Have to sell as We just bought a 1986 Pearson 36-2.Greg1977 Cal 34 III

 

[Joe]

Tim....here's another link

that has a lot of info about older cal yachts. Especially the jensen marine era. Not much about the Cal 35 mk II, sorry. But the Cal saga is interesting.