cal 21 sailboat review

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Cal 21 is a 20 ′ 6 ″ / 6.3 m monohull sailboat designed by C. William Lapworth and built by Bangor Punta Corp. and Jensen Marine/Cal Boats between 1969 and 1972.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The original CAL 21 was equipped with a swing keel that could be completely raised inside a slot/cavity below the cockpit sole. When the keel was down, a plug was dropped into place to cover the opening and make a flush surface around the keel ‘root’. A cable had to be attached or re-attached, to raise or lower the keel. Besides reducing drag while sailing, the system allowed the hull to sit lower on a trailer.

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Review of Cal 21

Basic specs..

The keel is made of iron. Many people prefer lead keel in favour of iron. The main argument is that lead is much heavier than iron and a lead keel can therefore be made smaller which again result in less wet surface, i.e. less drag. In fact iron is quite heavy, just 30% less heavy than lead, so the advantage of a lead keel is often overstated.

The boat can sail close to the beach as the draft is just 0.24 - 0.34 meter (0.79 - 1.09 ft) dependent of the load. See immersion rate below.

An outboard motor is often used on this boat. In that case the boat will typically require a power of 1 - 2 hp, alternatively 22 - 26 lbs thrust if you prefer an electrical motor. Electric outboards are becoming popular for sailboat owners who want clean instant power with less noise and no exhaust fumes.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Cal 21 is 2.58, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 5.5 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Cal 21 is about 69 kg/cm, alternatively 386 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 69 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 386 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 13m 2 (139 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Cal 21 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

CAL 21 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of CAL 21. Built by Jensen Marine/Cal Boats and designed by C. William Lapworth, the boat was first built in 1969. It has a hull type of Swing Keel and LOA is 6.25. Its sail area/displacement ratio 29.49. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

CAL 21 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about CAL 21 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, contributions, who designed the cal 21.

CAL 21 was designed by C. William Lapworth.

Who builds CAL 21?

CAL 21 is built by Jensen Marine/Cal Boats.

When was CAL 21 first built?

CAL 21 was first built in 1969.

How long is CAL 21?

CAL 21 is 5.08 m in length.

What is mast height on CAL 21?

CAL 21 has a mast height of 7.01 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Cal 21 Owner

• Thread starter EnamrdSalr21
• Start date Mar 20, 2020
• Forums for All Owners
• Trailer Sailors

EnamrdSalr21

Welcome to SBO lots of information on this site  

Hi, I'm Steve Loehr, and I've been sailing a cal 21 for about 15 years. I think it's a great boat and it was just right for my family when we bought it. I like the small cabin and big cockpit, and it's easy to launch and retrieve. I don't use the keel plug. I have a cable attached to a winch permanently, and I just stuff 4 pool noodles (taped together) into the keel well to keep the water out. I'm sure it would sail faster with the keel plug. I built an A frame thing to help raise the mast, but it's still easier with two people. Have fun!  

my irst boat in 1980 w as the cal 21. the aft of the keel had a notch in it that i was suppposed to hook w the winch cable to winch it up to get onto its trailer .( what a pain ! especially in a freezing rain in oct. on aul out dy...) ) we had a nice teak ' well plug which ws a nice looking cover for the 'scary' keel well as kids called it. one day the bungees holding the keel well plug broke, the plug came off, and a geyer came into the bot making the passengers think we were all sinking. rx: fasten the keel well plug to pool noodles and securely bungee so it does not terrify your passengers... other than that it was a great little boat, sold it for what we paid for i 5 yrs later. upgrades: a blooper from bacon sails, a portajohn , a portable 12 v fan, 12v battery for mastand anchor lights and a cabin oil lamp from weems and plath's annapolis sailboat show 'warehouse sale' are nice additions . fair winds ! .  

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

The Cal 21 is a 20.5ft fractional sloop designed by C. William Lapworth and built in fiberglass by Jensen Marine/Cal Boats between 1969 and 1972.

500 units have been built..

The Cal 21 is a light sailboat which is a very high performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

Cal 21 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data, other photos, modal title.

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• About The Boat
• Boat Review Forum
• SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Cal 21 Help

• Add to quote

I am currently talking to a Cal 21 owner about making space in his driveway. He has a 71 Cal 21 for sale. After the customary phone calls I am getting ready to make a trip to check out what he has. I have owned 14, 16 and 18 foot Hobie Cats and have crewed on a number of mono hulls when I was younger. I worked for Jack Helms in the late 70s and early 80s at Helms Yachts in Irmo South Carolina. I have read all I can find about the Cal 21 so that when I go look I will have an idea of what to look for. My question is does anyone have any pictures of how the boat was laid out when new. This boat has had the complete Interior stripped. I can get an idea of what to rebuild from the factory pictures I have found but I could use more. Interior pictures, deck layouts, where and how the chain plates attached and anything else you may think would be of interest. Thank you in advance for your help.  

yep, the dog is right. but if you ask me, its a pretty basic boat on the interior. I think there is a cushion in the v area and a cushion on the two quarter berths, I don't even remember seeing any bulkheads down there. I know there is a porta potty somewhere because I heard guy using it yesterday. What I do know is that she is a fun trailer sailer.  

The factory Pictures show the V berth with a sink on one side and a spot for a Porta Potty on the other side. I believe there is no inner liner on the deck half. Is the inside of the deck painted? What was the sole made out of? Was the sole Plywood and then painted or was it covered in vinyl? Did the side stays attach to a bulkhead? If so where were the bulkheads placed and how were they attached? Thanks Again...  

You should find most of what you need here: Cal 21 Sailboat No sink standard. Porta-potty standard. Chain plates attach to cutaway bulkhead, really a wooden frame, which ties into a floor. There ain't no stinkin' liners! What sole? There's a couple of wooden footings to either side of the keel trunk that are probably long gone and of dubious value to begin with. Deck is plywood cored, hull is solid glass. Interior is painted for what's not mahogany trim. Check the keel trunk, especially at the pivot for signs of wear and leakage. Also check the cockpit sole to keel well joint for separation. Crawl through the boat with a flashlight..you'll be able to get to and evaluate every serious and unserious thing you need to see. You can re-do the interior on one of these in very little time, they're really quite basic. I've even got a post in a thread around here where you can add a hatch aft, where you need one. It's a fun boat...I'd have a hard time parting with mine...and it's easy to tow, rig, and sail. They sail well also.  

Seaweed- Also recommend you read the Boat Inspection Trip Tip thread before you go.  

Thank you very much for the replies. The walk thru is great. This time of year i will not need to bring a bug bomb. There is snow on the ground this evening. Is the interior open from stem to stern? Do the chain plates attach to the pieces i can see with the holes in them? How was the deck laid out? Is there much concern about rot where the deck and hull are attached? I guess that enough questions for now. Thanks Again Mark  

Chain plates penetrate the deck outboard and bolt to the frame below decks. You can see the bolts and their backing plates below decks. I've a slight leak between my deck and hull on both sides about three feet aft of the chain plates. It only manifests itself around 30 degrees of heel. One of these days I'll mange to find a reason to pry the rub strip off and address the problem, no doubt resulting in my getting my boat in around Labor Day once again! (You may think I'm kidding but, unfortunately...) You can crawl all the way from the bow to the stern although your trip to the stern will be over the quarter berths on your belly-bring a good flashlight. You may see a bit of roving showing through on the gel coat from the outside of the hull, if the light is just right...don't worry about it, it's normal...they came that way. You'll probably see some cracking of gel coat around the chain plate penetrations on deck. Check for sponginess in the deck in that area and examine the wooden frame beneath for evidence of water damage. If you don't see it there, it's not there as it's got nowhere else to hide. The keel winch should look like a boat trailer winch on a board that will span the cockpit seats. There should also be a wood keel stopper or keeper about five feet long with a hinged portion one foot long. If it's missing, don't worry they're easy to make. Check the hook at the aft end of the keel where it goes into the lead keel. These are easy enough to repair also with some epoxy. The hook will be in 400lbs of lead and the keel is of a swept back design when lowered. You probably won't be able to see much of the actual fin that the keel bulb attaches to...it's fiberglas over steel and easy enough to repair if you get the boat up on stands. There should be a strut that fits over the pintles on the stern for carrying the mast when trailering. Some came with a bow pulpit, some did not. some came with jib winches on the gunwales aft, some did not. If you're a do it yourselfer, there really isn't much you cannot do to this boat in the way of repairs or upgrades. It only weighs 1100lbs so there's even a variety of ways you can get her up off the trailer for hull and keel work.  

Thank you for the reply. I am looking for a boat to take on some of the inland lakes and some weekend cruises out of Bridgman Michigan up on Lake Michigan. Is the Cal 21 a good choice for these waters? Thanks Mark  

Mark, as you know, the big lake can get down right nasty. She has been known to take out 600 footers, just ask the crew of the Carl Bradley. Having said that, with the right weather window and close monitoring of the weather, sure, the Cal 21 would be a fun boat to do some weekending on. Just remember that down below you is very spartan. About all you can do is crawl into a berth for a good nights sleep. Cooking, washing, bathing, etc will all have to be done in the cockpit camping style on a coleman or similar type stove. Also, with a LWL of around 15 feet, your hull speed is about 5.5knots. Your legs are not going to be 120 miles but you will probably want to keep those around 35 miles or so. Thats simply my opinion. Having spent some time on board one, she is a fun boat. Does she carry all the comforts of home? No. Does that matter to some people like my wife? Yes. Would I go for a weekend cruise with Guy and leave the girls home? yes. Its something you will have to judge for yourself. Only you can determine what your needs are in a weekend cruise.  

BTW, Bridgeman is beautiful Country. We love the Warren Dunes Beach; got married there right on the Dunes. We drive right by your place everyweekend during boating season. Will you keep her in a slip at St. Joes? New Buffalo? Or do you plan on launching and keeping her on the trailer? Come up to Holland sometime and check out Lake Macatawa. Nice inland lake for a small sailor with a direct channel to the big lake. Not that I am putting the cart before th horse.  

Thanks for the reply. I do agree that Bridgeman is beautiful. We live about an hour from Waco in Indiana. Before Waco got there cabins we would take the Hobie Cats there for the summer. Camp in the campgrounds and drive back and forth to work. I believe i will keep her on a trailer. I live abut an hour north of Wawasee so that would be another good choice. My wife has never sailed so i believe we are going to have to go slow. I am getting kind of excited about the possibilities. But now I am putting the cart before the horse!  

The biggest drawback to the boat is a lack of headroom below decks. There's plenty enough space itself but you must crawl around. A Compac of similar size offers much more below decks usable room but does not sail nearly as well in my opinion. If you don't mind camping out, so to speak, the boat is suitable for many different types of sailing adventures. As far as lake Michigan goes, I see no problem with venturing out there any more than any other boat does. You'll of course want to show more attention to conditions and the forecast than some larger boats might but you won't encounter much you cannot handle otherwise. If you want to see more of the lake than just your area, you'll find that this is where a boat like a Cal 21 will shine. On a larger boat, if you want to cruise the North Channel or sail on Traverse Bay you'd need to schedule days or a week to sail there. With a trailer-sailer like this you can be traveling 70 mph up the highway and launching your boat right in the area you want to see. Check that boat out and, if it looks good to you, we'll make arrangements for you to see mine or I can look at it with you. Send me a PM.  

Very Cool. I do thank you guys for the advice. I have a 16 hobie in the back yard that still needs a new tramp. This boat came up and it really peaked my interest. I have been looking for a Helms since i moved back up here but i have not run across one. The Cal is much more mobile and from whats been said probibly a little quicker. I love when the wind picks up and the rigging starts to sing. Thanks Again Guys!!  

If we weren't all crazy we would go insane.  

• ?            
• 173.6K members

Top Contributors this Month

One Hundred Choices for the Best Small Cruiser

* = Seven boats appear in above lists twice.

Listed on the opposite page are one hundred choices for the "Best Small Cruiser." There are, of course, many more than one hundred choices for the "best" small cruising sailboat. In fact, there are 360 choices reported in this guide alone, and at least a few boats beyond those, on which we failed to find sufficient data to include here. In any case, as the saying goes, one man's meat is another man's poison. That is, a sailboat that one person does not like at all can be one that someone else likes very much.

One of the main reasons for this is that different boats are designed for different purposes: boats best for cruising in shallow bay waters versus deep ocean waters, for example. Styles vary to suit different tastes: traditional versus modern design, for example. Boats that do well in around-the-buoy racing may not be so well suited to cruising. A boat built to the highest standards of quality may not suit the pocketbook of the casual weekend trailer-sailor. And the range of choices goes on and on.

To help narrow the field of choices for the reader who is eager to find the right boat to buy, and doesn't have the patience to wade through all the facts and figures on all 360 boats presented in this guide, we have (somewhat arbitrarily)

devised a hundred choices, broken into groups of a dozen or so. Are you looking for a single-masted character boat? We list thirteen of them here, from 18 to 25 feet on deck. Do you yen for a two-masted yawl or ketch? We list every one of the dozen covered in this guide. Do you prefer a custom- built boat or at least very high quality construction? We show thirteen "high-end" choices, though you could find others in these pages. We also list fifteen good cruising boats for a family of four, and another thirteen for a cruising couple without children or guests aboard. We choose fifteen round-the-buoys racers for your consideration, and a dozen blue water cruisers, including a 15-footer that has sailed from California to Hawaii (though some may not agree that such a feat qualifies such a boat for offshore work).

Although there isn't space to include photos of every boat in this book, or even the one-hundred choices listed as "best," we have dug up representative sample photos from our vast collection of boat sales brochures to include on the following pages. They are arranged in roughly alphabetical order. If you don't find a picture of the boat you're interested in, try searching Google. There's a huge cache of photos there.

Alerion Express Cat 19 (details on page 20) is a high-end cruiser designed, among other things, for easy trailering and ramp launching.

Bay Hen 21 (page 85) is a character boat that's easy to launch and trailer.

Beneteau First 26 (25) (page 323) will nicely accommodate a family of four for cruising.

Bluejacket Motorsailer 23 (page 222) is a character boat with great comfort for cruising two.

Beneteau First 235 (22) (page 152) is a good boat for a cruising couple.

Blazer 23 (page 221) is a competitive racer. The author (trimming jib) is sailing here with other writers John Rousmaniere (steering) and Freeman Pittman, tech editor at Sail magazine.

Bluejacket Motorsailer 23 interior (also see to left) is particularly comfortable when cruising in rainy weather.

Bridges Point 24 (page 275) is available either as a finished boat or a kit.

Cape Dory Typhoon 18 (19) (page 23) has enough ballast to stand up well in a blow.

Cal 20 (page 89), produced from 1961 to 1977, is still raced in several fleets around the country.

Cape Dory 25D (page 330) comes close to being the ideal trailerable cruising boat.

Capri 26 (24) (page 282) features a cabin big enough to "drink ten."

Capri 18 (page 25) was introduced in 1985 and is still being sold today.

Cheoy Lee Flyer III (25) (page 334) has a Folkboat style hull.

Catalina 22 Mk I (page 157) wins the all-time popularity prize for cruising boats.

Catalina 25 (page 332) came in a great variety of configurations.

Com-Pac 19 (page 27) was drawn by Island Packet designer Bob Johnson.

Com-Pac 25 (page 336) has an unusual volume of interior space for her length.

Cornish Crabber 17 (page 31) is elegantly finished on deck and below. Cornish Crabber 22 (page 164) sports a gaff cutter rig.

Cornish Crabber 24 (page 284) is a well-built gaff-rigged character boat.

Cornish Shrimper 19 (page 32), a character boat, has an elegant finish, but is short on headroom.

Dehler 22 (page 167) has a number of high quality features.

Dolphin 24 (O'Day) (page 285) was available either as a kit or as a finished boat.

Dehler 25 (23) (page 227) also uses a "slipway trolley."

Elite 25 (24) (page 289) is fitted out in France, and features the French style of careful interior design.

Eastsail 25 (page 340) is generally built to a customer's specifications with extended offshore cruising in mind.

ETAP 20 (page 98) is built to a high standard of quality and is unsinkable.

ETAP 23 (22) (page 169) like other ETAP boats, she is double-skinned in a foam sandwich for flotation.

Golif 21 (page 99) from France has an unusual cabin ventilation system.

Irwin 10/4 (25) (page 347), as the saying goes, can drink ten, eat six, and sleep four.

J/24 (page 294) is said to be the world's most popular one-design keelboat.

La Paz 25 (page 353) features an open cockpit for deck chairs and berths for six below.

Jeanneau Bahia 23 (20) (page 106) features a clever cabin table design.

Menger Oysterman 23 (page 237) Montgomery 15 (page 71) and is a character boat based on the Montgomery 17 (page 46) both have molded

Chesapeake Bay Skipjack. lapstrake hulls.

Marshall Sanderling 18 (page 40) has been in production for almost fifty years, and continues to be popular.

Morgan 24/25 (25) (page 358) is fast and weatherly, especially in light air.

Newman Friendship Sloop 25 (page 360) conjures romantic memories of Maine fishermen.

Nimble 24/25 (25) (page 361) was produced in several configurations, including both a sloop and a yawl rig.

New Moon 25 (page 379) can be fitted out to the customer's specifications.

Nimble 24/25 (25) (page 361) is available as a pilothouse with six feet of headroom, great for cold weather cruising.

Nimble 20 (21) (page 116) features a yawl rig, rare in a boat so small.

Nonsuch 22 (page 185) was designed with the idea of elegant simplicity.

O'Day 26 (25) (page 362) is a near sistership to the O'Day 25.

Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 (page 120) is generally considered a very high quality product, commanding a premium price in the used boat market.

Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 (page 303) is solidly built to cruise in a bay or an ocean.

Parker Dawson 26 (page 364) has two separate cabins, and a center cockpit enclosed in canvas can be a third.

Quickstep 24 (page 306) was built by several firms, giving a choice of several accommodations plans.

Rob Roy 23 (page 246) has the makings of a classic small yacht.

Sand Hen 24 (page 308), with lightweight spars and no shrouds, should be easy to trailer and launch.

Santana 20 (page 131) was a very early entry in the "sport boat" market and is still popular.

Santana 21 (page 132), with a D/L ratio of only 86, is classified as an ultralight.

Santana 22 (page 198), an ageless design, is still popular after over 40 years.

Sea Pearl 21 (page 136) is simple, light, and shallow draft, perfect for casual beach cruising.

Seaward 25 (24) (page 310) has a sleek and salty look and is well built.

Shark 24 (page 312) has done well in racing over the years.

South Coast 23 (page 255) was converted to a yawl from a sloop (see photo bottom left).

South Coast 23 (page 255) Stone Horse 23 (page 258) is a classic shown here was built from a kit. designed over 75 years ago.

Tanzer 22 (23) (page 259) has a strong class association that promotes both one-design racing and cruising get-togethers (two views, left and right).

Terrapin 24 (25) (page 371) ^ |ike her Vancouver 25 (page 372) is well namesake, slow but comfortable. equipped for extended cruising.

Vertue II 25 (page 373) is a no-nonsense heavy cruiser made for ocean passages.

West Wight Potter 15 (page 64) has made some long distance cruises, including one from California to Hawaii.

West Wight Potter 19 (page 65) is still selling well after over thirty years of production.

Continue reading here: Authors Gallery of Photos

Was this article helpful?

Recommended Programs

Myboatplans 518 Boat Plans

Boat Alert Hull ID History Search

3D Boat Design Software Package

Related Posts

• What to Consider When Buying a Small Cruising Sailboat
• Designs by Karl Stambaugh and Philip C Bolger Commentary by Mike OBrien
• A little yacht that looks good and sails well
• A truly unique design from Phil Bolger
• Flicka s big sister - Cruising Sailboats Reference
• Reuben Tranes ultimate micro

Readers' Questions

What similar boat to cornish crabber 17 plans?

The Colvic Watson 25 Sailer is a similar boat to the Cornish Crabber 17. It has a traditional long keel and tiller steering. It is a roomy boat and makes a superb cruising boat for coastal and inland waters.

How is beneteau and jenneau related?

Beneteau and Jeanneau are both subsidiaries of the French group, Beneteau Group. The two brands have been part of the Beneteau Group since 2000, when Beneteau acquired Jeanneau. Both brands specialize in sailboats, motorboats, and powerboats.

Is the Com Pac sailboat considered a high end production?

No, the Com Pac sailboat is not considered a high end production boat.

What is the headroom in a dehler 25 sailboat?

The headroom in a Dehler 25 sailboat is approximately 1.85m (6 ft).

Are etap sailing boats still made?

Yes, Etap sailing boats are still made. Etap produces a wide range of sailing boat models, including the Cruiser and Cruiser Club series, the 21, 22 and 23 meters, and the Open and Weekender series. Many of the Etap sailing boats are still in production today, offering quality and innovation that continues to make them popular among sailing enthusiasts.

How many sirius 21 sailboats are still sailing?

It is difficult to accurately quantify the number of Sirus 21 sailboats that are still sailing. Most estimates place the number at around 200, though it is likely that the actual figure is higher.

Is the Sirius 21 sailboat really Unsinkable?

No. While Sirius 21 sailboats are designed to be safe and stable, no boat is truly unsinkable.

Has any one done any blue water sailing on an Eastward Ho 24' sailboat ?

No, I have not done any blue water sailing on an Eastward Ho 24' sailboat. However, I do know a few people who have owned Eastward Ho 24' sailboats, and some of them have taken them out for extended cruises, so it is possible that someone has done blue water sailing in one.

Is the rob roy 23 a bluewater boat?

No, the Rob Roy 23 is not a bluewater boat. It is more suited for inland lake and river cruising.

Is beneteau 235 unsinkable?

No, the Beneteau 235 is not unsinkable. Like all sailboats, the Beneteau 235 is susceptible to water taking on board. Water can enter the boat through a breach in the hull or through open hatches and ports.

Are compac 19 good boats?

The Compac 19 is an excellent boat that is great for short day cruises, fishing, and weekend getaways. It is often praised for its excellent maneuverability, easy handling, and low maintenance cost. The boat features a functional and reliable design, making it an attractive choice for both recreational and commercial use. Additionally, the Compac 19 has a spacious cabin, large cockpit, and ample storage for overnight trips.

How to rig sirius 21 sailboat?

Rigging a Sirius 21 sailboat is a straightforward process, but it should be done carefully to ensure the safety of the boat and its crew. Attach the mainsail halyard to the handle at the top of the mast and thread it through the mast sheave. Attach the spinnaker halyard, also known as the topping lift, to the aft side of the mast and thread it through the mast sheave. Attach the jib halyard to the clew of the jib and thread it through the mast sheave. Attach the mainsheet to the end of the boom, then attach the boom vang and the outhaul to the boom. Attach the jib sheet to the clew of the jib and run it through the pulley at the base of the mast. Attach the main and jib traveler lines to the tracks on the deck and thread them through the blocks at the mast base. Attach the mainsail to the mast and boom and the jib to the fore stay. Attach the main tack to the clew and then attach the clew to the boom. Attach the jib tack and clew to the forestay. Finally, attach all of the running rigging lines and adjust the tension as needed.

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Pay My Bill
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter
• Give a Gift

Cal 2-46: A Venerable Lapworth Design Brought Up to Date

Rhumb Lines: Show Highlights from Annapolis

Open Transom Pros and Cons

Mailport: Charley Morgan, Locker Safety, Fast Bottom Paint

Do-it-yourself Electrical System Survey and Inspection

Install a Standalone Sounder Without Drilling

The Tricked Out Tillerpilot

Resolving Common Steering Problems

Top-notch Wind Indicators

The Everlasting Multihull Trampoline

In Search of the Snag-free Clew

The Cruising Sailor’s Argument for High-tech Fibers

Breaking Point: What Can Go Wrong With Your Yanmar?

Rudder Mods for Low-speed Docking

Using Heat to Bend PVC Pipe

Mildew-resistant Caulks for Boats

Can We Trust Plastic Boat Parts?

Repairing Molded Plastics

Mailport: Marine plywood, fuel additives, through bolt options, winch handle holders

The Day Sailor’s First-Aid Kit

Choosing and Securing Seat Cushions

Cockpit Drains on Race Boats

Rhumb Lines: Livin’ the Wharf Rat Life

Resurrecting Slippery Boat Shoes

Shoe Goo’s Gift to Sailors

PS Advisor: Tank Monitor and Camera Mount Hacks

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Clear Plastic

Preventing Mildew in Marine Fabrics

Gearing Up for Winter Sailing

• Sailboat Reviews

An older Cal 34 can be a good entry-level cruiser for the handyman, but we like the later interior.

Bill Lapworth didn’t invent light-displacement cruiser-racers, but his name is indelibly linked with the type. At 15,000 pounds of displacement on a 30′ waterline, the Cal 40 is still a fairly light boat, especially considering the low-tech materials and techniques available when she was introduced. Lapworth designed a number of smaller sisters to the Cal 40 in the late 1960’s, all looking as alike as peas in a pod.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Lapworth should have been very flattered at the interest his Cal designs generated, for Frank Butler, now owner of Catalina, designed several successful boats for Coronado that were remarkably similar to Lapworth’s Cals.

Perhaps the most successful of the little sisters to the Cal 40 was the Cal 34. The Cal 34 was in production off and on, and in various configurations, from 1966 until 1979.

Although the hull form of the Cal 34 remained basically unchanged during its production life, enough changes were made in the rig, deck molding, and interior for the boat to have three model designations: Cal 34, Cal 2-34, and Cal 3-34.

Sailing Performance The Cal 34 was conceived as a true racer-cruiser, and early promotional literature stressed her racing performance. The original rig was a low aspect ratio masthead sloop. With a foot length of 14′ and a hoist of 33.5′, the mainsail was of typical late CCA (Cruising Club of America) Rule proportions. The long boom of the original short rig overhangs the cockpit awkwardly, with the mainsheet traveler just forward of the aft end of the cockpit. According to owners, this makes access to the cockpit lockers a nuisance, as well as squandering cockpit space. The tiller occupies the entire forward half of the cockpit, so that the helmsman sits just aft of the deckhouse, while the sail trimmers sit further aft.

The rig on the 2-34 and the 3-34 is just over 2′ taller and the boom 3′ shorter than the original. These dimensions give the rig much more modern proportions, reducing the size of the mainsail by 40 square feet and increasing the aspect ratio of the main from about 2.5:1 to 3.25:1. With the taller rig, the typical PHRF rating of the boat is six seconds per mile faster.

Most Cal 34 owners we surveyed consider the boat to be about the same speed as similar boats upwind, and somewhat faster downwind. This assessment jibes with the performance of most Lapworth designs, which are at their best off the wind. The boat’s PHRF rating, however, suggests that, on the whole, the boat is actually slower than more modern designs of the same size. The C&C 34, for example, is rated about 25 seconds per mile faster than the Cal 3-34.

According to owners, it takes a good breeze to get the Cal 34 moving. With her large, trapezoidal fin keel, the Cal 34 simply has a lot more wetted surface than more modern fin keel boats, although substantially less wetted surface than a full keel design.

Many owners of the original Cal 34 have shortened the foot of the mainsail to improve the boat’s balance. The taller-rigged boats have inherently better balance, since the center of effort of the entire sail plan is further forward. Boats with the short rig and a shortened mainsail foot are likely to be underpowered in light air.

One advantage of the shorter boom is to get rid of the traveler at the aft end of the cockpit. Instead, the traveler is mounted on the bridgedeck, or over the main companionway. While this location would be awkward for racing a tiller-steered boat, it’s good for cruising, since the helmsman could handle the mainsheet as well as the tiller.

One of the most commonly-seen modifications to earlier boats is the installation of wheel steering. This requires relocating the mainsheet on the longerboom boats, but it frees up the space in the cockpit dramatically. The Cal 34 really has a large cockpit, but the tiller and original mainsheet arrangement wasted a huge amount of space. Wheel steering is standard in the 3-34 version of the boat, built in 1976 and later.

Construction The Cal 34 has a relatively unsophisticated, hand laid-up hull. Owners consider the boat to be above average in strength of hull, deck, and rig. A number of owners report that the main bulkhead tends to delaminate due to leaking chainplates. Since this is potentially a serious structural problem, any Cal 34 should be carefully surveyed for signs of leakage in this area. Be particularly cautious about any boat in which the main bulkhead has been painted out, rather than left varnished: look carefully for water stains around the chainplates.

Other areas to check are the deck around the mast step, and the fiberglass keel molding. Internally ballasted boats such as the Cal 34 frequently suffer damage on the toe of the keel when running aground. The keel molding should not ring hollow when tapped with a mallet, which would indicate a loose ballast casting—a sign that the boat has been run aground hard.

Older Cal boats are not heavily built: their light displacement precludes excess material. Furniture and bulkhead tabbing are relatively light, notoriously so in the old Cal 40. The saying about the Cal 40 is that when the berths pop loose in the forward cabin, it’s time to reduce sail.

Despite fairly light construction, we know of several Cal 34s that have done impressive ocean voyaging. We wouldn’t consider a boat of this age and construction suitable for ocean cruising without a careful survey of all structural components. Lightdisplacement hulls such as that of the Cal 34 get a lot of stiffness from the bonding of furniture to the hull. Keeping it in place is important.

One problem area is the chainplates. Several owners report chainplate failure due to metal fatigue, and one owner found several other partially broken chainplates when he replaced on that had broken.

On the whole, however, the Cal 34 is relatively free of structural defects that would be the result of poor workmanship or choice of materials. The faults you find are more commonly a function of the age of the individual boat. For example, some owners report sloppy rudders due to wear of the fiberglass tube which serves as stuffing box and bearing for the rudder stock—a common aging problem with this type of rudder installation.

Pay particular attention to the condition of the gelcoat, particularly the deck gelcoat. Crazing is very common. Unless it has been painted, the distinctive blue Cal sheerstrake is likely to be badly faded in older boats.

In the late 60’s and early 70’s, many West Coast boats, including Cals, were notorious for mediocre systems installations, particularly wiring and plumbing. If an older Cal 34 has had a lot of electronics added, there’s a good chance that the wiring has been pigtailed onto existing circuits, a poor practice. Older Cal 34s also had gate valves rather than seacocks on through hull fittings. These should be replaced.

Other minor weak points include the lack of backing plates on stanchions, which can cause localized crazing of the deck, and leaking aluminumframed cabin ports.

Owners recommend putting in larger cockpit scuppers. The big cockpit can hold a lot of water, and the two small stock scuppers are inadequate.

Interior There have been two interior layouts in the boat. The original Cal 34 and the 2-34 have two quarterberths aft, with the galley to starboard and a dinette to port in the main cabin. The later Cal 3-34s have a more modern conventional layout, with galley aft to port, quarterberth and chart table to starboard. The saloon of the last version has a settee to starboard, dinette to port. Both layouts have V-berths in the forward cabin with the head between the main cabin and forward cabin. Head layout is different in the two models.

On the whole, we think the later layout is superior, although the galley is actually larger in the original version. On older boats, most owners use the dining table for chart work, although it would be quite easy to design a slide-away chart table to fit over the head of one of the quarterberths.

The interior finish of the boats changed a lot over the years. The original Cal 34 had a varnished mahogany plywood interior with varnished mahogany trim. Later boats went to the oiled teak cave look of the 1970s.

There is no doubt that the original interior is lighter and brighter than the later teak interior. However, a varnished mahogany interior requires more upkeep than an oiled teak interior, and is harder to restore to good condition if it has been allowed to deteriorate. Mahogany blackens when exposed to salt water, while teak merely bleaches out and can be reclaimed with a little sanding.

There’s a lot more in the way of creature comforts in the 3-34, in keeping with the growing view that cruising should be more than an expensive form of camping out. Water capacity was increased from the marginal 26 gallons of the early boats to a more serviceable 60 gallons, hot and cold pressure water were standard, and a shower was installed.

The interior is a good selling point in any of the three models. For its length overall, the Cal 34—which is really just over 33′ long—has a lot of interior volume. Headroom on centerline in the main cabin is 6′ 2″. The boat easily has as much interior space as older boats 3′ or more longer.

Engine Like most boats built in the late ’60s, the Cal 34 was originally powered by the Atomic Four gas engine. The engine is located under the cockpit, but is reasonably accessible from either of the quarterberths.

The propeller is driven through a V-drive, and some owners report problems with this unit. A thorough mechanical survey is a must when buying a Cal 34.

In the mid-’70s, diesel engines made their appearance in the boat. A variety of diesels have been installed, including Farymann, 25 and 30 horsepower Westerbekes, and the Perkins 4-91. We would not buy a boat with a Farymann diesel, since parts are difficult or impossible to find. Oddly enough, the most desirable engine for the boat may be the old Atomic 4, which many owners report to be still running strong at 15 years of age or more. Parts are readily available, and are likely to be for some time to come. You could also consider replacing the Atomic Four with one of the Universal diesels designed as a drop-in replacement for the engine.

One disadvantage of the new version of the interior is that engine accessibility has been sacrificed. Owners consider access fair to poor in the aft galley interior, fair to good in the double quarterberth version.

One oddity is that many owners report that the boat pulls strongly to starboard under power, requiring a lot of helm for correction, while another owner reports that the boat pulls strongly to port with the same engine!

Buying a Used Boat Early models of the Cal 34 are well over two decades old today. A lot of changes have occurred in the industry in those 25 years, as well as in the expectations we have for medium-sized cruising boats. Certainly a lot of features of the later Cal 34s—the more efficient rig, better sail handling layout, wheel steering, anchor locker, diesel engine, bigger water capacity and other creature comforts, and more useful interior layout—make them more desirable for most uses. Of course, the price of newer boats reflects the improvements.

An older Cal 34 would be a good choice as an entry-level, medium-sized family cruising boat. A lot of the gear on older models will be painfully obsolete. The rigging, sails, and electronics are likely to be old. Unless the boat has been unusually well maintained, the wood cockpit coamings may need replacing, the hull is likely to need painting, and the deck gelcoat will be crazed.

Blistering has been a relatively minor problem with older Cals, but the hull should obviously be carefully surveyed for high moisture content.

The base price of the Cal 34 in 1969 was $16,800. This was for a stripped boat—the base price didn’t even include lifelines and stanchions.

The next year the base price climbed to $19,277, and it continued to escalate throughout the boat’s production history.

There’s a good chance that an older Cal 34 will give you all the opportunities your heart could ever desire to learn to tinker with fiberglass repairs and the upgrading of systems.

If you’re willing to do this type of stuff yourself, a 20-year-old performance cruiser that you can buy in today’s market for $20,000 or so may be a lot of boat for the money. If you want a lower maintenance boat, stick to a late model Cal 34—but be prepared to pay significantly more.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Lots of useful info even though I’ve had a Cal 2-34 for 25 years ! Better check those chain plates…

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

• You are here
• Everything Explained.Today
• A-Z Contents

Cal 21 Explained

The Cal 21 is an American trailerable sailboat that was designed by C. William Lapworth as a cruiser and first built in 1969. [1] [2] [3]

The design was built by Jensen Marine / Cal Yachts , a division of Bangor Punta Corp. in the United States . Production ran from 1969 to 1976, with 500 boats completed, but it is now out of production. [1] [3] [4] [5]

The Cal 21 is a recreational keelboat , built predominantly of fiberglass , with wood trim. It has a fractional sloop rig; a raked stem; a reverse transom ; a transom-hung mahogany , non-folding rudder , controlled by a tiller and a swing keel. It displaces 11000NaN0 and carries 3600NaN0 of ballast. [1] [3]

The boat has a draft of 4.3feet with the keel extended and 10inches with it retracted, allowing beaching or ground transportation on a trailer . [1] [3]

The swing keel is lowered from a slot in the hull, which is then plugged with a cover that sealed the opening to reduce drag. The cable to raise the keel had to be reattached to lower or raise the keel. [1]

The boat is normally fitted with a small 3to outboard motor for docking and maneuvering. [1] [3]

The design has sleeping accommodation for four people, with a double "V"-berth in the bow cabin and two quarter berths in the main cabin. The head is located under the "V"-berth in the bow cabin on the starboard side. Cabin headroom is 49inches. [1] [3]

The design has a PHRF racing average handicap of 258 and a hull speed of 5.5kn. [3]

Operational history

In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote, "In good weather a pair of sleepers can be accommodated on her unusually spacious (eight feet long) cockpit seats, Worst features: The mahogany rudder is detachable but not folding, a potential problem in shallows. The iron keel is subject to pitting and rust. The keel hoisting system is said by some owners to be a weakness." [3]

• List of sailing boat types

External links

• Cal 21 commemorative webpage

Notes and References

• Web site: Cal 21 sailboat . 23 January 2021. McArthur. Bruce . sailboatdata.com. 2020. https://archive.today/20210123225737/https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/cal-21. 23 January 2021. live.
• Web site: C. William Lapworth 1919 - 2006 . 23 January 2021. McArthur. Bruce . sailboatdata.com. 2020. https://archive.today/20210123212527/https://sailboatdata.com/designer/lapworth-c-william. 23 January 2021. live.
• Henkel, Steve: The Sailor's Book of Small Cruising Sailboats , page 90. International Marine / McGraw-Hill , 2010.
• Web site: Jensen Marine/Cal Boats 1956 - 1989 . 23 January 2021. McArthur. Bruce . sailboatdata.com. 2020. https://archive.today/20210123212642/https://sailboatdata.com/builder/jensen-marinecal-boats. 23 January 2021. live.
• Web site: Bangor Punta Corp. 1964 - 1984 . 23 January 2021. McArthur. Bruce . sailboatdata.com. 2020. https://archive.today/20210123212435/https://sailboatdata.com/builder/bangor-punta-corp. 23 January 2021. live.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License . It uses material from the Wikipedia article " Cal 21 ".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy .