Looking for comments on Cal 39

[pinkpanther]

I'm narrowing my boat search for a live-aboard/coastal cruising/offshore boat (I know that's a lot to ask) and would welcome comments and opionions about the Cal 39.

[eherlihy]

It is 39' long, it has two heads, it is VERY similar to a Pearson 39, it is very roomy inside, it has a balsa cored deck, it was available with a winged or fin keel.... uh, it's pointy at one end...

What, specifically, would you like comments on?

[sailingdog]

E—

Does it have a big stick on top???

[tommays]

I would look into the condition of the steel beam/mast step as i believe the 39 has one also

[sailingdog]

One thing that you may want to consider is that the Cal series of boats were designed primarily as racing boats IIRC, and as such are going to have somewhat less seakindly behavior than those which were designed as cruising boats from the start. Liz Clark, a surfer, is currently cruising on a Cal 40 and one of her biggest complaints is the boat's behavior and motion in heavy weather.

Just curious as to what factors made you focus on the Cal 39 as a live-aboard/coastal cruising/offshore boat??

[kwaltersmi]

I don't know if this applies to the Cal 39, but two Cal 36's I looked at a couple of years ago both rudder issues. Both showed nasty cracks in the rudder and needed replacement.

[pinkpanther]

Sailingdog,
Mostly on the advice of friends....I was also thinking of a Morgan 38 and a Pearson 36. I'm looking for a boat that is responsive and fairly fast but I want it to be comfortable in heavy weather. Any suggestions are welcome.

[eherlihy]

Panther,

I have sailed both the mid-late '80s CAL 39 and the Pearson 36-2 for multi-day charters. The CAL is a bigger boat, but IMHO the usable interior volume of the Pearson 36-2 is probably the same. I like the drop leaf table and forward facing nav station better in the CAL better, but those are minor nits.

How many people are typically going to be on this boat?

If I were looking at a boat for 2 people, I would look for a Pearson 38. This is the same boat as a Pearson 36, but has the interior appointments that I like. (Despite the name, it is only a 36.5' boat.)

If I were looking for a boat for 3, or more, the CAL 39 / Pearson 39 would be more attractive.

[sailingdog]

I'd point out that generally fast and comfortable in heavy weather are mutually exclusive to some degree. The elements that make a fast boat are generally not those that make a seakindly boat in heavy weather.

You might want to try and get some time sailing on some boats in the size range you're looking for to get a better idea of what your priorities really are.

Originally Posted by pinkpanther

Sailingdog,
Mostly on the advice of friends....I was also thinking of a Morgan 38 and a Pearson 36. I'm looking for a boat that is responsive and fairly fast but I want it to be comfortable in heavy weather. Any suggestions are welcome.

[smackdaddy]

Originally Posted by tommays

I would look into the condition of the steel beam/mast step as i believe the 39 has one also

Pink - you should definitely listen to Tom on this (more than anyone). Check out his blog and you'll see why.

The guy is doing amazing work.