Considering a 1989 Cal 33-2

[Kevin13]

My wife and I are looking to purchase our first sailboat and have come across a 1989 Cal 33. There is crazing on the deck but otherwise she seems clean and has many recent updates. We intend at first to do mostly day sailing in Long Island Sound. Any thoughts on the Cal 33-2 are appreciated.

[JimsCAL]

I purchased a 1985 Cal 33-2 last fall, replacing a 30 foot Cal 9.2 I owned for 20 years. It was one for 4 or 5 boats on my short list in the 33-35 foot range. I think it has a great mix of cruising accomodations and sailing performance. Not a race boat, but better than most of the more cruising oriented boats of similar size.

Build quality is above average for the era. I would not be concerned about the gelcoat crazing - very common on Cals for some reason. I assume you will have a survey done. Expect some areas of high moisture in the decks. Mine had a few and I am dealing with them one by one. Feel free to contact me with any questions you have.

Jim

[nk235]

Where on the Sound are you located? I'm out of Smithtown and Mt. Sinai. As for the Cal I looked at the same model 4 years ago and it seemed like a very nice boat. The one I looked at had some crazing going on as well and I do know that is common among them. I passed on it just because that particular boat I looked at was priced much too high but if found for the right price they seem to be great boats. Good luck with your search.

[Kevin13]

Thanks for the input. I live in Guilford, Ct and will be docking the boat in Westbrook, CT. The one I'm looking at seems to be priced right. Someone commented to me that the mast on these boats has a smaller diameter, which could present a problem. Has either of you heard of that as an issue?

[JimsCAL]

I am puzzled by the comment about the mast diameter. Perhaps by someone used to larger and stiffer masts on older boats. This is a double spreader rig and is designed to be bent slightly using backstay tension to control sail shape. Mast is actually stiffer than many newer performance cruisers.

I assume you are looking at the boat in Milford. Looks well equipped with recent electronics and sails. Asking price is a bit high. Most Cal 33-2s have sold recently in mid 30s to low 40s. Good luck.

[eherlihy]

Nice boats! I agree with the previous post that they are above average in build quality. The Nav station is nice, and there is very good engine access. They all seem to have the infamous "CAL Crazing," and many have been painted in an attempt to cover the crazing. Be sure to check for moisture in the decks, the cockpit seats AND the cockpit floor. IIRC, the non-skid should be molded into the Gelcoat, not painted on.

I saw one with painted non-skid in the cockpit that I otherwise liked and put an offer on. Then my wife saw it and raised concerns about the amount of storage space, or lack thereof.

RE the post above; ALL the asking prices for boats in Yachtworld are a bit high.

[Kevin13]

Thanks again for the responses. They are very helpful. For sure we'll be getting a survey to check for moisture before we purchase.

[sailingdog]

Before getting a survey, I'd recommend you read the Boat Inspection Trip Tips thread I started, as it will help you determine whether this boat is worth looking at further.

Originally Posted by Kevin13

Thanks again for the responses. They are very helpful. For sure we'll be getting a survey to check for moisture before we purchase.

[Kevin13]

Sailingdog: Thanks much. The Boat Inspection tips were very helpful. One question, when is detected moisture "too much"?

[sailingdog]

It depends. That's a pretty broad question. How wet is the area? How large is the area? Where is the wet area? These all affect how much it will matter.

Originally Posted by Kevin13

Sailingdog: Thanks much. The Boat Inspection tips were very helpful. One question, when is detected moisture "too much"?