The Cal 39

[lifeofreilly57]

All the previous suggestions for checking the cooling system are sound but one I've run into on past boats is the size of the through hull and connecting plumbing to the water pump">raw water pump. In both cases the engine had been retrofitted when the original was replaced. The last one was a C&C 38 that had been refitted with a 30 hp Yanmar, after exhausting all the other possible causes I replaced the through hull with the next size up and plumbed the connecting plumbing to my raw water pump to optimize flow. The difference was instantly noticeable, I was able to run almost 1000 rpm higher with no cooling issues, I would suggest this option only after doing the previously suggested fixes.
Is the engine in your Cal the original or was it a re-power?

[robert sailor]

For you folks taking these boats offshore check the rudder out very carefully.

[robwilk37]

i was trying to buy one a couple of years ago only to have it snaked out from under me at the last minute by a production company in LA. it fell to the chainsaws, along with two others, for one of the worst sailing movies ever made... "all is lame".

a sad end for three good boats.

[savoir]

For anyone looking to buy a Cal 39 some of them have a major defect. On some of the short rig versions the shroud base and shrouds do not line up. The shroud base is several inches aft of where it should be putting a huge side load on the spreader tips and bases. I have never seen this issue on a tall rig version. The one that I saw with the problem was a 1978 short rig version.

[montereycal39]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. It was still helpful here in the future 2017 and helped me in making my decision to purchase a Cal 39.

[beebopbogo]

Congrats! I'd love to hear about your new boat. Cals are awesome!

Have you found any good Cal 39 owner's list out there? I've been looking but not finding. I made an owner's list on my web site, but it's a bit short at the moment

Cal 39 Owners List - Sailor's Life For MeSailor's Life For Me

[Tantrum]

I love mine! Bought herlast year and hoping to get more use from her this year...Ive been tinkering with this and that, many things to do, but getting there slowly

[Tantrum]

http://locksandsafes.com/cal39
link from previous post
launching in 2 wks!

[alexckramer]

Own a tri-cabin Cal 39 built in 1979. We've had it up & down the east coast. previous owner sailed to the Med & Carribean.
Alex



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[Tim francis]

I’m looking at a 1980 cal 39 on Oahu. Asking 25000. Has a self steering wind vane. Big things it needs is new rigging and bottom job. I’m thinking about getting a survey soon and offer 18000. It hasn’t been much more than a liveaboard for three years at least. With some upgrades and time it could turn into a nice boat again. One thing that for whatever reason bugs me. The engine access is small and it seems like even after opening up the gangway etc would be hard to work on. Maybe I’m just used to more space. It seems it hasn’t had any real upgrades since 1980 except self steering wind vane. She did make it around the Caribbean and South Pacific before Hawaii. https://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/...854867484.html

[alexckramer]

On our Cal39 Tri-cabin We can also get at the engine thru starboard hatch in the cockpit.


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[s3raphim]

I have a 1978 Cal 39 MKII Tall Rig, and love her. Balanced, relatively fast, and beautifully refit by two previous owners. Ideal for PNW cruising, and farther if desired.

[memmerich]

I purchased a 1980 Cal 39 a year ago! I have sailed her extensively on the San Francisco Bay and out into the Pacific. I’ve been in zero wind and forty knot winds and she always is up to the task. When I did the sea trial, I had the previous owner put up full sails in a 25 knot wind and she preformed perfectly. I have nothing bad about her to report! She stays dry and is fast. I would never consider a different boat!

[Adelie]

Go Lapworth.