I am currently in the market for a sailboat, this will be our 5th sailboat, and I'm a Boatwright, so I'm not a
novice. Our last
boat was a Union 36
cutter which we took down the coast from WA to warmer waters. What we're now searching for is a moderate
displacement, more modern cruiser in the same size range. Something we can take back down to
Mexico in a few years from our cruising grounds here in WA. Our
budget is $50K, and, since I
refit boats for a living, performing repairs/upgrades is a no-brainer, and affordable.
So... I am scheduled to look at a 1983
Cal 35 Mk II this weekend. Not the motorsailing
Cal Cruising 35, but the actual low-cabin
sloop model. The Cals I have worked on in the past have struck me as well-built, suitable for coastal and mild
offshore work. I'm aware of the Cal "beam" problems, as well as some
rudder de-lams. What I would like is to hear from someone with personal experience with these particular boats, any found weaknesses, etc..
Thanks to all!