Cal 2-27 for first boat?

[sandfiddler]

I looked at a Cal 2-27 today and was looking for some advice maybe from some current/previous owners of this vessel. I have run a bunch of your normal internet searches about the Cal 27 and Cal 29. The steal beam rusting out issue has me concerned. Is the risk of buying one of these older Cals worth the hassle or should I continue my search.

Thanks

[SkiprJohn]

There are so many older boats on the market just pick the one you seem to like the most and then contact members for opinions here.

I believe you'll get some Cal 2-27 owners to reply soon.

I've never owned one but have sailed a Cal 2-30 and would pick another boat if there were other choices. I just didn't care for the way it handled but the 27 and 30 handle differently I'm certain because of their weight difference.

[roverhi]

Take a close look at the beam, if the boat has one, to see its condition. If there has been limited water below, the beam will probably be in good condition. If it's regularly been immersed in saltwater, will be rusty and need replacing. Won't know till you check it out.

If beam is bad but you still like the boat, get a quote to R&R the beam and reflect that in your offer price. A brand new beam would last you another 30 plus years. The old Cals are not fancy boats but were well built and decent sailors.

[sandfiddler]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

There are so many older boats on the market just pick the one you seem to like the most and then contact members for opinions here.

Yea. I've looked at a decent amount of these old boats and you learn quickly that conditions advertised can be slightly misleading......

My search criteria in general has been under 30 feet, encapsulated keel, and preferably diesel powered. I'm in my mid 20s and would like something to use on the weekend....maybe some coastal cruising....and maybe just maybe get me across to the bahamas Most of my sailing experience has been on boats I can't afford (grandfather) or boats I wouldn't want to afford (racing). I just need solid chunk of fiberglass, a hammock, rum, and possibly a few women. Should I include these as expenditures in the offer price?

Thanks for the replies

[japarker11]

Originally Posted by sandfiddler

I looked at a Cal 2-27 today and was looking for some advice maybe from some current/previous owners of this vessel. I have run a bunch of your normal internet searches about the Cal 27 and Cal 29. The steal beam rusting out issue has me concerned. Is the risk of buying one of these older Cals worth the hassle or should I continue my search.

Thanks

Sand fiddler,
First off, the 2-27 does not have a steel beam. I would have to check some very old research, but I believe this is the case for the 2-29 also. On the 2-27 there is an athwart ship fiberglass beam which has the bulkhead tabbed to it. The bulkhead has a wood post that receives the deck stepped mast load.

The only issues that I have heard about have been hull to deck leaks, soft deck areas around chain plates and noisy diesels. Mine is hull no. 550 (1978). Artemis has been with us since 1999. As a pocket cruiser it was way ahead of its time in terms of layout, headroom and amenities. Sail plan is simple, yet functional. It does well offshore but subjects the crew to a rough ride owing to its short LWL when the waves top 8' or so.

I think it is one of the best harbor master cheaters around, one of Jensen Maurine's better builds - Cal 40, Ranger 33.........on and on

John
Odyssey - Nordic 44

[JPA Cate]

Hi,

We had some friends who circumnavigated on one. I do not recall whether it was beefed up at all before they took it offshore.

Ann

[jeremiason]

There are a lot of Cal 2-27's on San Francisco Bay and several of them are still racing in the YRA there. They are good boats, cheap to repair and hold up well.

My first boat was a Catalina 27, which are very similar in most respects and would be another boat to look at.

Either way, when ever you buy an older boat expect some work to be done.

Where are you planning on sailing?

[Boracay]

I launched my first boat at the age of 28 so that would be pretty much your age.

"Gindie" was a 32' Hartley ferro (all I could afford in the '70s) with just over 10' beam.

What got me thinking was your need for women and rum. I'll admit to having a few of each on the boat but it was too late for that wild '60s stuff so it was pretty tame.

With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight the one of the the best things about the boat was having a good friend who came along to help. The girls came later.

So why not step up a notch to something with at least 4 decent berths. Maybe in the 30' - 34' range. Not going to be a lot more money and much more "useable".

[PA22108]

I have a 1980 Cal 2-27 with diesel engine Roller furler and Bimini. They sail nice and are strong. Head room is 6 ft 2 in in the center line Plenty of room. Engine access is an issue, Battery location is hard to get to. Other than that any 30 plus year old boat will have some issues. Look for the best maintained boat that you can afford. Keep in mind that the purchase price is the cheapest thing you will be dealing with. Dock space for a 30 plus foot boat can get pretty expensive. And that you can't do much about. Stick to a size that fits your budget not your dreams. We all have dreams but reality is what you will wind up with anyway. I always talked about going away on long sails but after 5 or 6 hours on the water I am ready to tie up at the dock and enjoy the evening. Have fun with what ever you choose.

[RTB]

A friend just sailed his from California to Fiji - Open Blue Horizon - Home and these girls just completed the Great Loop, with a side trip to the Bahamas. - Louise | KATIE & JESSIE on a boat

Have fun and good luck!

Ralph