Designed during Cal Yachts' heyday in the 1970s, this 29-footer represents the California builder's commitment to creating affordable yet capable sailing vessels for the growing recreational market. Cal Yachts earned a solid reputation for producing well-built fiberglass boats that balanced performance with practicality, and the Cal 29 continues this tradition. This mid-size cruiser appeals particularly to sailors seeking their first "real" cruising boat or those wanting a manageable vessel for coastal exploration. The design emphasizes ease of handling while providing sufficient interior space for comfortable weekending or extended coastal passages. Like many Cal designs from this era, the boat features a moderate displacement hull that offers a good compromise between sailing performance and stability. The Cal 29 suits coastal cruising and light offshore work, making it an excellent choice for sailors transitioning from smaller day sailors to more serious cruising. Its size strikes an ideal balance—large enough to handle varied conditions and accommodate a small crew comfortably, yet small enough for single-handed sailing when desired. The boat's reputation for solid construction and seaworthy characteristics has helped it maintain a loyal following among budget-conscious cruising sailors.
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What is the Cal 29's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Cal 29 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.93. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Cal 29's comfort ratio?
The Cal 29 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 25.04. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Cal 29 safe for offshore sailing?
The Cal 29 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.85. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Cal 29?
The theoretical hull speed of the Cal 29 is 6.56 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Cal 29 weigh?
The Cal 29 has a displacement of 8,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 29.00 ft.
How much does a used Cal 29 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used Cal 29 sailboats typically sell for between $10,000 and $12,500, with a median asking price of $11,250. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Cal 29?
The Cal 29 was designed by William Lapworth, first built in 1968.