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Sailboat Specifications

Cal 30

Masthead Sloop · Fin Keel

Designed by Lapworth · Built by Jensen Marine · First built 1961

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LOA 30.00 ft  ·  Beam 10.00 ft  ·  Displacement 9,600.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 420.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin Keel
About the Cal 30 Sailboat

Built during the height of the fiberglass revolution, this California-designed sailboat emerged from an era when West Coast builders were redefining what recreational sailing could be. Cal Yachts developed a reputation for creating affordable, well-built vessels that appealed to both racing enthusiasts and weekend cruisers seeking reliable performance. The Cal 30 embodies the classic design philosophy that made the brand famous—a balanced combination of speed and comfort that doesn't sacrifice seaworthiness for performance. Her hull lines reflect the influence of racing yacht design, yet she maintains enough interior volume and stability to serve admirably as a coastal cruiser. This versatility made her particularly popular among sailors who wanted one boat capable of handling both competitive sailing and family adventures. Like many boats from this builder, the Cal 30 gained a following for her solid construction and straightforward sailing characteristics. She's well-suited for coastal cruising, club racing, and sailors looking to develop their skills on a forgiving yet responsive platform. The design represents an era when sailboat manufacturers successfully bridged the gap between pure racing machines and heavy cruising boats, creating vessels that remain relevant decades after their introduction.

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Known Issues View all 9 issues →
High
The CAL 30 used balsa core in portions of the deck, and decades of water intrusion through hardware fasteners and the deck-to-hull joint commonly results in soft, saturated, or rotted core, particularly around stanchion bases and winch pads.
High
The external lead keel is attached with steel keel bolts that are prone to corrosion and weeping rust stains in the bilge. Many original keel bolts are now 50–60 years old and should be professionally assessed; replacement is often recommended.
High
The chainplate design on the CAL 30 runs through the deck and is bolted to the inner hull, but the deck penetrations are a chronic source of leaks. Many boats show rot in the wooden backing blocks behind the chainplates and corrosion of the chainplates themselves after decades of saltwater exposure.
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.50 ft / 7.47 m
Beam 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 9,600.00 lb / 4,354 kg
Ballast 3,500.00 lb / 1,588 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 420.00 ft² / 39.02 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Lapworth
Builder Jensen Marine
First Built 1961
Last Built 1967
Related Sailboats Columbia 30 · Cape Cod 30 · Capri 30 Chris Craft · Arpege 30 Dufour · Yankee 30 Mkii 98
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Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 20
Water Capacity 25
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cal 30's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Cal 30 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.93. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Cal 30's comfort ratio?

The Cal 30 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 26.42. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Cal 30 safe for offshore sailing?

The Cal 30 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.89. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Cal 30?

The theoretical hull speed of the Cal 30 is 6.63 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Cal 30 weigh?

The Cal 30 has a displacement of 9,600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 30.00 ft.

Who designed the Cal 30?

The Cal 30 was designed by Lapworth, first built in 1961.