Built during California's golden age of fiberglass yacht construction, this substantial cruising sailboat represents the Cal Yachts philosophy of combining performance with livability. The Cal 48 emerged from a design tradition that prioritized both coastal cruising comfort and the capability to handle longer passages with confidence. Like other vessels in the Cal lineup, the 48 showcases thoughtful proportions that balance sailing performance with interior volume. The design reflects the West Coast cruising aesthetic of the era, emphasizing clean lines and practical deck layouts that make single-handed or short-handed sailing manageable. Her size places her firmly in serious cruising territory, offering the displacement and stability needed for extended coastal voyaging or offshore passages. The Cal 48 attracts sailors seeking a proven platform for ambitious cruising plans without sacrificing sailing characteristics. Her design lineage connects to Cal's reputation for building boats that sail well while providing the creature comforts necessary for extended time aboard. This makes her particularly appealing to couples or small crews planning significant coastal exploration or contemplating offshore adventures where reliability and seaworthiness matter most.
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What is the Cal 48's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Cal 48 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.56. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Cal 48's comfort ratio?
The Cal 48 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 36.36. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Cal 48 safe for offshore sailing?
The Cal 48 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.64. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Cal 48?
The theoretical hull speed of the Cal 48 is 7.93 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Cal 48 weigh?
The Cal 48 has a displacement of 25,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 47.75 ft.
Who designed the Cal 48?
The Cal 48 was designed by C. William Lapworth, first built in 1966.