Cal 3-27 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Cal 3-27 emerged from the design board of Bill Lapworth, a pivotal figure in Cal's history, who envisioned it as a scaled-up version of the successful Cal 25 design. Its production began in 1983, a period when Cal Boats had relocated its manufacturing operations from Costa Mesa, California, to Tampa, Florida, where it remained until March 1985. Cal Boats, under Jensen Marine, had established a reputation for producing robust, well-built, and performance-oriented fiberglass sailboats that were nonetheless easy to handle and comfortable for cruising. The 3-27 carried forward this ethos, even as the company navigated changes in ownership and manufacturing locations throughout the 1980s.

Distinguishing itself from earlier Cal 27 iterations, the Cal 3-27 was designed with a focus on enhancing interior volume, aiming for a more spacious feel within its compact length. The model was offered with both a standard 5.0-foot fin keel for performance and a shoal draft option of 4.0 feet, providing flexibility for different cruising grounds. A tall rig option was also available, featuring a slightly taller mast for increased sail area.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cal 3-27 exhibits characteristics consistent with a performance-oriented cruiser. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.67, she is well-suited for a range of wind conditions, providing a responsive feel without being overly sensitive in lighter airs. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 185 suggests a relatively light to moderate displacement vessel for her length, indicative of a design that prioritizes speed and agility over heavy load-carrying capacity.

The boat's ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of nearly 38.5% contributes to solid initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze. Cal boats, in general, are known for their easy handling and good balance, often praised for tracking well and offering a dry ride, even in choppy conditions. These attributes likely extend to the Cal 3-27, making her a manageable and enjoyable boat for both experienced sailors and those new to the cruiser class.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior measurements for the Cal 3-27 are not extensively documented, the design emphasis was on creating more interior room compared to its predecessors. For context, the Cal 2-27, an earlier model in the series, featured full standing headroom and a beam of 9 feet 3 inches, indicating that the 3-27, which sought to improve on interior volume, would likely offer comfortable standing headroom and a beam of 9.0 feet. The design incorporated a "spacy hull," suggesting a more open and generous living space below deck.

Typical interior arrangements for sailboats of this size and era usually include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and an enclosed head. Owners often seek specific details regarding the original layout of the Cal 3-27 due to potential modifications over the years. The general finish quality of Cal boats typically involved a good balance of fiberglass and wood trim, providing a durable yet inviting interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Cal 3-27s, and Cal 27 models in general, often commend the boats for their solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. They are frequently described as dependable vessels capable of comfortable motion in a seaway, aligning with Cal's reputation for building tough, performance-oriented cruisers.

However, common maintenance items noted by owners across the Cal 27 series include the tendency for original deck fittings, ports, and chainplates to develop leaks over time. Addressing these water intrusion issues often becomes a priority for new owners, but significant structural problems are not typically characteristic of the Cal 3-27 or its sister models. The enduring presence of many Cal 27s on the water today attests to their overall robust build and the active community of owners dedicated to their upkeep.