Cal 33 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Cal 33 in 1971 reflects Jensen Marine's commitment to producing performance-oriented fiberglass sailboats that were both robust and easy to handle. Founder Jack Jensen embraced fiberglass for its durability and versatility, and the company, under the influential design guidance of Bill Lapworth, consistently delivered yachts known for their solid construction and exhilarating performance. The Cal 33, with its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, was designed to be a capable vessel, fitting into the popular cruiser-racer segment of its era. This model benefited from Lapworth's characteristic approach, aiming for a design that could perform competitively on the racecourse while offering sufficient comfort for cruising. It is important to distinguish the original Lapworth-designed Cal 33 from a later, distinct model known as the Cal 33-2 or Cal 33 (Hunt), which was designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates and introduced in the mid-1980s. The original Cal 33 remained a concise production run, with 191 units built before production ceased in 1973.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cal 33 is engineered for a balanced sailing experience, translating its specifications into qualitative performance characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.54, the Cal 33 exhibits good potential for performance in lighter air conditions, suggesting it can be nimble when the wind is soft. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.44 indicates a high percentage of ballast relative to its overall weight, contributing significantly to its stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 231.8 places the Cal 33 in the moderate displacement category, aligning with its intended purpose as a versatile cruiser-racer that is neither overly heavy nor excessively light. Owners and reviewers often describe Cal boats as tracking well and being very dry. The Cal 33 is considered "big enough to be reasonably comfortable" and "seaworthy enough to take on a squall", affirming its capabilities as a reliable vessel for various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details from the initial data are limited, the Cal 33, consistent with American sailboat designs of its period, offers a practical and functional layout designed to maximize the internal volume within its 32.67-foot length overall. With a generous beam of 10.33 feet, the boat provides a surprisingly spacious interior for a vessel of its size. Typical interior arrangements for a boat of this type would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, a galley, and an enclosed head. Reviewers have noted that Cal interiors from this era, while not "Euro," are distinctly "American," suggesting a focus on utility and liveability. The generous volume contributes to comfortable living spaces, ample storage, and potentially good ventilation, making it suitable for coastal cruising and extended weekends.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cal 33 generally praise its solid construction and versatile nature. Many appreciate its performance as a racer-cruiser, finding it to be well-built for a production model and noting its substantial internal volume for a 33-foot boat. The boat's ability to perform well in various wind conditions, including lighter airs, is frequently highlighted, which aligns with its design ratios. The robust construction inherent to Jensen Marine boats of this era means many Cal 33s are still actively sailed today, a testament to their durability.

However, like any vessel of its age, the Cal 33 can present common maintenance considerations. A frequently noted characteristic of Cal boats from this period is the tendency for gelcoat crazing. Owners should also be mindful of general age-related issues that can arise in any boat several decades old. While specific recurring problems for the original Cal 33 are not extensively documented, some owners have reported isolated issues such as leaks in the keel's trailing edge after grounding. Overall, the consensus among owners points to the Cal 33 as a well-regarded and capable boat, requiring typical maintenance associated with classic fiberglass vessels.