Cal 48 Information, Review, Specs

The Cal 48 emerged from Jensen Marine's Costa Mesa, California, facility during a period of significant expansion and innovation for the company. Production commenced in 1966 and concluded in 1970, with only 24 units built during its run. Designed by Bill Lapworth, a pivotal figure in American naval architecture known for his performance-driven designs, the Cal 48 inherited the core philosophy that defined many Cal yachts: solid, well-built, and tough, yet remarkably easy to sail and comfortable. While specific design goals for the Cal 48 are not extensively documented, it was modeled closely after the successful Cal 40, suggesting an aim to translate that popular model's winning formula into a larger, more spacious cruising platform. Jensen Marine, under Jack Jensen's vision, embraced fiberglass for its durability and versatility, a manufacturing ethos clearly reflected in the Cal 48's robust, solid fiberglass hull and deck construction. The design features a fin keel and spade rudder, indicative of Lapworth's preference for performance and maneuverability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cal 48's design metrics suggest a yacht capable of respectable performance, particularly for its size and era. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.39, she is well-powered for her displacement, indicating good performance in lighter winds. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) of around 0.38 suggests a decent level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable breeze. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 260.3 categorizes the Cal 48 as a moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser, implying a comfortable motion in a seaway and a stable platform, rather than an ultra-light, pure racing machine. Equipped with a fin keel and spade rudder, the Cal 48 is designed for good directional stability and responsive steering. While specific anecdotal handling characteristics for the Cal 48 are not widely published, Cal boats from this era are generally praised by owners for tracking well and being very dry, attributes that would likely extend to this larger model.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its substantial length overall of 47.75 feet, the Cal 48 offers a spacious interior well-suited for extended cruising. While detailed interior layouts for the Cal 48 are scarce in published reviews, boats of this size and vintage typically feature multiple sleeping berths, a dedicated head compartment, a comfortable salon with seating and a dining area, and a functional galley. The robust fiberglass construction would have provided a durable shell for the interior. Based on the builder's reputation, the interior likely showcased a blend of practical fiberglass surfaces with wood trim, common for the era, designed for durability and ease of maintenance in a marine environment. Storage would have been ample, commensurate with its cruising intent.

Owner's Perspectives

Direct owner reviews specifically for the Cal 48 are less common compared to more prolifically produced Cal models, largely due to its smaller production run. However, the general consensus among Cal boat owners often highlights the brand's reputation for solid construction, ease of sailing, and comfortable motion. Owners of Cal yachts frequently praise their robustness and ability to handle various sea conditions, describing them as tough and well-built. A common maintenance concern noted in older Cal boats, which may apply to the Cal 48, is the potential for hull-to-deck joint leaks over time, a typical issue requiring re-bedding in many older fiberglass vessels. Despite the scarcity of specific reviews, the enduring presence of many Cal sailboats on the water today, including some Cal 48s, attests to their inherent quality and the loyalty of their owners.