Cal 2-46 Information, Review, Specs

The model evolved through several iterations, most notably the Cal 3-46 and the Cal 46-III. While the original 2-46 featured a more utilitarian interior and a heavy focus on the "Great Cabin" aft, the later 46-III introduced more contemporary cabinetry and a redesigned deckhouse. Despite these cosmetic and layout shifts, the fundamental hull—a long fin keel with a protected spade rudder—remained the cornerstone of the series, offering a balance of directional stability and maneuverability that was advanced for a boat of its 30,000-pound displacement.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cal 2-46 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes "sea-kindliness" and tracking over agility. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio typically exceeding 300, the boat is designed to punch through a head sea without the pounding associated with modern, flat-bottomed designs. While it is often classified as a motorsailer, the 2-46 features a genuine sailing underwater profile. Its long fin keel and 5-foot draft allow it to point surprisingly well for its size, making it a viable coastal cruiser even in regions with shallow waters like the Bahamas.

Handling under sail is generally described as stiff and predictable. The ketch rig, which is the most common configuration for this model, allows for a wide variety of sail combinations, enabling owners to balance the helm easily in high winds by "reefing from the ends" (dropping the mainsail and sailing under jib and mizzen). In light air, the boat’s significant wetted surface area makes it sluggish; however, as noted in various retrospective reviews by Cruising World, the boat truly comes alive in 15 to 20 knots of breeze. Under power, the 2-46 is a formidable machine, typically equipped with a large Perkins or Westerbeke diesel engine that allows it to maintain 7 to 8 knots even against a stiff chop, a trait that defines its motorsailer identity.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cal 2-46 was revolutionary for its time, utilizing the "great cabin" concept that places the master suite aft of the cockpit, separated from the main saloon. This layout offers a level of privacy rarely found in 1970s production boats. The main saloon is cavernous, benefited by the boat’s 12’6” beam and nearly 6’4” of headroom throughout most of the living space. High-authority editorial reviews often highlight the "solarium" feel of the 46-III variant, which used larger deckhouse windows to flood the interior with natural light.

The 2-46 was offered in several configurations, including a "Plan A" and "Plan B" layout. One version focused on a massive walk-through galley that connected the saloon to the aft cabin, while another provided a more segmented approach with additional storage or a dedicated navigation station. The materials used were typical of Jensen Marine’s high standards: extensive teak joinery, robust fiberglass liners, and heavy-duty portlights. The sibling Cal 3-46 and 46-III models refined these spaces further, often moving the galley or altering the engine room access to improve serviceability.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Cal 2-46 has maintained a quiet but steady presence in the cruising community, often appearing in the logs of circumnavigators and long-distance voyagers. It is frequently mentioned in classic cruising literature as a benchmark for the "affordable" liveaboard cruiser. While it lacks the Hollywood fame of some racing yachts, it is a staple of the "Good Old Boat" philosophy, frequently featured in technical publications focused on refitting classic fiberglass yachts for modern blue-water duty.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Cal 2-46 with a focus on its age-related systemic issues, particularly those common to 1970s Jensen Marine builds.

• Fuel Tank Corrosion: The original 2-46 was often fitted with black iron fuel tanks. After five decades, many of these tanks have succumbed to internal or external corrosion. Because they are often glassed into the structure or located deep beneath the cabin sole, replacement is a major undertaking that may require cutting the floor.
• Chainplate Inspection: Like many boats of this era, the chainplates are prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. A thorough inspection for leaks and metal fatigue is essential, as failure here can lead to rig loss.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: The 2-46 uses a chemical and mechanical bond for its hull-to-deck joint. While generally robust, long-term stress can lead to "weeping" at the toe rail, especially on boats that have been driven hard in heavy seas.
• Blistering: While Jensen Marine used high-quality resins, these boats are of an age where osmotic blistering is common. A haul-out and moisture meter test of the hull is mandatory.
• Window Leaks: The large windows in the deckhouse are a signature feature but are notorious for leaking if the original seals have not been replaced or upgraded to modern frames.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Cal 2-46 benefit from one of the most dedicated owner associations in the nautical world. The Cal Boats Owner's Association remains a vital hub for technical drawings, original brochures, and crowdsourced solutions for parts that are no longer in production. Additionally, because many of the mechanical systems (Perkins engines, Hurth transmissions) were industry standards, parts remain relatively easy to source through general marine channels.

The Verdict

The Cal 2-46 is a rugged, "honest" cruiser that offers an exceptional amount of interior volume and sea-going stability for the price. While it will never win a light-air race, it provides a secure and comfortable platform for a couple or a small family to live aboard and explore distant horizons.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and privacy with the aft "Great Cabin."
• Predictable and stable handling in heavy weather.
• Shallow draft (5') expands cruising grounds to include the Bahamas and Intercoastal Waterway.
• Robust construction capable of long-term blue-water voyaging.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds without engine assistance.
• High maintenance requirements for aging iron fuel tanks and deck seals.
• Large deckhouse windows can create a "greenhouse effect" in tropical climates without proper ventilation or shading.