Cal 27 Information, Review, Specs

The original Cal 27, introduced in the late 1960s, broke conventions with its "pop-top" companionway, a creative solution to provide standing headroom in a low-profile, performance-oriented hull. As the market matured, Jensen Marine introduced the Cal 2-27, which featured a fixed coachroof and a more substantial displacement to favor interior volume and stability. By the early 1980s, the Cal 3-27 (sometimes referred to as the Cal 27-3) arrived with more modern styling and updated interior moldings, though it shared the fundamental DNA of its predecessors: a fin keel, a spade rudder, and a masthead sloop rig.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cal 27 series is defined by Lapworth’s signature approach to "light-displacement" (by the standards of the era), emphasizing a high ballast-to-displacement ratio to ensure stiffness. In the Cal 2-27 variant, the ballast ratio is nearly 43%, which allows the boat to stand up to its canvas far longer than many contemporary competitors. This high stability makes the vessel particularly "seakindly" in choppy coastal conditions, a trait often highlighted in editorial reviews from Practical Sailor.

Under sail, the Cal 27 is known for its balanced helm and tracking ability, thanks to the well-proportioned spade rudder. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio typically hovering around 15.6 for the 2-27 model, it is not a "light air flyer" in the modern sense, but it excels in moderate to heavy breezes. Owners frequently report that the boat feels "bigger" than its 27 feet, capable of maintaining a steady pace through a head sea without the pounding characteristic of flatter-bottomed designs. The original "pop-top" version is notably swifter in light air due to its lighter 5,400-pound displacement compared to the nearly 7,000-pound displacement of the later cruising-oriented models.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior evolution of the Cal 27 is one of its most defining characteristics. The original 1970s model used its innovative pop-top to provide roughly 6' 2" of headroom while at anchor, though this sacrifice meant a more cramped experience while underway with the top closed. The interior was functional but sparse, aimed squarely at the weekend racer.

The Cal 2-27 significantly upgraded the living experience by incorporating a fixed coachroof that provided a consistent 6' 1" of headroom throughout the main cabin. This model followed a traditional and effective layout: a V-berth forward, a private marine head, and a main salon with a settee that often converted into a double berth. The galley was typically positioned aft, near the companionway for better ventilation. The Cal 3-27 refined this further with updated materials and more streamlined interior moldings, though the basic footprint remained consistent. Sibling models, such as the Cal 2-29, offered a very similar aesthetic and construction but provided additional elbow room for those looking to extend their cruising range.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Cal 27 must be diligent regarding several "age-related" issues common to Jensen Marine builds of this era. The most critical area of inspection is the mast step and the beam supporting it. Often referred to in owner circles as the "Cal Step" issue, the wooden or metal support structure under the mast can compress or rot over time, leading to a "sagging" deck and rigging tension problems.

1. Deck Core Saturation: Like most boats of this vintage, the Cal 27 uses a balsa-cored deck. Inspect areas around stanchions, chainplates, and the pop-top seal (on original models) for soft spots or delamination.
2. Rudder Blade Osmosis: The spade rudders are known to occasionally trap water, leading to internal foam degradation or "wicking" into the fiberglass skin.
3. Engine Access: While the 2-27 and 3-27 often feature reliable Universal or Farymann diesels, access is famously tight. Check for evidence of deferred maintenance caused by the difficult-to-reach service points.
4. Chainplate Bulkheads: Inspect the bulkheads where the chainplates attach. Leaking water from the chainplate deck seals can rot the plywood bulkheads, compromising the structural integrity of the rig.

Community & Resources

The Cal 27 benefits from an exceptionally dedicated owner base. The most prominent resource is the Cal Sailboats owner community, which maintains extensive technical archives and "how-to" guides specifically for the 2-27 and 3-27 models. Technical documentation, including original brochures and wiring diagrams, is frequently archived by regional yacht clubs with strong Cal fleets, such as those in the San Pedro and Long Beach areas where Jensen Marine was originally based.

The Verdict

The Cal 27 remains a premier entry-point for sailors seeking a "bulletproof" coastal cruiser with a pedigree of performance. While the original pop-top version appeals to the purist and the racer, the Cal 2-27 and 3-27 are superior choices for those prioritizing comfort and offshore stability.

Pros:

• High ballast ratio provides excellent stability and safety in heavy weather.
• The 2-27 and 3-27 versions offer exceptional standing headroom for a boat under 30 feet.
• Timeless Bill Lapworth design with a balanced, predictable helm.
• Robust construction that has stood the test of time for over five decades.

Cons:

• Older "pop-top" models can be prone to leaks and lack standing headroom while underway.
• Potential for significant structural repair if the mast support beam has failed.
• Engine access is restrictive, making DIY maintenance a challenge.