Cal 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cal 29 is characterized by its responsiveness and surprising speed in light air, a trait largely attributed to its Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 258 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 15.8. While these numbers suggest a moderate displacement cruiser by modern standards, in the context of the early 1970s, the boat was a nimble competitor. The hull features a high-aspect-ratio fin keel and a spade rudder located well aft, which provides excellent maneuverability in tight quarters but requires an attentive hand on the tiller when sailing off the wind in a blow.

According to technical reviews in Practical Sailor, the boat excels on a beat, pointing high and maintaining momentum through a chop better than lighter "ULDB" (Ultra Light Displacement Boat) designs of the same era. Its narrow beam relative to its length—a hallmark of Lapworth designs—means the boat will heel early to about 15 degrees before finding its "groove" and stiffening up. Owners often report that the boat feels "tossable" and lively, making it an excellent platform for learning the nuances of sail trim.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of 29 feet, the interior of the Cal 29 is remarkably functional, though it reflects the utilitarian aesthetic of its time. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, followed by a full-width head—a luxury for a boat of this size at the time of its release. The main salon utilizes a settee to starboard and a dinette to port that converts into a double berth. One of the more innovative features for its era was the quarter berth to starboard, which provides a secure bunk for off-watch crew during coastal passages.

The Calgan Marine versions often mirrored the Jensen Marine "Standard" layout, but variations emerged with the introduction of the Cal 2-29 in the mid-70s. The 2-29 sibling model featured a redesigned deck mold with a more modern "wedge" cabin profile and an updated interior that replaced much of the exposed fiberglass with teak bulkheads and trim. While the hull remained the same, the 2nd generation model felt significantly more "yacht-like" inside. Another sibling, the Cal 2-27, offered a similar aesthetic in a smaller package, while the Crown 28, built by Calgan on a different hull, is often confused with the Cal 29 due to their shared shipyard heritage.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Cal 29 should prioritize a few specific structural areas that are common to the aging Cal fleet. The most critical "gotcha" is the mast step and compression post. On many units, the wooden block located in the bilge that supports the compression post can rot over time, leading to the "Cal Smile" (a gap between the hull and the front of the keel) or a sagging cabin top.

The deck core is another area of concern. Like many boats of this era, the Cal 29 uses a balsa-cored deck which is prone to delamination if hardware—specifically the chainplates and stanchion bases—has not been re-bedded. Buyers should also inspect the spade rudder for water ingress or "wicking" into the rudder post, which can lead to internal corrosion of the armature. Finally, the original Atomic 4 gasoline engines are frequently found in these boats; while reliable if maintained, many owners prefer to see a modern diesel repower.

Community & Resources

The Cal 29 benefits from a robust and highly active secondary market and owner community. The Cal 29 National Association serves as a primary hub for technical data and hull-specific maintenance guides. For those specifically owning the Canadian-built versions, the historical archives of Calgan Marine offer insight into the slight variations in rigging and ballast between the North Vancouver and California builds. Technical discussions and "how-to" guides are also frequently archived on regional sites like the Pacific Northwest Cal Owners group.

The Verdict

The Cal 29 remains one of the most accessible "classic" fiberglass boats for sailors who refuse to sacrifice performance for volume. It is a sailor's boat through and through, offering a level of feedback and speed that modern, high-volume cruisers often lack.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and windward ability.
• Strong secondary market value and a dedicated owner community.
• Simplicity of systems makes it an ideal DIY restoration project.
• Balanced handling that remains rewarding for both novices and experts.

Cons:

• The "Cal Step" compression post issue requires expensive repairs if neglected.
• Spade rudder is vulnerable to debris and lacks the protection of a skeg.
• Interior can feel cramped and "plasticky" compared to more modern 29-footers.
• Narrow beam results in more initial heel, which may unsettle nervous cruisers.