Sailing Performance & Handling
The Cal 35 Cruise Ketch is characterized by its "all-weather" versatility, a direct benefit of its split rig. With a displacement of approximately 15,000 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 33%, the vessel is notably stiff. In heavy air, the ketch configuration allows the skipper to drop the mainsail entirely and sail comfortably under "jib and jigger" (headsail and mizzen), a configuration that keeps the center of effort low and minimizes heel.
While it lacks the pointing ability of its sloop-rigged siblings, the boat excels on a reach. Its long waterline of nearly 29 feet provides a respectable hull speed, though the relatively high displacement-to-length ratio means it requires a freshening breeze to truly find its groove. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well, a trait attributed to the long lateral plane of the keel. This directional stability makes it a candidate for long-range cruising where a windvane or autopilot might otherwise struggle with a more twitchy, modern fin-keel design.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The "Cruise" designation is most evident once below deck, where Lapworth maximized the 11-foot beam to create an environment that felt considerably larger than contemporary 35-footers. The layout typically features a large U-shaped galley to starboard and a dedicated navigation station. One of the hallmark features is the expansive main salon, which often utilized a "raised deck" aesthetic to increase headroom and light, though it is not a true deck saloon.
The Cal 35 was built primarily as a ketch, but a rare sloop-rigged variant exists on the same hull, known simply as the Cal 35 Sloop. The ketch version remains more popular among cruisers for its sail-handling options. The interior woodwork typically consists of heavy teak veneers and solid trim, reflecting the era's standard of "overbuilding" before the industry shifted toward lighter, molded liners. Storage is abundant, with deep lockers designed for extended stays aboard, rather than weekend racing.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Cal 35 Cruise Ketch with a focus on its age-specific structural requirements.
- The "Cal Beam": While more famous in the Cal 40 and 2-46, the 35 uses a similar structural support system for the mast compression. Buyers should inspect the main bulkhead and the mast step area for signs of compression or "oil-canning" in the deck, which indicates the internal steel or wood reinforcement may be compromised.
- Chainplate Inspection: As a ketch, this model has double the rigging complexity. The chainplates are often fiberglassed into the hull or bolted through the deck-to-hull joint; these should be checked for weeping or crevice corrosion, which can lead to rig failure.
- Fuel and Water Tanks: The original aluminum or black iron tanks are reaching the end of their service life. Accessing these for replacement can be a major project, often requiring the removal of cabin sole sections or furniture.
- Rudder Post and Skeg: Given its cruising pedigree, many of these boats have seen grounding. The skeg-to-hull joint should be inspected for stress cracks, and the rudder bearings should be checked for excessive play.
Community & Resources
The Cal 35 benefits from one of the most robust owner networks in North America. The Cal Yachts Owners Association serves as a vital repository for technical manuals, original brochures, and crowdsourced solutions for common repairs. This group remains active, hosting regattas and providing a platform for owners to share modifications, such as converting the original Perkins or Universal diesel engines to modern Beta Marine units.
The Verdict
The Cal 35 Cruise Ketch is a purposefully designed "slow and steady" cruiser that trades performance metrics for safety and livability. It is a vessel built for the sailor who values the journey and the ability to carry a significant payload without sacrificing stability.
Pros:
- Versatile Sail Plan: The ketch rig offers numerous gear shifts for varying wind conditions.
- Exceptional Interior Volume: Rivals many 38-footers of the same era in terms of usable space.
- Directional Stability: The modified full keel makes for easy steering and excellent tracking in a seaway.
Cons:
- Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement and windage of the second mast make it sluggish in light winds.
- Maintenance Complexity: Two masts, two sets of standing rigging, and more chainplates increase long-term maintenance costs.
- Aging Systems: Common "Cal" era issues like mast-step compression and fuel tank corrosion require vigilant surveying.
