Cal 39 Mk II Information, Review, Specs

The Mk II was produced until the mid-1980s, eventually transitioning into the Cal 39 Mk III, which utilized the same hull but featured a modernized T-shaped cockpit and an updated interior. During its production run, the Mk II was offered in several configurations, most notably a standard rig and a "Tall Rig" for light-air regions, as well as multiple interior arrangements (Plans A, B, and C) to suit different cruising styles.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cal 39 Mk II is celebrated for its balanced helm and "big boat" feel, a result of its substantial displacement and well-profiled fin keel. With a PHRF rating typically hovering between 108 and 114, it remains a competitive club racer even by modern standards. According to editorial analysis in Practical Sailor, the boat's design avoids the quirky handling characteristics often found in IOR-influenced yachts of the same era, such as the tendency to "broach-to" when pushed hard downwind.

The hull features a relatively flat run aft and a fine entry, allowing it to power through chop without the excessive hobby-horsing that plagues lighter designs. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio (approximately 17.5 for the standard rig) suggests a vessel that is adequately powered for coastal cruising but truly shines in 12–18 knots of breeze. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks exceptionally well, requiring minimal effort from an autopilot or windvane during long offshore passages. The spade rudder provides high maneuverability in tight quarters, though its size requires a firm hand when the boat is over-canvased.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cal 39 Mk II was a significant step up in luxury compared to the utilitarian Cal 40. Jensen Marine utilized extensive teak joinery and a functional layout that maximized the 12-foot beam. The most common configuration, often cited as "Plan B," features a large U-shaped galley to port and a dedicated navigation station to starboard, positioned near the companionway for easy communication with the helm.

Headroom is generous, typically exceeding 6'4" in the main salon, which accommodates taller sailors comfortably. The cabin was offered in three distinct variations:

• Plan A: Featured a traditional pilot berth and settee arrangement.
• Plan B: Replaced one pilot berth with additional storage or a larger navigation area, emphasizing a "cruising couple" layout.
• Plan C: Focused on maximizing sleeping capacity for larger crews.

The Mk II also saw the transition from the older, cramped V-berths to a more spacious forward cabin with better ventilation. The integration of a solid fiberglass hull with a balsa-cored deck provided a stiff, quiet living environment, though the aesthetic was distinctly "classic" with dark woods and bronze or stainless portlights.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Cal 39 series has earned a reputation as a "stealth" blue-water cruiser, often appearing in the logs of seasoned circumnavigators. It was featured prominently in a retrospective by Cruising World, where it was lauded as a "California Classic" for its ability to transition from a Friday night race winner to a capable offshore passage-maker. Its cultural footprint is defined more by its reliability in trans-oceanic rallies than by flashy media appearances, cementing its status as a "sailor’s sailboat."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several age-related technical areas common to the Jensen Marine builds of this era:

1. Mast Step Corrosion: The Cal 39 Mk II utilizes a keel-stepped mast. Moisture often collects at the base, leading to corrosion of the aluminum mast section or the steel step itself.
2. Deck Core Moisture: Like many boats of the 1980s, the deck is balsa-cored. Critical attention should be paid to the areas around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the windlass, where water intrusion can lead to delamination.
3. Spade Rudder Integrity: The rudder is a fiberglass shell over a foam core with a stainless steel post. Owners have reported moisture ingress into the core, which can lead to internal corrosion of the "tang" welds on the post.
4. Chainplate Bulkheads: The chainplates are bolted to plywood bulkheads. If the chainplate seals have leaked, the structural integrity of these bulkheads can be compromised by rot, a labor-intensive repair.
5. Perkins 4-108 Maintenance: Many Mk IIs were equipped with the Perkins 4-108 diesel engine. While legendary for its longevity, it is known for rear main seal leaks; buyers should check the engine pan for significant oil accumulation.

Community & Resources

The Cal 39 Mk II benefits from a robust and knowledgeable owner network. The most prominent resource is the Cal Boats Owner's Association, which maintains a repository of original manuals, wiring diagrams, and hull-specific historical data. Technical discussions and "refit diaries" are also common on dedicated platforms such as the Cal mailing list and regional yacht club archives in Southern California and New England, where these boats remain numerous.

The Verdict

The Cal 39 Mk II remains one of the most balanced 40-foot cruisers from the golden age of fiberglass boatbuilding. It offers a rare combination of Bill Lapworth’s racing pedigree and the structural heft required for serious cruising.

Pros:

• Exceptional Balance: Tracks straight and handles predictably in heavy weather.
• Quality Construction: Jensen Marine’s build quality from this era is generally superior to later mass-production standards.
• Versatility: Equally at home on a racecourse or anchored in a remote cove.
• Strong Resale: Due to its reputation, well-maintained Mk IIs hold their value better than many contemporary alternatives.

Cons:

• Aged Systems: Most units require significant electrical and plumbing upgrades to meet modern cruising needs.
• Spade Rudder Vulnerability: Lacks the protection of a skeg, which may concern some high-latitude or tropical cruisers.
• Maintenance Intensive: The extensive teak interior and balsa-cored decks require diligent upkeep to prevent degradation.