Cal 39 Mk III Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cal 39 Mk III is widely regarded as a "sweet sailing" boat, known for its predictable handling and seakindly motion. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 257, it falls squarely into the category of a moderate-displacement cruiser, allowing it to carry significant stores for long-range voyaging without a drastic loss in performance. According to technical assessments in Sailing Magazine, the boat features a powerful hull shape that remains stiff in a blow, though it typically requires a moderate breeze to truly come alive due to a modest Sail Area/Displacement ratio of 16.2.

Lapworth utilized a deep fin keel (6'8" standard) and a spade rudder placed well aft, which provides exceptional steering control and maneuverability. In following seas, owners report that the boat tracks reliably, resisting the rhythmic rolling often found in contemporary light-displacement designs. A "Tall Rig" variant was also produced, adding roughly 60 square feet of sail area to improve light-air performance. While the standard rig is competent, sailors in regions with lighter air often seek the tall mast to offset the Mark III's increased weight over the Mark II.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The most significant departure for the Mark III was its redesigned interior, which prioritized private accommodations. While the Mark II utilized a large quarter berth, the Mark III introduced a dedicated aft cabin to port, often featuring a small sink and hanging locker. The main salon is characterized by a U-shaped dinette to starboard and a straight settee to port, providing ample seating for a full crew. The galley is generally L-shaped and located at the foot of the companionway for better ventilation and accessibility while underway.

Variations in the Mark III layout occasionally included a second head located aft, though this often came at the cost of the dedicated navigation station—a trade-off many offshore sailors advise against. The joinery in this era was typically executed in teak, and the build quality during the Fall River production years is often cited as being superior to earlier Bangor Punta-era hulls. The Boats.com Editorial notes that the interior is remarkably bright for a boat of this age, thanks to numerous opening ports and overhead hatches.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Cal 39 series holds a respected place in the cruising community, largely due to its association with high-profile voyagers. Noted sailing author Beth Leonard and her partner Evans Starzinger famously chose a Cal 39 for their early circumnavigations, documenting the vessel's durability and offshore prowess in various articles and books. Their experience helped solidify the model's reputation as a legitimate, affordable candidate for global passagemaking.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Cal 39 Mk III, surveyors often focus on several age-related "Cal" specific traits:

• The "Cal Toe": Many models featured an aluminum toe rail that can suffer from galvanic corrosion if stainless steel fasteners were not properly bedded, leading to persistent deck leaks.
• Rudder Integrity: The spade rudder is a critical point of inspection; moisture ingress into the foam core can lead to internal delamination or corrosion of the rudder post.
• Deck Core: Like many boats of the 1980s, the decks are balsa-cored. High-load areas around the mast step and chainplates should be checked for "soft spots" or delamination.
• Engine Access: While the Universal or Westerbeke diesel engines are generally reliable, access is notoriously tight. Potential buyers should ensure that routine maintenance, such as raw water pump impeller changes, hasn't been neglected due to poor reach.
• Osmotic Blistering: Hulls from the mid-80s production run are known to be susceptible to osmotic blistering if they have not previously undergone an epoxy barrier coat treatment.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical documentation is the Cal 39 Information Page, which maintains archives of original sales brochures and owner manuals. The Cal Sailboat Owner’s Association remains active, providing a vital network for sourcing replacement parts or technical advice on structural repairs specific to the Lapworth designs.

The Verdict

The Cal 39 Mk III is a quintessential racer-cruiser that has aged into one of the most respected affordable offshore vessels on the used market.

Pros:

• Exemplary tracking and balance in heavy weather.
• Strong community support and well-documented construction.
• The aft cabin layout provides genuine privacy for cruising families.
• Lead ballast and a solid fiberglass hull offer peace of mind offshore.

Cons:

• Relatively sluggish in light air (under 8 knots) without the tall rig.
• Maintenance on the engine and plumbing can be physically difficult due to tight clearances.
• Potential for significant deck work if the toe rail or hardware has leaked over decades.