Cal 40 Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

Every Cal 40 carries the same traditional arrangement: forward V-berths are screened from the saloon by a portside head and locker, while pilot berths and extension settees run along both sides of the main cabin. The quarterberths nicknamed "torpedo tubes" flank the companionway and run through to the lazarette. The galley is to port with the nav station and chart table over the icebox to starboard, and a gimbaled dining table stands at the center. The cockpit is long and offshore-oriented with a bridgedeck and small companionway. Because the engine sits under the cockpit between the torpedo tubes and drives through a V-drive, any buyer should note that access is possible from both sides but not especially convenient. Early hulls may show an Atomic 4 gasoline engine, while later boats more often have a Graymarine 4-112 gasoline or Perkins 4-107 diesel.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

On the used market, heating, a cockpit shower, and AIS are commonly fitted to Cal 40s, the sort of comfort and safety additions that matter for extended coastal or offshore use. Beyond those, the boat's stock big tiller remains a defining feature, and a dodger is a practical addition given the hull's tendency to ship water on the wind. Buyers should verify the masthead rig's inboard chainplate arrangement and the aluminum bilge weldment supporting the mast step, since these are load-bearing and not easily modified.

What to Inspect

Practical Sailor reports the wooden bulkheads and interior structures are secured with rather lightweight structural tabbing that has been reinforced in some boats, so examine the tabbing for cracks or separation at the hull. Minor leaking along the inward-turning hull-to-deck joint has been complained of in a few boats, and one owner reported having to reinforce his lifeline stanchion base reinforcement. Because the deck has no interior metal backing plates under winches and cleats, check those mounts for compression or crazing, and trace the buried wiring routes that were installed before the interior and remain inaccessible in places.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

Cal 40s are found in the United States. For a shopper, the short list is: confirm the engine type and V-drive access; survey the hull-to-deck joint and lightweight tabbing; check deck hardware for lack of backing plates; verify the mast step weldment and inboard chainplates; and expect to renew tired molded-in finishes. A clean, reinforced example rewards the owner with a stiff, surfing classic whose limitations are well understood.