Cal 43 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cal 43 is a quintessential "Lapworth" design, characterized by a flat-bottomed hull, a high-aspect fin keel, and a balanced spade rudder. This configuration was radical for its time and remains a hallmark of high-performance cruising. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 274, the boat sits in the "moderate" category by modern standards, but in 1970, it was considered a lightweight flier capable of surfing in heavy following seas.

On the water, the Cal 43 is known for its exceptional tracking and "stiff" sailing characteristics. The ballast-to-displacement ratio, hovering around 33%, ensures the boat carries its sail area well into the 20-knot wind range before a reef is required. Owners frequently report that the boat excels on a reach, where the spade rudder provides precise control even when the hull is pushed to its hull speed of approximately 7.6 knots. Unlike the earlier Cal 40, which could be temperamental downwind in a blow, the Cal 43’s increased waterline length and refined entry make it a more predictable and sea-kindly platform in a seaway.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cal 43 was a significant departure from Jensen Marine’s earlier, more utilitarian models. The cabin is characterized by a spacious "U-shaped" galley to port and a proper offshore navigation station to starboard. The use of high-quality Burmese teak throughout the cabin provides a warmth that was often missing in the "all-white" fiberglass interiors of its contemporaries.

The standard layout typically features a large V-berth forward with an adjoining head, a spacious main salon with a drop-leaf table, and a dedicated aft stateroom or pilot berths depending on the specific production year. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'4" in the main salon, which was a selling point for taller sailors of the era. While no major "multi-cabin" charter variants were produced on this hull—as was common with later European designs—the Cal 43 did see minor internal variations in the cabinetry and storage lockers as production moved from California to the East Coast facilities.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Cal 43 remains a staple in the "Classic Plastic" community and is frequently cited in literature regarding the transition from wooden yachts to performance fiberglass cruisers. While it did not achieve the singular fame of the Cal 40 in racing headlines, it is a frequent subject of technical retrospectives. Detailed specifications and historical context for the model are maintained by the Cal Sailboats Resource, which serves as a primary repository for original Jensen Marine blueprints and brochures.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Cal 43 should focus their inspection on several areas common to Jensen Marine builds of this vintage:

1. Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Cal 43 utilized a balsa-cored deck. Over time, moisture can migrate through poorly bedded deck hardware (cleats, stanchions, or the "Cal toe rail"), leading to delamination and soft spots.
2. The "Cal Step": The mast step on many Cal models was constructed of carbon steel encapsulated in fiberglass or simply placed atop a wooden block. Corrosion or rot in this area can cause the mast to "sink" slightly, leading to rigging tension issues and interior door misalignment.
3. Spade Rudder Post: The spade rudder is a high-stress component. Inspections should look for "weeping" at the rudder post entry or play in the bearings, which may indicate the need for a rebuild of the internal foam core or bushing replacement.
4. Chainplate Bulkheads: The chainplates are bolted to plywood bulkheads. If the chainplate covers on deck have leaked, the bulkheads may suffer from rot, compromising the structural integrity of the rig.
5. Original Plumbing and Wiring: Many Cal 43s still carry their original gate valves (rather than modern seacocks) and dated electrical panels, which generally require immediate upgrading for offshore safety.

Community & Resources

The Cal 43 enjoys support from a dedicated community of enthusiasts who value the boat’s pedigree and "restorability." The most prominent group is the Cal Sailboat Owners Association, which provides a forum for technical advice and historical documentation. Additionally, technical wikis and owner-run sites offer specific guidance on repowering these vessels, as many original units were equipped with older Perkins or Westerbeke diesel engines that are reaching the end of their service lives.

The Verdict

The Cal 43 is a premier choice for the sailor who desires a classic aesthetic paired with a hull shape that can still outpace many modern "condo-maran" cruisers. It is a robust, honest boat that rewards a capable hand at the helm.

Pros:

• Excellent heavy-weather performance and stability.
• Timeless Bill Lapworth lines with a high-quality teak interior.
• Large cockpit and wide side decks for safe sail handling.
• A strong, active owner community ensures parts and advice are accessible.

Cons:

• Age-related maintenance (deck core and mast step) can be significant.
• The spade rudder, while high-performance, is more vulnerable to debris than a skeg-hung design.
• Original engine access can be cramped in certain configurations.