Cal Cruising 46 Buyer's Guide
Shopping for a used Cal Cruising 46 on the brokerage market means chasing a scarce but rewarding 1967-onward Lapworth design from Jensen Marine. The series ran through the original Cruising 46, the redesigned Cal 2-46 from 1973 to 1976, and the near-identical Cal 3-46 built in 1977 and 1978. More than 100 were built, yet they do not often appear for sale, so patience is part of the purchase.
Layouts on the Used Market
The original boat shows V-berths forward with a private head, a raised deckhouse with dinette and galley, and a large aft living space with settees and a sofa bed. Later 2-46 and 3-46 models carry a center-cockpit arrangement with a stateroom at each end, letting two couples cruise without disturbing the dinette. The deckhouse gives 270-degree visibility, and the cockpit sits elevated and dry. Joinerwork is Burmese teak with vinyl overheads, and all versions share a large engine room with standing headroom owners consistently praise.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Power and energy center on the Perkins 4-236 diesel, an 85-horsepower engine original to the boat and coupled in early examples to a Warner V-drive that adds expense and complication. The standard 26-inch three-blade propeller remains a practical benchmark for control. Later-model water tanks are stainless steel, a meaningful upgrade over earlier black iron, and buyers should confirm which iteration they are viewing.
What to Inspect
The large windows on all models are a known weak point and have leaked; their size shrank in later builds but the concern persists, so check frames and surrounds carefully. Owners report wooden spreaders that need upkeep. One owner noted black iron fuel tanks rotted out at 15 years, and a 2-46 brochure states the two 10-gauge steel tanks together carry 135 gallons — verify tank material and condition before committing. The deck was cored with plywood per an owner's account and should be sounded for moisture given its age.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These boats are uncommon on the market and reward a patient search. When one appears, prioritize a later 2-46 or 3-46 for the center-cockpit privacy and stainless water tanks, and budget for window resealing and spreader service.
- Confirm window condition and history of leaks
- Verify fuel tank material and absence of rot
- Inspect wooden spreaders for soundness
- Sound deck for plywood core moisture
- Confirm engine room access and V-drive service history
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Cal Cruising 46. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 2 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25 | 1 | $40,000 | — |
| Jan 26 | 1 | $45,680 | +14.2% |
Where they're listed
Cal Cruising 46 listings appear across 2 countries. Australia has the most listings with 1 (50.0%), followed by United States.
Country view
2 listings · 2 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $45,680 | 1 | 0 | 50.0% |
| United States | $40,000 | 1 | 0 | 50.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
3 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hallberg-Rassy 46 | 48.5' | $ 390,592 | 33 | 8 |
| Moody 46 | 46.13' | $ 224,146 | 5 | 2 |
| CAL Cruising 46You are here | — | $ 42,807 | 2 | 0 |