Cal T/2 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cal T/2 is celebrated for its stiffness and balanced helm, characteristics that stem from Lapworth’s signature hull form featuring a flat run aft and a fin keel. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 45%, the T/2 carries its sail area with significantly more poise than many of its lighter contemporaries. On the water, this translates to a boat that tracks exceptionally well upwind and resists excessive heeling in moderate gusts.

Technical assessments by Practical Sailor highlight that the T/2 served as a performance bridge between the original Cal 27 and the later, more refined Cal 2-27. In light air, the boat remains responsive, though it truly shines in a breeze where its sturdy construction allows it to be driven hard. Owners often report that the T/2 exhibits a "surfy" personality when sailing off the wind, a trait common to Lapworth designs of this era which utilized a fairly wide beam carried well aft to promote stability and downwind speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Because the T/2 was optimized for racing under the Quarter Ton rule, the interior is more functional than luxurious, yet it remains remarkably capable for weekend cruising. Unlike the original Cal 27 Mark I, which featured a pop-top for standing headroom, the T/2 utilizes a fixed deck that limits headroom to roughly 5' 10". However, this trade-off results in a much stronger hull-to-deck bond and a drier cabin in heavy weather.

The layout is a classic "main cabin" arrangement: a V-berth forward, followed by a compact head and hanging locker, and a main salon with settees that double as berths. The galley is typically split across the companionway, featuring a sink and a top-loading icebox. The use of mahogany and teak trim gives the interior a warmer, more traditional feel than the "all-white" fiberglass interiors seen in later 1980s models.

The T/2 is part of a broader family of 27-footers. Its primary sibling is the Cal 27 Mark I (pop-top), which shares the same underbody but offers a completely different deck experience. Following the T/2, Jensen Marine introduced the Cal 2-27, which utilized a modified version of the same hull but featured a taller rig and an entirely redesigned interior with more headroom, aiming to capture the cruising market that the racing-focused T/2 occasionally ignored.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Cal T/2 with a focus on the structural integrity of the aging fiberglass and wood components.

• Bulkhead Chainplates: A known vulnerability in the Cal line is the plywood bulkheads where the chainplates are mounted. Water intrusion through the chainplate deck seals can rot the wood, compromising the rig's tension.
• The "Cal Smile": This refers to a vertical crack that often appears at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often a cosmetic issue related to the flex of the lead keel against the fiberglass stub, it requires careful inspection to ensure the keel bolts are not compromised by galvanic corrosion.
• Compression Post: The mast is deck-stepped, supported by a compression post that transfers loads to the keel. Inspect the base of this post for signs of rot or crushing, which can lead to "rig sag" and poor sailing performance.
• Balsa Core Delamination: The decks are balsa-cored. Use a phenolic hammer to sound the deck for dull thuds, which indicate delamination caused by moisture entering through improperly bedded hardware.
• Engine Repower: Many T/2s were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many have been repowered with small diesels (like the Yanmar 1GM10). Buyers should value a well-maintained diesel repower significantly higher due to safety and fuel efficiency.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the T/2 is supported by a robust network of Cal enthusiasts. The most prominent hub for technical data and historical documentation is the Cal Sailboat Owners association, which maintains archives of original Bill Lapworth drawings and Jensen Marine brochures. Discussion of the T/2’s racing pedigree is also frequently found in the archives of the Quarter Ton Class associations, where the model is still remembered as a formidable competitor in the early 1970s.

The Verdict

The Cal T/2 is an ideal choice for a sailor who prioritizes structural integrity and sailing "feel" over interior volume. It remains a stout, capable pocket-cruiser that can still hold its own in club racing.

Pros:

• Excellent heavy-weather stability and stiffness for its size.
• Classic Bill Lapworth performance hull that tracks beautifully.
• Stronger, drier deck construction compared to the pop-top Cal 27.
• Active owner community and high parts availability for the rig and hardware.

Cons:

• Limited headroom (under 6 feet) due to the fixed racing deck.
• Susceptible to bulkhead rot if deck leaks are neglected.
• The original Atomic 4 engine requires meticulous maintenance (if not repowered).