![]() Two keels were available-the standard 6 foot, 8 inch deep-draft and a 5 foot, 6 inch shoal-draft model. The hull shape looks right, the boat rides smoothly in the water, like it belongs there, and the boat grows on you the longer you stare at it.īelow the waterline, the 39 has a moderate forefoot that trails into a large fin keel. Freeboard is moderate, which translates into low when compared with today's boats, and there is a fair bit of overhang forward and a rakish reverse transom. If you step back and look closely you'll note that the boat has a subtle but handsome sheerline and that the coachroof flows naturally with the curve of the deck. ![]() Like many Lapworth designs, the Cal 39 does not overwhelm you when you first see it bobbing between pilings. Somewhere around 150 39s were built and unlike many forgettable boats of this time, the Cal 39 has maintained its financial value. It was a genuine performance cruiser before there really was such an animal, and as such, the design not only seems less dated than others from this period, it is still highly desirable as a capable and affordable cruiser. Still, when all the glass cures, it is really the design that carries the day, and in typical fashion Lapworth was ahead of the curve with the 39. Launched in 1978, the Cal 39 was built during the hectic period when Cal's manufacturing shifted to Tampa, Florida, and then up to Fall River, Massachusetts, as the company struggled to re-establish its identity. And yet, if you ask yacht brokers around the country what model Cal they would most like to list, there is a good chance they'd say a mid-1980s Cal 39. Somewhere along the way, as boats became inventory instead of the inspirations of idealistic men, the magic waned. Jenson sold the company shortly afterward to Banga Punta, a corporate monolith, which later sold it to Lear Siegler, an even larger, soulless conglomerate that built everything from vacuum cleaners to nuclear warheads. Yes, these were the glory days for Cal but they didn't last. Jenson Marine was better known by its brand, Cal, and just take a look at the company's boats for 1965: The Cal 20, 25, 28, 34, 36 and, of course, the 40-literally a hall of fame lineup. Jack Jenson, the builder, and Bill Lapworth, the designer, combined their unique talents to produce several memorable boats during the nascent days of fiberglass boatbuilding, otherwise known as the 1960s. ![]() Your yacht broker Robert de Vries, +31 (0) 6 5020 1336.Bill Lapworth's revolutionary performance cruiser still shines today Interested? Please contact us for a visit through in Monnickendam. ![]() This engine with only 214 hours is maintained by the same company that the engine has also placed.įor those who like classic lines, solid construction and good sailing properties this not everyday Cal 39 is a fine choice. The main improvement however is the Lister 3 cylinder that is mounted in 2001. The navigation clocks are renewed, there is a new set of batteries installed, ball-bearing Fredriksen runners on the mainsail. The owner has over the years various improvements carried out. In the stern there is a cabin with a washbowl with mixer tap. In the bow is a spacious cabin, and left the head with toilet and hand shower. Left is a charttable, and right a spacious galley with large model stove / oven. The salon has two sofa s with table in the middle. The entrance to the saloon is typically American style eccentric. The deck is more than passable and in the cockpit is enough room for the crew. On deck one notices right away that all materials are quit sturdy. However, thanks to a good sailplan and a large sail area the boat has good sailing characteristics. In Europe, a number of brands from the USA are well known today, and the Cal 39 is best compared to Catalina, but then built in a heavier quality. The Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth and built in the USA by Jensen Marine.
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