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1975 Cal Jensen

Estimated price for orientation: 1 025 $

Category: Sailboats 2027 feet
Class:











Description
Condition: Used Year: 1975
Make: Cal Jensen


Redline is a 1975 Cal 2-27. Bill Lapworth designed the Cal 2-27 in 1973 for Jensen Marine (also known as Cal-Boats) in Costa Mesa, California., which produced the boat from 1974 to 1980. The 2-27 followed the original Cal 27, a boat with a pop-top cabin-house and less than stellar performance. The successor offered 4 inches more beam and 5 inches less DWL but 1,300 pounds more displacement. Cal Boats already had success with the Cal 29, but looked for a similar design that was smaller and more in tune with the struggling economy. Later, Lapworth designed the Cal 3-27, which was launched in 1983 and underwent a rather confusing name change back to Cal 27 before it was taken off the assembly line in 1985.  The hull is solidly laminated in fiberglass with bulkheads that are bonded to hull and deck. The hull-deck joint is glued with a mix of resin and glass. Often this area requires resealing to stop annoying leaks. Finding the correct backing plates for deck hardware can be a potential problem but most owners have found a solution with custom made parts. The interior offers lots of wood, four generously sized berths and a compact gallery that is integrated with the steps of the companionway, while the top-loading icebox is in the port corner of the galley counter. The original alcohol stove, termed a nuisance, spawned creative ideas for a replacement. "A 2-27 holds its market value well as long as the basic maintenance has been done", explained Mark Foster, former secretary of the very active San Francisco Bay fleet and an avid campaigner of the gemlike 2-27 Alliance. The fun starts at $12,000 to $15,000 for a 1976 model or later that is ready to sail. Pristine Cals go for more but sometimes one can get lucky and find a fixer for under $10,000. Bottom line:The Cal 2-27 is a reliable day or weekend cruiser that is raced in class or PHRF handicap events. Best suited for winds in the low to mid-teens, the Cal 2-27 won’t dazzle with record speeds but offers enjoyable cruising with the comfort of the good old days. She prefers flat water but will put up with ocean swells too. The boat has a unique charm; its weaknesses can be corrected with reasonable financial effort. Sailors with some do-it-yourself skills can purchase a boat in decent shape for less than $15,000 and restore it to Bristol condition. So what is a little sweat-equity compared to 50 grand for a new design that barely offers enough creature comfort for a dog.  More about Redline:  Redline’s previous owner scrapped the Atomic 4 engine in favor of a Thunderstruck 10 electric motor; however, the effort was cobbled together and never really worked that well. In 2015, the electric motor was scrapped in favor of a Yamaha 4-stroke, high-thrust 8hp outboard, which pushed Redline along at about 6.5 kts at half throttle up the Oakland Estuary. • The Good: 
Solid laminate; no separation, no soft spots in the deck; solid hull o All lighting (except mast light) have been upgraded to LED (both NAV and interior lighting). Redline has a brand new circuit breaker panel and has been rewired accordingly; she has two brand new Trojan T-105 six-volt batteries, both rated at 220 amp hours. Redline comes with four new portals that were going to be installed (new owner can use his/her discretion with them). The headstay has been replaced in 2015 and upgraded to 7/32, as suggested in Seals and Spars. Plans were to replace backstays and upper shrouds with 7/32’s and lower shrouds with ¼”. Yamaha 4-stroke high-thrust outboard is mounted on a brand new Panther 4-stroke motor mount bracket, with 16-inch travel. Sail Inventory consist of :           Main sail 
           170 lp 
           140 lp/Yankee 
           100 lp 
Redline has the Froli Sleep system installed in the V-berth A brand new bilge pump was just installed in March, along with a brand new set of bilge hoses. Bilge pump is wired directly to the battery and set to AUTO mode. Redline has an Danforth anchor lashed to the bow pulpit There is a Dual-Pro Four-Bank Pro 12-Volt 60 Amp Battery Charger to recharge the batteries. Forespar Nova Lift:               Easily Lift Aboard Heavy Motors and Equipment               Ideal for Sailboats; Works in Conjunction with an Existing Winch               Working Load: 220 lbs
• The Bad: 
Boat needs to be hauled and have bottom re-painted (it’s due). There is a soft spot in the cabin sole beside the bilge cover (it has been reinforced, but still needs a little work). The is a soft spot in the sole of the head in front of the toilet that needs repaired. The toilet itself needs to be either re-vamped or replaced (not a hard job, unless a holding tank is desired. I was going to install the “Airhead” composting toilet and be done with it. 
• The Ugly: (and I only say “ugly” because it is involved and a little more difficult) 
The fresh water system needs to be replaced. The plumbing is shot and new plumbing should be run (I was going to use Pex). The fresh water holding tank needs to be inspected and cleaned, or maybe replaced (“probably” replaced). 
 SUMMARY:  Overall, Redline is in very good shape, but could be made even better. This boat has won many races in the Bay Area and her design is timeless. I am only selling her because I upgraded and two boats are too much. Ronnie Simpson sailed his Cal 2-27, s/v Mongo, from Washington to San Francisco, to New Zealand and Australia, with all kinds of stops in between. So, this boat will take you many, many places! You can read about Ronnie’s exploits on the internet; just Google “Ronnie Simpson and Mongo”. You can also read about him on Sailing Anarchy.Redline comes with clear California title.  I do have several items onboard that I will be removing (personal effects); but, the items I have listed on this page come with the boat.  Slip fees are paid through the month of June and are transferable with permission from the Alameda Harbormaster at Fortman Marina (Mark).  Please call and ask him about the transference prior to completing the sale, unless you plan on moving the boat to your location.  There is no trailer to move her and any physical transfer of the boat or haulout would have to be done at either Grand Marina, or Svensen's.***NO REFUNDS ARE OFFERED WITH THIS PURCHASE.