Looking to buy a CAL 34 MkIII - advice?

[Dan Stover]

Looking to buy a CAL 34 MKIII and wondered if there were any owners out there with some words of wisdom. What do you like about your CAL, what do you not like? I'll get a survey of course and a separate engine survey. Anything particular to look out for? Any particular problem areas to be alert for or ask questions about?

I'll likely be doing mostly if not exclusively coastal cruising based out of Beaufort, SC but would like to know what you think a CAL34 would handle as far as offshore capability? How well is this boat built compared to say a Hunter or Catalina. (not that the Hunter or Catalina is a benchmark but I would not generally consider them as offshore boats at least in this size range.)

Thanks in advance for the help. I posted this in the general forum before I realized there was a Cal forum.

[walter]

My sugestion is Yahoo groups, Cal_Boats, the group got over 600 members.
I've been living on board a Cal for the last year, and I understand the mayor concern is the beam.
In the group you can find plans and advises of how to inspect or replace it, I found them willing to help, I even got a mainsail shipped to me from California!

[Leonard Reeves]

Howzit Dan, Don't know the conditions over by you, but our Cal 27 handles Hawaii's coastal trades like a champ. We were looking for an inexpensive slip filler and were happily surprised with a great sailing boat. WE eventually will move to a bigger boat as we can go to 34' x 11'. Maybe a 34 , but I really like the 31's. A survey should tell you all that you need to know. Most Cals are older but can be found in all states of repair. They have a reputation of being solidly built. I'm impressed with the condition of many original factory parts that are still in good conditon on our T/2, hull #14. My opinion would be to go for it if the price is right for you. I wish you well and post a picture of your "new" vessel.
Aloha ka'kou,
LR
PS- also get some 34's on sailnet forum...GOOD LUCK.

[John Berens]

Dan,
We have owned our 1970 CAL 34 for 24 years. There are several photos of "Killick" on my profile page. We bought her as a fix-er-upper and have done many improvements.

If there are any specific questions, feel free to ask.

Overall they are great boats...very seaworthy (ours has been all over the East Coast including Bermuda). The constuction is virtually bullet proof, and with the exception of light air, they sail terrific.
John Berens, Shady Side, MD

[Danny Covington]

The Cal 34 Mark III does not have the deaded beam from my understanding. I have a 1977 Cal 34 Mark III. Just beginning to refit it after it was stripped down at the marina where it resided and the PO had died years earlier leaving it abandoned.