The cal 29 sailboat offers complete cruising features and accommodations for the sailor who wants to put some real blue water miles behind him. Its full accommodations are big enough for a family or group of friends, and its design is built for comfort on long cruises. Its diesel engine provides the power and reliability that a sailor needs on a long passage.
The design of the cal 29 yacht was created by Bill Lapworth, who designed 13 Cal boats between 27' and 34' for Jensen Marine (later known as Cal Boats) in Costa Mesa, CA. The cal 29 was the second of these models and was introduced in 1974.
While the cal 29 is not a racer, it is capable of sailing fast in light air with proper sails. Owners report that the boat stalls fairly easily in winds above 14 knots, and it is a good idea to set the main and genoa with a deep reef for these conditions.
Owners also report that the cal 29 has a good sail bin, and they appreciate having a large forward cabin that has two double berths that can be converted to one huge, comfortable double. However, many owners wish that the cal had more storage space, especially in the forepeak.
Compared to other boats in this size range, the cal 29 holds its value well. A sailor with reasonable do-it-yourself skills can typically find a cal 29 in Bristol condition for about $12,000 to $15,000. A 1976 model or later, with the basic maintenance done, will usually be ready to sail.
