CAL 21

About the CAL 21

The CAL 21 was equipped with a swing keel that could be completely raised inside a slot/cavity below the cockpit sole. When the keel was down, a plug was dropped into place to cover the opening and make a flush surface around the keel 'root'. A cable had to be attached or re-attached, to raise or lower the keel. Besides reducing drag while sailing, the system allowed the hull to sit lower on a trailer.

Designed by C. William Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine (USA) from 1969–1976, the CAL 21 is a compact fractional sloop with 500 hulls produced. Its lightweight displacement of 1100.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 29.49 define it as a performance-oriented day sailor rather than a heavy cruiser.

Best for:

This boat suits coastal day sailors and trailerable weekend cruisers who prioritize ease of handling and storage over long-range capability. It is well-suited for single-handers or couples seeking a responsive, low-maintenance vessel for protected waters.

Bluewater capability:

With a low displacement of 1100.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.59, the CAL 21 is not designed for offshore passage-making and is best restricted to coastal and inland waters due to its light ballast and fin keel configuration.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and Tartan 22, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and trailerable footprints from the same era. These vessels offer similar beam and draft characteristics, making them direct competitors in the used market for small-boat enthusiasts.