CAL 25
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25 ft |
| LWL | 20 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb |
| Ballast | 1,700 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 29.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11 ft |
| FLforestay | 10 ft |
| Mainsail | 297.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 149 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 253.3 sq ft |
About the CAL 25
Flush deck with 'pop top' companionway. One of the most popular CAL models. A completely different design from the later Cal 2-25. Photo courtesy of Adam Hunt.
Designed by C. William Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine (USA) from 1965–1976, the CAL 25 is a classic trailerable cruiser with 1848 hulls produced. Its enduring popularity is reflected in the high volume of owner-reported upgrades, particularly in sails (North, Banks) and engines (Honda, Yanmar), indicating a strong aftermarket support network.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and trailerable sailors seeking a manageable 25.0 ft LOA vessel with a 4.0 ft max draft, ideal for those prioritizing ease of transport and storage over heavy offshore endurance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a 2.02 capsize ratio and 223.21 D/L ratio, the CAL 25 is primarily a coastal cruiser; while some owners have installed watermakers and wind generators for extended trips, its 20.0 ft LWL and fin keel design are not optimized for heavy offshore passage-making.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1960s-70s trailerable sloops like the O'Day 23 or Pearson 23, the CAL 25 shares similar dimensions and roles, though its 4000.0 lb displacement and 18.01 comfort ratio suggest a slightly heavier, more stable ride than lighter planing designs.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.3 | 4.4 | 5.1 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 60° | 3.5 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| 75° | 3.6 | 4.7 | 5.4 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 |
| 90° | 3.5 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 |
| 110° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| 120° | 3.3 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| 135° | 3.0 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| 150° | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.8 |
| Beat VMG | 2.1 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Run VMG | 2.1 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.2 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
23 reported issues across 9 systems for the CAL 25, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAL 25? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 23 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CAL 25?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Universal, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the CAL 25
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…