CAL 3-30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30.07 ft |
| LWL | 26.31 ft |
| Beam | 10.17 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 10,500 lb |
| Ballast | 5,000.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 41.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 34.1 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.4 ft |
| FLforestay | 13.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 490 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 280.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 476.2 sq ft |
About the CAL 3-30
Designed as an IOR 3/4 ton racer. (24.5')
Designed by William Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine (USA) between 1973 and 1974, the CAL 3-30 is a compact yet substantial cruiser with 135 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 10500.0 lb and 5000.1 lb of ballast provide a stable platform that owners generally praise for its seakworthiness and interior volume relative to its 30.07 ft LOA.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable day-sailer or short-range cruiser who prioritize interior space and ease of handling over high-performance racing metrics.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 257.38 and a Capsize ratio of 1.86, the boat is well-suited for offshore passages, though its 5.5 ft max draft may limit access to shallow anchorages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Cal 3-27 and the Pearson 303, as they share similar displacement characteristics and target the same market of comfortable, family-oriented coastal cruising.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 30.07ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 5 systems for the CAL 3-30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAL 3-30? 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 13 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 3-30?
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Used sails that fit the CAL 3-30
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