CAL 34
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 33.24 ft |
| LWL | 26 ft |
| Beam | 10 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 9,500 lb |
| Ballast | 3,749.7 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 39 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 33.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14 ft |
| FLforestay | 13.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 521.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 268.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 455.8 sq ft |
Engine
| Universal | Atomic 430 hpSee all 6 parts → |
About the CAL 34
Jack Jensen, founder of Jensen Marine owned and regularly sailed a CAL 34. Later versions (2-34, 34-III) share the same hull but with different rigs and other details. Production of the final version continued until 1979.
Designed by C. William Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine (USA) from 1968–1975, the CAL 34 is a classic cruising sloop with 347 hulls produced. Owner reports highlight its robust construction but emphasize the critical need for structural maintenance, particularly regarding deck cores and keel integrity.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, heavy-displacement vessel for protected waters, given its high comfort ratio and moderate performance metrics.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 9500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.89, the CAL 34 is generally considered capable for offshore passages, though its fin keel and age require rigorous structural verification.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 3-27 and Cal 40, which share similar design philosophies and eras, as well as the Pearson 303 for its comparable displacement and cruising focus.
Direct variant of the CAL 34
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1967–1978 · median $14,999
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 33.24ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
29 reported issues across 9 systems for the CAL 34, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAL 34? 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 29 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
Engine Parts & Maintenance
The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on 
or 
matched to its part number.
Don't see your engine listed? Search all engines → to find parts for the exact engine fitted to your boat.
Prices are reference figures — confirm the current price on Amazon. Always confirm fitment against your engine's model and serial before ordering. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Used sails that fit the CAL 34
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…