CAL 46 III (1975)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 45.5 ft |
| LWL | 37.5 ft |
| Beam | 12.5 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 30,000 lb |
| Ballast | 8,001 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 48 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 40.08 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.25 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 25 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 9.42 ft |
| FLforestay | 18 ft |
| Mainsail | 762.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 432 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 734.4 sq ft |
About the CAL 46 III (1975)
The third iteration of the CAL 46 MS. Differences between this and the previous version (CAL 2-46) include smaller cabin windows and a different interior layout. All the 46's were based on the same hull. Also available as a sloop. (E=17.5)
The CAL 46 III is a heavy-displacement ketch designed by C. William Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine (USA) in 1975. With a displacement of 30000.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 40.21, this vessel is engineered for stability and seakeeping rather than high-speed planing.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater passagemakers who prioritize comfort and stability over speed. Its masthead ketch rig and substantial ballast of 8001.0 lb make it manageable for short-handed cruising.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.61 and a D/L ratio of 253.97, the CAL 46 III demonstrates strong offshore suitability and resistance to capsizing in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Cal 40 and Cal 46 II, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and ketch configurations from the same era. These boats offer similar interior volume and offshore capability but differ in specific hull lines and rigging details.
Direct variants of the CAL 46 III (1975)
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
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CAL 46 III (1975) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 45.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
2 reported issues across 2 systems for the CAL 46 III (1975), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAL 46 III (1975)? 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 2 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
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Used sails that fit the CAL 46 III (1975)
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