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19data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CAL CRUISING 36 buyer’s report
CAL CRUISING 36

CAL CRUISING 36

Jensen Marine🇺🇸· Design: C. William Lapworth
$25,000 avg$25,000 – $25,000 (1 listings)1968–197048 built
$2.2K – $5.8K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA35.5 ft
LWL27 ft
Beam10.33 ft
Draft5.58 ft
Displacement12,000 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.0 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height42 ft
Jforetriangle base14.5 ft
Pmainsail luff36.3 ft
Emainsail foot16.3 ft
FLforestay14.5 ft
Mainsail624 sq ft
Jib (100%)304.5 sq ft
Spinnaker517.7 sq ft

About the CAL CRUISING 36

Same hull as the CAL 36. Shallow draft: 4.92'.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by C. William Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine (USA), the Cal Cruising 36 is a classic American cruiser with a production run of 48 hulls constructed between 1968 and 1970. This limited build count contributes to its status as a distinct, well-regarded vessel among vintage sailboat enthusiasts.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize comfort and interior volume over high-performance racing metrics. Its moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests it is ideal for relaxed cruising rather than competitive racing.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 12000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.81, the Cal Cruising 36 demonstrates strong stability and seaworthiness for offshore passages. Its heavy displacement and fin keel design provide the momentum and righting moment necessary for safe bluewater cruising.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels from this era include the Cal 3-36 and the Tartan 36, which share similar displacement and beam dimensions. These boats are comparable because they represent the same generation of American fin-keel cruisers designed for family-oriented offshore comfort.

Performance

Comfort28.0
Capsize1.81
SA/Disp18.4
Disp/Len272

Market Price

Low
$25,000
Average
$25,000
High
$25,000
Based on 1 listings across 1 marketplace

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 35.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.2K – $5.8K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

3 reported issues across 3 systems for the CAL CRUISING 36, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

3 critical
Structural1Hull1Engine1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CAL CRUISING 36? 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 3 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 CRUISING 36?

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, Perkins — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the CAL CRUISING 36

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…