Back to Search
Cal 39 Mk Ii 1 147
Designer: C. William Lapworth  ·  Builder: Jensen Marine/Bangor Punta  ·  First built: 1978
+ Add to Compare
About the Cal 39 Mk Ii 1 147

California Yachts established itself as a pioneering force in fiberglass sailboat construction during the 1960s and 1970s, and the Cal 39 Mark II represents the evolution of their popular mid-sized cruising yacht design. This second-generation model incorporated refinements based on owner feedback and changing sailing preferences of the era. Built for serious coastal cruising and occasional offshore passages, the Cal 39 Mark II strikes a balance between performance and comfort that made California Yachts famous among West Coast sailors. The design emphasizes seaworthy handling characteristics while providing adequate interior volume for extended cruising with family or crew. Like other Cal designs from this period, the Mark II features solid fiberglass construction that has proven durable over decades of use. The boat's moderate displacement and well-proportioned sail plan deliver respectable performance without sacrificing the stability needed for confident blue water sailing. Many examples remain active today, testament to the design's enduring appeal and robust construction. For sailors seeking a classic American cruising yacht with proven offshore capabilities, the Cal 39 Mark II offers an accessible entry point into serious sailing adventures along challenging coastlines like California's Pacific waters.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 39.00 ft / 11.89 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.08 ft / 9.78 m
Beam 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Max Draft 6.67 ft / 2.03 m
Displacement 17,000.00 lb / 7,711 kg
Ballast 7,000.00 lb / 3,175 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/balsa deck
Designer C. William Lapworth
Builder Jensen Marine/Bangor Punta
First Built 1978
Last Built 1982
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
41.18
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
229.88
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 8.25 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 17.46
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.67 ft / 5.08 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 719.00 ft² / 66.80 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Perkins
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 50
Fuel Capacity 50 gals / 189 L
Water Capacity 90 gals / 341 L
Find a Cal 39 Mk Ii 1 147 For Sale