Re: [Cal_Boats] JEMA Cal 21ft 1972 Hull 222

Check out www.cal21.com for some ideas. The CAL 21 is a great little CAL, not the most convenient boat if you plan to trailer her for a short sail, due to the way the keel retracts, but a GREAT boat if you want a boat that will sail like a cruiser-racer but easily fit on a trailer to store i your backyard (or driveway)! If you are planning to sail on a body of water with a lot of shoals, where the 4'3" draft will limit your sailing, or as I say, if you want a boat that can be quickly launched and sailed away, then quickly pack up and trail home....... well, the CAL 21 may not be your best choice. We owned our 1970 CAL 21 (Hull#285) for 38 years, enjoyed her tremendously, my Sister and I grew up sailing on this boat, I can't tell you how many great memories our family has from those days, but we kept her on a mooring all Summer, kept her at a boatyard o na cradle with the keel retracted for the winter. The process of raising the keel prior to haul out and then lowering in the Spring after launching worked fine for us, the need to tow a dinghy if we went ashore anywhere just added to the "big boat" feel of the boat for us. I really can't stop praising the CAL 21, but like al l retractable keel boats, the CAL 21 keel must be locked down while sailing to get best performance and safety. The great part about the CAL 21 keel setup is that once down and locked, you unhook the cable, insert a plug (long plank really) in the keel well to mostly close off the bottom of the opening and then secure a cover over the opening in the cockpit sole, and she becomes a virtual "fixed-keel" boat, a deep, fin-keel and this makes her a great nimble sailer. However, despite the sales brochure claims of being able to sail away 15 minutes after arriving at the ramp, I would estimate the launching process will take more like an hour (once you get good at it) from arrival to sail away. Haul out will be about the same, and realistically..... I'd plan to allow more time just in case. Unhooking the cable from the keel means no classic cable "hum" while sailing, no risk of getting a lobster or crab pot line caught on the cable, less drag..... but the water better be clear when you try to re-hook the cable onto the keel upon your return to the ramp so you can see the tip of the keel to hook the cable loop, and don't even ask what happens if you get it "almost hooked" then try to raise the keel! I don't want to discourage you, as I say, I am a BIG fan of the CAL 21, but I just want to inject a little advice that as much as I adore the 21, she isn't as well setup for casual trailer-sailing as her competition (Venture 21, Kells 23, Catalina 22, Balboa 20, Ensenda 20, Clipper 21, etc) You can't really sail her up to a beach like a centerboard boat. I will take a look at the pictures that you posted, I REALLY like to see other CAL 21s! But, before looking.... I'll tell you that as long as you can get good quality exterior (or batter yet, Marine) plywood, and can use the original parts as patterns, and if your skills with woodworking and fiberglass are up to the task (you will learn a lot rebuilding a boat, I know.... I've done it!) a CAL 21 project is not major complicated. Check out that web-site that I mentioned, as well as the threads about the CAL 21 on the Sailnet Cal Forum (I've posted a lot there as well as at cal21.com) Don't rush, you will lend up with a nice boat. Will you be able to sell her for more than you will spend rebuilding? Most likely not, but you will know every detail of the repairs, and get that satisfaction. As Reggie says, if you can do it yourself, you should get a good boat for only a little more (and maybe, just slightly less?) than a ready to sail boat that may not be as nice. If you aren't sure of the project, then keep looking and find a boat that is "ready to sail" or pretty close to it, the final costs will be worth it, but it you really want a CAL........ and don't mind the less than quick launch/haul process........ The CAL 21 is a great design. Of course, I will echo what others have admitted, some of the most expensive boats around are those given away "FREE". I rebuilt a 14' powerboat 20 years ago, she was FREE, I ended up spending around $3000.00 +/- including new outboard (9.9 hp) and trailer, I might have been able to find another boat "ready to use" for less, but I couldn't have found a NEW boat for less than $10K that would compare to my $3K rebuilt boat! I did all the work myself, bought my plywood (exterior grade mostly) at Home Depot, fiberglass supplies from Defender and a local store. Would I do it again? Not sure, maybe a sailboat this time, one enough bigger than my 17' Day Sailer to have a real cabin and room for a galley and head (of course, being a former CAL 21 owner/crew member.... my idea of a "real" cabin may be less than most people!). But, I've found that several boats that I looked at (on-line) weren't as good bargains after I added up what was needed and added the cost to the "low" asking price........ There is presently a 19' Sailstar Voyager on my local Craig's-List, she is listed as "FREE", could buy the sails and spars from the seller for another $200. However, she is in the water (I think?) and with a 3' fin-keel, will need a boat hauler to move to my house, suddenly that Free boat becomes at least $500+ (still a good deal......... but more than I can afford at this time). Anyway, I'll look at your pics and see if I see anything glaringly wrong. In the meantime, feel free to ask me any CAL 21 questions that you may have, 38 years of experience has given me plenty of knowledge! Rod Johnson, "SUNBIRD" 1979 O'DAY DS II #10201 Former co-owner of "NODROG" 1970 CAL 21 #285 On Sun, 6 Nov 2016 15:05:37 +0000 "r good my… [at] hotmail.com [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> writes: you can find inexpensive but appropriate ways to repair anything on the boat id you do it yourself and are not in a hurry. And, most importantly, you will learn SO MUCH in the process that it is definitely worth the effort and time. And, the boat will truly be yours. If you ever intend to do a significant amount of sailing, rebuilding this boat yourself will be the best investment you ever make. If you have to hire it done, forget it and save up for a new boat. Reggie lessons learned from 6 boats. Currently own Cal 27 T/2 "Knot Ready" sailed on Flathead Lake, MT, and Cal Cruising 36 "Submit waiting for us on a mooring in George Town, Exumas, Bahamas Sent from Outlook From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> on behalf of david howe tr… [at] yahoo.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sunday, November 6, 2016 5:30 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com; la… [at] yahoo.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] JEMA Cal 21ft 1972 Hul 222 I've got an initially inexpensive boat that's not so inexpensive anymore! Guy at the marina said "most expensive boat I ever owned was give to me" But forget all that and go for it! Where's it at, I'll take it.. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Sunday, November 6, 2016, 5:49 AM, la… [at] yahoo.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: [Attachment(s) from la… [at] yahoo.com [Cal_Boats] included below] Was given his boat and I am wondering if it is worth my time to redo all the wood damaged? It seems like a lot of work but am I in over my head. Here are some pics. I do have plenty more pics. Let me know what you guys think. How To Fix Your Fatigue (Do This Every Day) gundrymd.com http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/581fd50f5b96e550f7a78st03duc