Bartvh
New Member
Hi all, after lurking on these sites for years (reading up, learning) I just bought (well, only the survey left) a Cal 39 MKII. I have read so much about this boat and it seems everybody is super enthusiastic. Mine has a practically new engine (54 HP) and all rigging (both 2010), fridge, electronics etc. I think I made a good deal at 42.5K, but let's await the verdict after the survey. I have some questions, maybe someone here can help out:
1- Mine is a 1977 model, launched 1978... Now that sounds weird, because the MKII only started in 1978. Maybe I have the first one, which they started building in 1977 and finished in 1978? How to check?
2- How do I check if my Cal 39 MKII is a tall rig or a short rig?
3- I can't find a Cal 39 owner forum. Anyone knows if there is one?
4- What to check for during the survey? I read up a lot and found the following, but it may be incomplete:
-Rudder issues
-Serious blistering on some Cal 39’s
-Whole mechanical steering system (exterior and interior)
-Steel beam for the mast step (encased in the boat's structural fiberglass pan) is prone to rusting, being that it’s made of galvanized steel. Some boats have a screw in type inspection port, with others, you’ll need to use a borescope. Should the beam need replacing, you pretty much have to disassemble (destroy) the entire internal fiberglass structure inside of the boat in order to do this. Along with all of the furniture, & bulkheas as well.
-The hull to deck joints are crap. And leak a lot. Some have been re-glassed, which fixes the problem
-Stringers and floors and exterior trim (cabin soles are weak and flex, and thus the table wobbles, exerting undue leverage on the sole).
-Original traveler systems were low quality.
-The deck is balsa-cored. Check for rot/ soft deck
-Deck delamination and leaky hull-to-deck joints issues
-The nonskid is likely well worn
-Teak toerail
-Be sure to check the wire terminals on the standing rigging for cracks and crevice corrosion
-Many boats have plastic portlights, be wary of broken dogs and cracked frames
-The original teak-and-holly cabin sole is not well supported and may need work
Thanks so much, any reply is appreciated!
Bart
1- Mine is a 1977 model, launched 1978... Now that sounds weird, because the MKII only started in 1978. Maybe I have the first one, which they started building in 1977 and finished in 1978? How to check?
2- How do I check if my Cal 39 MKII is a tall rig or a short rig?
3- I can't find a Cal 39 owner forum. Anyone knows if there is one?
4- What to check for during the survey? I read up a lot and found the following, but it may be incomplete:
-Rudder issues
-Serious blistering on some Cal 39’s
-Whole mechanical steering system (exterior and interior)
-Steel beam for the mast step (encased in the boat's structural fiberglass pan) is prone to rusting, being that it’s made of galvanized steel. Some boats have a screw in type inspection port, with others, you’ll need to use a borescope. Should the beam need replacing, you pretty much have to disassemble (destroy) the entire internal fiberglass structure inside of the boat in order to do this. Along with all of the furniture, & bulkheas as well.
-The hull to deck joints are crap. And leak a lot. Some have been re-glassed, which fixes the problem
-Stringers and floors and exterior trim (cabin soles are weak and flex, and thus the table wobbles, exerting undue leverage on the sole).
-Original traveler systems were low quality.
-The deck is balsa-cored. Check for rot/ soft deck
-Deck delamination and leaky hull-to-deck joints issues
-The nonskid is likely well worn
-Teak toerail
-Be sure to check the wire terminals on the standing rigging for cracks and crevice corrosion
-Many boats have plastic portlights, be wary of broken dogs and cracked frames
-The original teak-and-holly cabin sole is not well supported and may need work
Thanks so much, any reply is appreciated!
Bart
