Conference unifix::sailing

    I have heard of them because the place where I keep my boat in Hingham
    is the dealer for Caliber.  Two of the people at the Marina have
    Caliber 33.  The one I am friendlist with traded up last season
    from a Caliber 28.  I am not sure what specifics you are curious
    about obviously a brochure will give you the specs.  Give me a
    call if you would like.
    
    P.S.  Steve Mehl's Boat House now in Weymouth lost the dealership
    to 1st Quality Marine.
    
    Jeff Rudy

    We went for a test sail on the 33. Unfortunately the weather was
    ideal so we really didn't get to see how she goes in any kind of
    seaway.  Winds were 10-15 with fairly flat water outside Hingham
    and off Hull. 
    
    For sails, she carries a roller furling/reefing 135% genny (Haarken)and
    the main with 2 reef points and mid-boom sheeting. The mainsheet is on
    a traveler on the cabin top and has a small winch. I'd make sure this
    winch is self-tailing. The genny is cut flat to allow roller reefing.
    Salesman said he's done 35 miles with the sail reefed down to about 100
    with no problems with sail shape. Don't know if the sail had foam in
    the luff. 
    
    The boat steers well and turns on a dime which is what you'd expect
    with the rudder separated from the keel. The keel is a big fin and the
    rudder is hung from a big skeg for protection. She responds very
    quickly to changes in wind velocity. You can feel her pick up or slow
    down. No problems beating, reaching, or running. Compass heading
    difference from tack to tack was abouot 90 degrees which is ok by me
    for a non-racing boat. Weather helm was not a problem; i.e., I didn't
    have to strain against the wheel. (NOte: I'm accustomed to a tiller and
    not at all sure what excessive weather helm feels like on a
    wheel-steered boat). The most pleasant surprise was how easy it was to
    go wing'and'wing and to keep both sails drawing. Keep in mind though
    that this was done in fairly flat protected waters with no real seas to
    throw the stern around. 
    
    It was easy to move around below when beating - plenty of things to
    hang onto or to lean against. The table (2 leaf) folds agianst the
    bulkhead but was down for our sail. I'd recommend leaving it down
    with one leaf down. There were several places to wedge yourself
    into for puttnig on foul weather boots and pants if it really got
    rough.
    
    Visibility and layout are good. My wife's 5'2" and could see forward
    when sitting at the helm. (Something she can't do on all boats). The
    bowsprit would be a major bone of contention for  us since my wife and
    the kids all think it's neat and a great place to ride. Might have to
    assign times for that or set up a rotation. You can enclose the aft
    bunk with wood panels which would probably be nice if you had company
    on board and they felt strange dressing and undressing in front of the
    whole crew. The head has two entrances, one for the forward cabin and
    one for the main cabin. 
    
    Workmanship was high quality, especially the joiner work. They don't
    use a pan (except in the head for a shower sump) all the peces in
    the cabin are individually glassed in and serve as structural pieces.
    THis type of construction makes it easier to make small modifications
    in the layout. All the hardware and hatches are Lewmar.
    
    It's a good boat and we liked it. Be glad to talk with anyone about
    it.
    
    Ed 

    Two years ago, I daysailed a Cal-33 off Lahaina, Maui in Hawaii.
    A captain was aboard as at the time I knew much less about sailing
    than I now do.  Noteworthy was that at the time she ("Kahili") was
    a ten-year-old boat -- and apparently consistently won races in
    her class.  I second the earlier comments on handling characteristics.
    Conditions were four to six-foot waves, and about 15 knots of wind
    (not sure on the wind speed).  She handled admirably, and easily
    maintained 8 to 9 knot speeds, surfing occassionally to 10.
    
    I realize that a twelve-year old Cal-33 is not the same as today's
    production model.  Indeed, the interior layout of Kahili was 
    terrible.  However, for what it's worth...
    
    Don Gregory

    I think we have a case of mistooken identity. Caliber Yachts is
    a new (2-3 yrs old). THe Cal 33 you're talking about I think is
    the old Lapworth design that was (is) quite a thorobred (sp?).
    The CAL line and name was picked up by O'Day. I don't know what
    modifications they've made to the old 33 hull. The new interior
    is very nice and would appear to work well.
    
    Ed
    
    

    I am looking for data/comments on the Caliber 38.  I am considering a
    1990 hull that is in immaculate condition (commissioned 11/89).  Has
    anyone had any experience they could share?