• Slide: The Image of Bow of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat docked at a marina. - 2The Image of Bow of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat docked at a marina. - 2
  • Slide: The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat deck with green cover, docked at marina. - 3The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat deck with green cover, docked at marina. - 3
  • Slide: The Image of Steering wheel and navigation equipment on a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat. - 4The Image of Steering wheel and navigation equipment on a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat. - 4
  • Slide: The Image of Sailboat control panel with Raymarine equipment and labeled ropes, CAL 31, 1979 model. - 5The Image of Sailboat control panel with Raymarine equipment and labeled ropes, CAL 31, 1979 model. - 5
  • Slide: The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat deck with rigging and winch in marina. - 6The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat deck with rigging and winch in marina. - 6
  • Slide: The Image of Deck of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with winches and ropes. - 7The Image of Deck of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with winches and ropes. - 7
  • Slide: The Image of Interior cabin of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with storage and bedding. - 8The Image of Interior cabin of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with storage and bedding. - 8
  • Slide: The Image of 1979 CAL 31 boat bathroom with toilet, sink, and wooden accents. - 9The Image of 1979 CAL 31 boat bathroom with toilet, sink, and wooden accents. - 9
  • Slide: The Image of Small closet in a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with hangers and life jacket. - 10The Image of Small closet in a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with hangers and life jacket. - 10
  • Slide: The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior with wood paneling and cozy sleeping quarters. - 11The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior with wood paneling and cozy sleeping quarters. - 11
  • Slide: The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior with wood paneling, gray seating, and cozy cabin layout. - 12The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior with wood paneling, gray seating, and cozy cabin layout. - 12
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden paneling and gray seating. - 13The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden paneling and gray seating. - 13
  • Slide: The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior kitchen with sink, cutting board, and nautical decor. - 14The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior kitchen with sink, cutting board, and nautical decor. - 14
  • Slide: The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat navigation station with equipment, books, and wooden cabinetry. - 15The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat navigation station with equipment, books, and wooden cabinetry. - 15
  • Slide: The Image of Navigation station inside a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with equipment and storage. - 16The Image of Navigation station inside a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with equipment and storage. - 16
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden furnishings and a cozy seating area. - 17The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden furnishings and a cozy seating area. - 17
  • Slide: The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior with gray seating, wooden paneling, and nautical instruments. - 18The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior with gray seating, wooden paneling, and nautical instruments. - 18
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden table and cushioned seating. - 19The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden table and cushioned seating. - 19
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden paneling and gray seating. - 20The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden paneling and gray seating. - 20
  • Slide: The Image of Navigation station inside a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with equipment and storage. - 21The Image of Navigation station inside a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with equipment and storage. - 21
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden desk and storage compartment. - 22The Image of Interior of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with wooden desk and storage compartment. - 22
  • Slide: The Image of Wooden interior of a 1979 CAL 31 boat, featuring a storage compartment. - 23The Image of Wooden interior of a 1979 CAL 31 boat, featuring a storage compartment. - 23
  • Slide: The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior with kitchenette, featuring a sink, fridge, and wooden cabinetry. - 24The Image of 1979 CAL 31 sailboat interior with kitchenette, featuring a sink, fridge, and wooden cabinetry. - 24
  • Slide: The Image of Engine compartment of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with visible wiring and components. - 25The Image of Engine compartment of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with visible wiring and components. - 25
  • Slide: The Image of Engine compartment of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with visible wiring and components. - 26The Image of Engine compartment of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with visible wiring and components. - 26
  • Slide: The Image of Engine compartment of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat, showing hoses and wiring. - 27The Image of Engine compartment of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat, showing hoses and wiring. - 27
  • Slide: The Image of Engine compartment of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with visible wiring and components. - 28The Image of Engine compartment of a 1979 CAL 31 sailboat with visible wiring and components. - 28
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1979 CAL 31

$15,900

Used

Boat in Everett, WA 98201 US

builtBuilt in 1979
Year the boat was built
model

31

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Perkins)

Engine type and count
length

31.5 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material

The Cal 31 is a 31.5-foot masthead sloop designed by C. William Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine starting in 1979, featuring a fin keel and spade rudder for good performance. It has a displacement of approximately 9,170 lbs, a 10-foot beam, and a 5-foot draft. Great cruiser racer for the Puget Sound. Many options to make this boat practical and easy to sail. There's a great electronics package, rigid boom vang, roller furler, auto pilot, self tailing winches, navigation, windlass, Wallas stove/heater, dependable fuel efficient perkins diesel engine are among the things that make this Lapworth designed boat practical and desirable.

Key Specifications (Cal 31):

  • Length Overall (LOA): 31.5 ft / 9.60 m
  • Waterline Length (LWL): 25.7 ft / 7.82 m
  • Beam: 10.0 ft / 3.05 m
  • Draft: 5.0 ft / 1.52 m
  • Displacement: 9,170 lbs / 4,159 kg
  • Ballast: 3,600 lbs / 1,633 kg
  • Sail Area: 490 sq. ft / 45.52 m²
  • Construction: Fiberglass
  • Engine: Pekins
  • Hull Type: Fin keel with spade rudder

Key Features & Characteristics:

  • Design: Designed by C. William Lapworth with a reputation for solid, 35-footer feel, good handling, and being slightly tender, tending to rail in high winds.
  • Interior: Typically features a v-berth, a main salon with bench seats/berths, a galley with a sink and stove, and a private head.
  • Performance: Known to be relatively fast for its era, with a 39.26 ballast/displacement ratio.
  • Popularity: The Cal 31 was a popular cruising boat with over 200 built.
Nominal Length
31.5ft
Length Overall
31.5ft
Length at Waterline
25.67ft
Beam
10ft
Max Draft
5ft
Displacement
9170lb
Ballast
3600lb
Heads
1
Fresh Water Tanks
50gal
Fuel Tanks
20gal
Holding Tanks
10gal
Electrical Circuit
110v
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
displacement
Engine 1
Engine Make
Perkins
Engine Model
20
Total Power
20hp
Engine Hours
1892
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
2001
Drive Type
direct
Propeller Type
2-blade
Propeller Material
bronze
Swimming Ladder
✓
Electric Bilge Pump
✓
Heating
✓
Refrigerator
✓
Battery Charger
✓
Depthsounder
✓
Radar
✓
Log Speedometer
✓
Wind Speed And Direction
✓
Navigation Center
✓
Plotter
✓
Autopilot
✓
Radio
✓
Compass
✓
Gps
✓
Vhf
✓
Mainsail Cover
✓
Genoa Cover
✓
Shore Power Inlet
✓
Steering Wheel
✓
Battened Mainsail
✓
Furling Genoa
✓
Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Price History

DateEventPrice
2/14/26Price decreased$15,900(-11.2%)
12/26/25Initial price$17,900

1979 CAL 31 Video Tours

Overview from around the web 1979 CAL 31

Customers appreciate the 1979 CAL 31 for its classic design and solid construction, highlighting its spacious interior and comfortable accommodations for cruising

Many note the boat’s reliable performance under sail and its well-balanced handling, making it suitable for both coastal and offshore sailing. Owners also praise the quality craftsmanship typical of CAL yachts from this era, along with the boat's timeless aesthetic appeal. Some mention that, with proper maintenance, the 1979 CAL 31 remains a dependable and enjoyable vessel for sailors seeking a blend of tradition and functionality.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1979 CAL 31 offers a blend of classic design and solid performance, making it a popular choice among cruising enthusiasts. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Sturdy Construction: Built with a solid fiberglass hull, the CAL 31 is known for its durability and longevity.

Comfortable Interior: The layout provides ample space below deck, with comfortable accommodations suitable for extended cruising.

Good Sailing Performance: With a well-balanced sail plan and moderate displacement, the CAL 31 handles well in a variety of conditions.

Traditional Aesthetics: Its classic lines and teak trim appeal to those who appreciate vintage yacht styling.

Manageable Size: At 31 feet, it’s large enough for comfortable cruising but still manageable for a small crew or single-handed sailing.

Cons

Older Design Features: Being a late 1970s model, some design elements and systems may feel dated compared to modern sailboats.

Maintenance Requirements: Older boats like the CAL 31 often require more upkeep, including potential updates to rigging, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Limited Headroom: While comfortable, the cabin headroom may be restrictive for taller individuals.

Performance Limits: Though capable, it may not match the speed and agility of more contemporary 31-foot cruisers or racers.

Availability of Parts: Some original equipment or fittings might be harder to source due to the boat’s age.

Made For

The 1979 CAL 31 is ideal for sailors seeking a classic cruiser with solid performance and comfortable accommodations. Designed for those who appreciate traditional styling combined with reliable handling, this sailboat suits couples or small families looking for weekend getaways or coastal cruising. Its spacious interior and manageable size make it a great choice for sailors who want a vessel that's both easy to handle and capable of longer trips.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1979 CAL 31. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Racer/Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a CAL cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$180.46/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 15,900
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1979 CAL 31. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Racer/Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a CAL cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$180.46/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 15,900
OR
%

Contact Cross Water Yacht Sales

1724 West Marine View Dr, Suite 145, Everett, WA, 98201

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Suite 145
Everett, WA 98201

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Contact Cross Water Yacht Sales about 1979 CAL 31

1724 West Marine View Dr, Suite 145, Everett, WA, 98201

By checking this box, I consent to receive recurring marketing text messages, phone calls, and emails from Cross Water Yacht Sales at the number and email provided, including messages sent using an autodialer or prerecorded voice. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. Consent is not a condition of purchase. We'll also send helpful email updates about your boat search. You can unsubscribe whenever you like. See Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Contact Cross Water Yacht Sales

1724 West Marine View Dr, Suite 145, Everett, WA, 98201

By checking this box, I consent to receive recurring marketing text messages, phone calls, and emails from Cross Water Yacht Sales at the number and email provided, including messages sent using an autodialer or prerecorded voice. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. Consent is not a condition of purchase. We'll also send helpful email updates about your boat search. You can unsubscribe whenever you like. See Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

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