1978 CAL 34
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TIGER LILY
34' CAL 1978
CAL 34 1978 For Sale in New Bern, North Carolina
$25,000
New Bern, North Carolina
Dimensions
- Length Overall: 34'
- Beam: 10'
- Maximum Draft: —
- Dry Weight: —
Tank Capacities
- Fuel: 25.00 gal
- Water: 23.00 gal
- Holding: 15.00 gal
Engine Information
- Engine 1 : 1978 Yanmar - 18hp
General Description
TIGER LILY is a beautifully maintained 1978 Cal 34 Mk III, a Bill Lapworth design celebrated for combining race-bred performance with cruising comfort. The Cal 34 is widely praised for its speed, seaworthiness, and classic lines, and the Mk III version brought structural refinements, more ballast, and a higher-aspect rig, making it a truly capable offshore cruiser as well as a rewarding coastal sailor. With brand-new standing and running rigging, TIGER LILY is turn-key and ready to go—fast, safe, and balanced under sail. Owners of this model consistently report excellent windward ability, responsiveness, and comfortable passage-making, with many proving themselves on bluewater routes from California to Hawaii and the South Pacific.
Below deck, the Cal 34 offers a surprisingly spacious and practical layout for a mid-size yacht. Starting forward is a private V-berth cabin with storage and full standing headroom, followed by a large enclosed head with marine toilet and sink. The main salon features an L-shaped dinette to port that converts to a double berth, with a settee/berth to starboard, making comfortable accommodations for family or crew. The U-shaped galley aft is ideal for meal preparation underway, with a gimbaled stove, icebox, and ample counter space. A quarter berth to starboard aft completes the accommodations, bringing total berths to six. The interior is trimmed in rich teak joinery, creating a warm and inviting cruising atmosphere.
At $25,000 for the boat or $75,000 for both the boat and her rare deeded slip, TIGER LILY represents tremendous value—providing not just a well-kept yacht, but also the security and convenience of permanent dockage. For sailors seeking a fast, seaworthy, and enduringly admired yacht with a comfortable, family-friendly interior, TIGER LILY offers the complete package. Truly, this is a lot of boat for the money.
Bluewater Yacht Sales is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by S&J Yachts. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel
Equipment and Features
Here's an expanded YachtWorld-style listing for TIGER LILY – 1978 Cal 34, incorporating classic accolades and user testimonials to enhance appeal:
TIGER LILY – 1978 Cal 34 (Mk III)
Price:
- Boat only: $25,000
- Deeded slip only: $55,000
- Boat + Slip—$75,000 (Best Value!)
Highlights:
- Refreshed performance gear: Brand-new standing and running rigging for dependable handling and safety.
- Exceptional condition: Well-maintained and fast with a sleek, classic aesthetic—a lot of boat for the money.
Overview & Design Heritage
Cal 34 yachts, born of the legendary Bill Lapworth and built by Cal Yachts, are celebrated for blending racing pedigree with comfortable cruising. The Mk III (produced until 1979) enhanced this legacy with a stronger hull, increased ballast, a higher-aspect rig, and refined living quarters—making it a notably capable offshore cruiser with improved pointing ability and seaworthiness.
(Wikipedia, GG Archives, Bolsa de Navegantes)
Original marketing materials lauded the Cal 34 as roomy yet fast—“comfortable winner” in early race classes, designed to “win in comfort”, with luxurious accommodations for six and excellent handling characteristics.
Performance & Practicality
- Proven racing roots: Early promotions touted race wins and a purposeful design with hard bilges, long waterline, spade rudder, and powerful masthead sail plan.
- (GG Archives)
- Coastal and offshore cruise-ready: Mk III’s refinements deliver closer windward sailing and better tracking, reducing engine reliance in light airs.
- (GG Archives, Bolsa de Navegantes)
- Reliable coastal cruiser: Owners commend the Cal 34 for its sensible pace (hull speed ~6.8 knots) and responsive steering in varied conditions—rewarding trim makes the boat perform, without demanding a pro crew.
- (Bolsa de Navegantes)
Accommodations & Layout
- Comfortable below: The interior features full headroom forward and aft, L-shaped dinette, large galley aft (great for underway prep), enclosed head, and generous storage. Owners have navigated from Hawaii to Tahiti, the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast.
- (GG Archives)
- Traditional appeal: Rich teak joinery and well-thought classic cruiser aesthetics make extended time aboard both cozy and functional.
- (GG Archives)
Owner Feedback & Community Sentiment
Reported owner experiences on forums underscore the Cal 34’s charm and resilience:
“Great boat though. Sails close to the wind. I love mine.”
(Reddit)
“...just got a cal 34 about three months ago…and have since sailed it to Hawaii from San Diego. I am truly fond…Fast as shit too.”
(Reddit)
“I just bought a 1978 cal 34 mk3 … new standing rigging, hull in exceptional shape… surveyed well… $17.5k.”
(Reddit)
Why TIGER LILY Stands Out
- Timeless pedigree with practical enhancements—new rigging ensures top-tier performance and safety for coastal or offshore adventures.
- Exceptional value—$75,000 for both boat and deeded slip is competitively priced in today’s classic yacht market.
- Ready-to-go condition—whether you're cruising the Intracoastal or island-hopping, she’s poised to deliver immediate enjoyment.
- Built for the long haul—Cal 34’s heritage, craftsmanship, and satisfied owner stories point to enduring quality.
TIGER LILY is a beautifully maintained 1978 Cal 34 Mk III—fast, seaworthy, and charming. Recently updated with all-new standing and running rigging, she’s in excellent condition and comes with the rare option of a deeded slip. At $55,000 for the boat alone or $75,000 with slip included, this classic cruiser offers tremendous value for the performance-minded sailor.
Detailed Highlights
- New standing and running rigging
- Solid hull and deck condition, exceptional cosmetic and mechanical upkeep
- Classic two-cabin layout, aft galley, enclosed head
- Proven speed and windward ability (Lapworth design)
- Deeded slip available—$55,000, or included in boat purchase
Designer & Heritage
- Designed by Bill Lapworth, known for crafting performance cruisers that sail close to the wind.
- Mk III version brings reinforced structure, increased ballast, and refined accommodations.
Performance & Experience
- Light displacement hull, long waterline, and responsive rudder—“Cal” fast and capable.
- Balanced pace (approx. 6–7 knots), excellent tracking, great in both light and heavy air.
Community Praise
- Owner reports highlight easy windward performance and global voyaging capability.
- Enthusiasts frequently call the Cal 34 “comfortable,” “fast as hell,” and “exceptional for the price.”
Sales Terms
- Boat only: $25,000
- Slip only: $55,000
- Boat + Slip combination: $75,000 (best value offer)
Contact & Viewing
Please contact the broker directly to schedule showings
Mechanical Disclaimer
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
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.
Listing MLS by Yachtr.com