To starboard of the companionway is the aft head and small double stateroom with hanging locker. But the real creature comforts can be found in the forward stateroom. With double berth to port and a hanging locker and vanity dresser opposite, it is spacious, taking up as much area as the main saloon. Factor in the immense forward head and separate enclosed shower with a Plexiglas door and you have yourself a suite at the Ritz.
The forward layout is a result of a clever use of the space created by the forward watertight bulkhead. Like those on board the Whitbread Round the World Race boats, this bulkhead will keep the boat from flooding in the event it’s holed on the bow. Building a safe offshore cruiser is what the people at Caliber pride themselves in, and the watertight bulkhead is only one component in its well-constructed boats.
Caliber takes another unique approach to fuel and water tanks, using the wasted space under the cabin sole. The integral water fiberglass tanks hold 195 gallons and are built-in to the bilge before the interior is laid in. They are laminated directly to the hull. The Polylite special-purpose resin used in the lay up is approved by the FDA for food contact application.
The tank capacity helps put the "long" in the Long Range Cruiser or LRC as the folks at Caliber Yachts have aptly name the line the boats that also includes the 30LRC, 35LRC and 47LRC. The Caliber 40 can carry 230 gallons of fuel, in two separate tanks built-in next to the water tanks for a cruising range of
When we came about and cracked off onto a reach, some of us were surprised at the responsiveness of this husky cruising boat. We settled in for what might be the last sail of the season on Lake Michigan. The deep T-shaped cockpit has wide coamings and comfortably angled seat backs, with plenty of room for six or more sailing buddies.
Once back at the dock and squared away, I had an opportunity to check out the details. Of course, the sun decided to peek out after the sail. It was obvious once I stepped below, with 14 solid stainless steel Whitewater opening portlights and numerous Lewmar opening hatches on the coach roof, that the main saloon is bright and airy. The 6-foot, 4-inch headroom and 12-foot beam add to the open feeling. The table folds all the way up against the bulkhead, creating a large conversation area.
The galley is immediately to port of the companionway, and the L-shaped arrangement has lots of usable storage space. There is a double sink, two-burner stove and icebox. The navigation