Cheoy Lee 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Cheoy Lee 38 commenced in 1968, a period when Cheoy Lee Shipyard, under the continued stewardship of the Lo family, was rapidly gaining renown for its innovative use of fiberglass in boatbuilding. The shipyard, a pioneer in developing and extensively utilizing GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and foam sandwich technology, applied its robust construction ethos to the Cheoy Lee 38. The primary design for the Cheoy Lee 38 is attributed to American maritime architect Raymond Richards, whose work also included the related Offshore 38 model. While specific design philosophies for the 38 are not widely detailed, the builder's reputation suggests a focus on creating dependable, high-quality, and globally capable vessels.

The Cheoy Lee 38 was predominantly offered with a masthead ketch rig. However, a sloop rig option was also available, offering a slightly different sail plan. The solid fiberglass hull and FRP deck underscore Cheoy Lee's commitment to durable construction, a hallmark of their vessels from this era. Over its production run, which extended for a significant period, the Cheoy Lee 38, alongside later iterations like the Offshore 38, solidified its place as a respected cruiser. It's worth noting that a distinct model, the Pedrick 38W, designed by David Pedrick, was also produced by Cheoy Lee, though it is a separate design from the Raymond Richards 38.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee 38, with its substantial displacement of 17,500 lbs and a length at the waterline of 30.67 feet, falls squarely into the category of a moderately heavy displacement cruiser, exhibiting a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 270.58. This weight class generally translates to a comfortable ride in varied sea states, prioritizing stability over outright speed.

Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio, calculated at around 15.69 (using the reported ketch sail area of 753 sq ft), suggests the Cheoy Lee 38 is a capable performer in moderate to stronger winds, though not necessarily a light-air champion. However, its robust Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.40 indicates excellent initial stability and stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze without excessive heeling.

Owners frequently praise the Cheoy Lee 38 for its "very sea kindly motion" and "very stable sailing characteristics," making it a comfortable boat that is "easy to sail". The ketch rig, often seen on these models, contributes to easier handling with its divided sail plan, featuring smaller individual sails. The fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder provides a good balance of maneuverability and directional stability.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cheoy Lee 38 is designed with cruising comfort and liveability in mind, often described as having a "fantastically spacious layout" and "plenty of ventilation". Stepping below, one typically finds a welcoming saloon with seating arrangements to port and starboard. The interior is notably appointed with a "beautiful teak interior throughout the boat," creating a warm and traditional atmosphere.

The galley is generally well-equipped for its era, featuring a stove and sink to facilitate onboard meal preparation. An enclosed head with a shower provides essential facilities, and some layouts offered dual entry to the head from the main cabin and a forward owner's cabin. The forward cabin typically houses V-berths, providing a comfortable sleeping area, often accompanied by a hanging locker and drawers for storage. Depending on the specific configuration, the Cheoy Lee 38 can accommodate up to six people in three cabins, with some versions featuring two quarter berths at a navigation station, expanding the total sleeping capacity to eight.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee 38 consistently commend its "very high build quality" and "solid FRP hull and deck". The boat's robust construction and "great liveaboard layout" are frequently highlighted as significant strengths. The comfortable motion in a seaway and ease of handling also contribute to a positive ownership experience. Many owners report enjoying their vessels for extended periods without major issues.

However, like many boats of its vintage, the Cheoy Lee 38 can present some common maintenance challenges. A recurring issue noted by owners relates to the chainplate attachments, with reports of "weeping of rust below the chainplate attachments" being a primary concern. This suggests that potential owners should thoroughly inspect chainplates and their sealing, as signs of leaking can indicate a need for re-bedding or more extensive repair. Some discussions also mention the potential for rot and leaks from the deck, particularly if wood was incorporated into the cabin top sides. Despite these potential maintenance points, the Cheoy Lee 38 maintains a reputation as a well-regarded and capable cruising sailboat among its dedicated owner community.