Cheoy Lee 43 MS Information, Review, Specs

Cheoy Lee Shipyard, a family-owned enterprise with over 150 years of shipbuilding heritage, established a strong reputation for dependable and finely crafted vessels. During the era of the 43 MS's production, Cheoy Lee was a pioneer in fiberglass construction, extensively utilizing GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and foam sandwich technology to achieve strength and longevity in their boats. This commitment to robust construction is a hallmark of the 43 MS.

History and Design

Production of the Cheoy Lee 43 MS began in 1981, with vessels continuing to be built through the 1980s, and at least one model appearing in 1990. Robert Perry, the designer, envisioned the 43 MS as a "serious long-range cruiser," focusing on creating a seaworthy and comfortable vessel suitable for extended periods aboard. This design ethos perfectly aligned with Cheoy Lee's manufacturing principles, which emphasized durable construction using fiberglass.

The Cheoy Lee 43 MS was offered with versatility in rigging, available as both a cutter and a ketch rig, allowing owners to choose the configuration best suited for their sailing preferences. Some sources suggest there might have been slight variations in the design, with one version attributed to Perry and another potentially to Seaton-Neville, or perhaps different iterations over its production run. The model is also occasionally identified under alternative names such as Young Sun 43 or Spindrift 43 Pilothouse. The boat features a full keel and a pilothouse design, underscoring its intended use for secure navigation in various sea states.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 36,000 lbs and a length overall of 42.79 feet, the Cheoy Lee 43 MS is characterized as a heavy displacement vessel. This substantial weight contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, though it means the boat is generally considered "under powered" for spirited sailing performance. Its reported sail area of 832 sq ft yields a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 11.92, indicating that while capable of sailing, it is not designed for speed, particularly in lighter winds.

The Cheoy Lee 43 MS boasts a ballast of 12,000 lbs, resulting in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.33. While this ratio is moderate, the long keel hull type contributes significantly to the boat's inherent stability and stiffness, providing an "excellent righting capability." Owners frequently describe the boat as seaworthy and comfortable for long-range cruising, prioritizing stability and ease of motion over raw speed. Its robust nature and design, including the pilothouse, equip it well for handling diverse conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cheoy Lee 43 MS is designed for liveaboard comfort and extended cruising, offering a spacious layout that maximizes livability. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design typically includes comfortable cabins and generous storage spaces, making it ideal for long-term living aboard.

The standard configuration of the 43 MS often accommodates up to five people across three cabins, in addition to a main salon. As a motorsailer, it generally features a well-appointed pilothouse, providing protected steering and navigation, often alongside a traditional interior helm station. Interior descriptions from owners and brokers highlight ample use of wood trim and a sturdy, yacht-like finish, common for Cheoy Lee vessels of this era. The emphasis is on practical, durable materials and a layout that supports self-sufficient cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee 43 MS consistently praise its robust construction and its capacity for comfortable, long-term living. Many consider it a "seaworthy and comfortable long range cruiser," appreciating its stable motion, particularly in rougher conditions. The consensus points to the boat being "not fast," but highly comfortable, a trade-off many liveaboard and cruising sailors readily accept.

While generally well-regarded, common issues noted across various Cheoy Lee models of this vintage, which may also apply to the 43 MS, can include potential chainplate failures due to sealing problems, which could lead to wet decks. Some boats were reportedly fitted with spruce wooden masts, which may require specific maintenance considerations. Despite these potential maintenance points, the overall sentiment among owners is positive, highlighting the enduring quality and liveability of the Cheoy Lee 43 MS as a capable cruising platform.