Cheoy Lee 48 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Cheoy Lee 48 began production in 1980, emerging from a period where Cheoy Lee Shipyard was at the forefront of fiberglass boatbuilding technology. Founded in 1870, Cheoy Lee had strategically relocated to Hong Kong by 1936 and by the mid-1950s, had diversified into elegant teak sailing and motor yachts, with pleasure craft becoming their primary output by the mid-1960s. The shipyard was a pioneer in developing and extensively utilizing fiberglass and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) with foam sandwich technology, recognizing its benefits in strength, weight savings, and longevity. This commitment to robust construction was a hallmark of their manufacturing ethos during the era of the Cheoy Lee 48's production.

The Cheoy Lee 48 was offered with notable variations to suit different cruising preferences, including both aft cockpit and center cockpit configurations. Furthermore, buyers could opt for either a cutter or a ketch rig, providing flexibility in sail plan and handling characteristics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee 48's design reflects its identity as a heavy-displacement cruiser, prioritizing stability and comfort over outright speed. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 546, she falls firmly into the heavy cruiser category, indicating a yacht built to handle challenging conditions with a comfortable motion. Her sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 15.5 suggests that while she is capable of efficient sailing, she will appreciate stronger winds to truly perform, being less inclined towards light-air speed than more performance-oriented designs.

However, the Cheoy Lee 48 boasts a robust ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.40, a strong indicator of a stiff and stable boat. This substantial ballast contributes significantly to her ability to stand up to a breeze and maintain an even keel, inspiring confidence in a seaway. Owners have noted the vessel is well-equipped for offshore passages, capable of extended cruising, and handles well under power, typically achieving 5-6 knots with an efficient fuel consumption rate. Her fin keel and skeg-hung rudder further enhance her directional stability and control.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior dimensions like maximum headroom are not detailed in all specifications, the Cheoy Lee 48, with its nearly 48-foot length overall and generous 13.75-foot beam, offers substantial interior volume. As a dedicated cruising yacht of its size and era, it typically features a multi-cabin layout designed for comfortable living aboard. Common arrangements would include a spacious main salon, a well-equipped galley, and multiple private staterooms, often with two heads. The aft cockpit models frequently feature a large aft cabin, providing an owner's retreat. The quality of finish in Cheoy Lee yachts of this period often included extensive use of rich wood trim, contributing to a classic and warm interior ambiance. Storage is generally ample, a crucial consideration for extended cruising, and ventilation would be provided by a combination of deck hatches and ports.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Cheoy Lee vessels, including the 48, frequently praise their solid, heavy construction, which contributes to a comfortable and secure motion in a seaway. These boats are often described as "built to take you anywhere" due to their robust fiberglass hulls and overall integrity.

However, a frequently mentioned characteristic among Cheoy Lee owners, humorously leading to the moniker "Cheoy Leakys," is the propensity for original deck fittings and the extensive teak decks to develop leaks over time. This often necessitates re-bedding of hardware or, in some cases, the complete removal and replacement or overhaul of the teak decks to ensure watertight integrity. Despite this common maintenance point, the underlying hull structure and core construction are consistently regarded as durable and reliable, making them popular choices for those willing to address these common issues.