Cruisaire 36 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Cheoy Lee Cruisaire 36 commenced in 1967, marking its place in an era when Cheoy Lee Shipyard was at the forefront of marine construction, pioneering the extensive use of fiberglass as a boatbuilding material. The yard was also a forerunner in the innovative application of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and foam sandwich technology, recognizing its advantages in weight savings, strength, and longevity. Although specific design goals from Jules Fleder for the Cruisaire 36 are not widely documented, the vessel's characteristics suggest a design philosophy focused on creating a dependable and comfortable cruising platform rather than a light-air racer. With only eight units reportedly built, the Cruisaire 36 is a relatively rare model, reflecting Cheoy Lee's diverse portfolio during a period when pleasure boats, especially those destined for the United States, formed the majority of their output, 1]. The hull itself is a solid fiberglass construction, reportedly up to an inch thick, contributing to its reputation for being "built like a tank".

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Cruisaire 36 is characterized by its heavy displacement and traditional long keel hull form. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.15, she is considered a moderate performer, prioritizing stability and comfortable motion over blistering speed. Owners have generally described her as a "heavy sailboat which is slightly under powered", indicating that while she may not excel in light winds, her substantial build provides a secure ride.

Her ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.30 suggests a reasonable degree of initial stability, and she is noted for having an "excellent righting capability". However, the very high displacement to length waterline ratio of around 769.3 underscores her substantial weight relative to her waterline, firmly placing her in the heavy displacement category. This heavy build, coupled with her long keel, generally translates to exceptional directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her well-suited for offshore cruising. While long-keeled boats are celebrated for their tracking ability, this design choice can also lead to "less than ideal handling characteristics especially in heavy weather" in terms of maneuverability, requiring more effort to turn compared to fin-keeled designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Cheoy Lee Cruisaire 36 are not extensively cataloged in generalized data, owner accounts and reviews provide insight into her accommodations. The interior is often described as being "rather small due to the hull design", a common trade-off for the robust, full-bodied hull forms of traditional cruisers. Similarly, the navigation area and head are typically noted as not being particularly large. However, a significant exception to this general observation is the V-berth forward, which is usually considered spacious for a boat of this size.

The Cheoy Lee Cruisaire 36 typically comes equipped with substantial tankage for extended cruising, including a freshwater capacity of 80 US gallons (approximately 303 liters) and a fuel capacity of 40 US gallons (approximately 151 liters). As with many Cheoy Lee vessels of this era, the interior likely features a significant amount of wood trim and traditional finishes, reflecting the shipyard's commitment to finely crafted vessels.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Cheoy Lee Cruisaire 36s consistently praise the boat's exceptionally solid construction. Her hull, described as "1 inch thick solid glass built like a tank," is a recurring point of commendation, highlighting her durability and suitability for serious cruising. Many owners are drawn to her "sturdy, durable, classic-looking" aesthetic and the inherent seaworthiness associated with the Cheoy Lee brand.

However, a frequently cited maintenance concern among owners revolves around the boat's original teak decks. These decks, often constructed with teak planks over fiberglass, were prone to developing leaks over time, leading to "water intrusion" and requiring significant work such as re-bedding or complete replacement. This common issue even led to some Cheoy Lee models of the era acquiring the moniker "leaky teakys" among the sailing community. Despite these challenges, the fundamental integrity of the Cheoy Lee Cruisaire 36's hull and its classic cruising capabilities continue to make it a valued vessel for those willing to undertake necessary maintenance.