Empire 40 Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by the esteemed Cheoy Lee Shipyard, a family-owned enterprise with over 150 years of shipbuilding heritage, the Empire 40 embodies the builder's commitment to robust construction and fine craftsmanship. These vessels represent a significant period in Cheoy Lee's history, as the yard transitioned to and excelled in fiberglass production, exporting many of its high-quality pleasure craft to the United States.

The Cheoy Lee Empire 40, introduced in 1964, was in production until 1976. It was born from a strategic effort to reduce construction costs and design royalties associated with the earlier Rhodes Reliant, yet it shared the same fundamental hull molds. The design lineage can be traced directly to Philip Rhodes, a highly influential naval architect who was instrumental in the transition from traditional wood to fiberglass boatbuilding. Rhodes's philosophy often involved evolving and combining previous successful designs, and the Reliant, a "head-turner," was no exception.

Cheoy Lee, already a pioneer in fiberglass construction by the mid-1960s, utilized this material for the Empire 40's solid hull, showcasing their advanced techniques in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) at the time. A notable distinction from its lead-ballasted predecessor, the Rhodes Reliant, was the Empire 40's use of iron ballast, a change that also sometimes involved a slight reduction in overall ballast weight to optimize the boat's lines. The Empire 40 was offered to owners in both sloop and yawl rig configurations, providing versatility for different sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Empire 40 is characterized by its substantial displacement and traditional full-keel design, traits that translate directly into its sailing characteristics. With a displacement of 21,000 pounds and a waterline length of 28.0 feet, its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 427 underscores its classification as a very heavy, traditional cruiser. This considerable weight contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it well-suited for offshore passages where stability and endurance are paramount.

The vessel's sail area to displacement ratio of about 15.13 suggests moderate performance. While not a light-air flyer, the Empire 40 is designed to carry its sail effectively in a range of conditions, particularly excelling when the wind picks up. Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.376 indicates solid initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and providing a reassuringly stiff sailing experience. Owners often praise the Empire 40 for its robust construction and dependable handling, affirming its role as a capable cruising yacht. The long keel contributes to excellent directional stability, which is advantageous on long passages, albeit at the expense of some maneuverability in tight quarters.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom data is not consistently available, the Cheoy Lee Empire 40 is recognized for offering a spacious and comfortable interior, especially for a vessel of its era. The "E plan" configuration, often cited in reviews, typically features a traditional layout with a V-berth forward, providing ample sleeping quarters. The main salon is described as generous, offering a well-appointed living area for extended cruising.

Commonly, the interior design emphasized the builder's reputation for quality, with many vessels featuring an "abundance of teak and polished bronze," creating a warm and classic ambiance below deck. Owners often appreciate details like the standup navigation station and, in some configurations, a spacious aft cabin, enhancing liveability and practicality for cruising. The well-equipped galley is designed for functionality on passage, and overall, the interior provides ample storage for provisions and personal gear, aligning with its mission as a serious cruising yacht.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee Empire 40 (Offshore 40) generally hold their vessels in high regard, often citing their robust construction and seaworthiness as primary strengths. Many appreciate the comfortable motion in a seaway that the heavy displacement and full keel provide, making them excellent choices for extended cruising and offshore sailing. The classic lines and the enduring quality of Cheoy Lee's fiberglass hulls from this pioneering era are frequently praised.

However, as with many vessels of this vintage, certain common maintenance points are noted by owners. A recurring topic in owner forums is the potential for leaks from original deck fittings, often requiring re-bedding due to the aging of sealants and the construction methods involving teak decks. Some owners have undertaken significant deck renovations, including stripping and re-glassing teak decks, to address these issues. Despite these common age-related challenges, the strong community of Cheoy Lee owners often shares advice and resources, underscoring the enduring appeal and intrinsic value of the Empire 40.