Flying Buffalo 36 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Offshore 36 commenced in 1963, a period when Cheoy Lee Shipyard was significantly expanding its pleasure craft division and actively pioneering the use of fiberglass as a boatbuilding material. The design was acquired by Cheoy Lee from Maury DeClercq, whose original prototype, "Flying Buffalo," aimed to create a larger and faster yacht for Great Lakes racing. This ambition translated into a vessel known for its sturdy build, leveraging Cheoy Lee's innovative application of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) and foam sandwich technology to achieve strength and longevity. While the specific production end year is not explicitly stated in all records, Cheoy Lee largely transitioned away from building sailing yachts around 1990. The Offshore 36 featured a fin keel, a design choice indicative of enhanced performance and maneuverability compared to the full keels common in many traditional cruisers of the era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 36 exhibits characteristics typical of a heavy displacement cruiser, as indicated by its calculated ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.45, she is not designed as a light-air racer but rather as a steady performer, capable of handling a range of wind conditions with stability. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.309 suggests a moderate degree of initial stability, providing a comfortable and forgiving motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 420.15, firmly places her in the heavy displacement category, underscoring her robust build and ability to handle challenging offshore conditions. This combination of design characteristics points to a boat that, while not exceptionally fast, offers a secure and dependable sailing experience, prioritizing comfort and seaworthiness over outright speed.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for every Offshore 36 vary, Cheoy Lee yachts of this era are generally recognized for their traditional and well-crafted interiors. Owners can typically expect a layout featuring a forward V-berth, a head compartment, a salon area with settees and a table, and a galley. These interiors often showcased the builder's preference for rich wood trim, particularly teak, which contributed to a warm and classic ambiance. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design generally provided comfortable living spaces for coastal cruising or extended voyages for a small crew. Storage was typically ample, designed to accommodate the provisions and gear necessary for longer trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Cheoy Lee Offshore 36s frequently commend the vessel's exceptional build quality, describing the solid fiberglass hull as "built like a tank." This robust construction contributes significantly to a feeling of security and a comfortable motion even in choppy seas. Many owners appreciate the classic aesthetic and the enduring durability of these yachts, which have stood the test of time. However, a recurring issue noted by some owners of older Cheoy Lee models, which could apply to the Offshore 36, pertains to the deck construction. Decks cored with teak planks can be prone to developing leaks over time, often necessitating re-bedding or even stripping and rebuilding of the deck by diligent owners. Despite potential maintenance considerations common with older vessels, the Cheoy Lee Offshore 36 maintains a reputation as a sturdy, capable, and desirable cruiser among sailing enthusiasts.