Midshipman 36 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Midshipman 36 began its production run in 1973, a period when Cheoy Lee Shipyard, under the continuous stewardship of the Lo family, had firmly established itself as a leader in fiberglass yacht construction. Founded in 1870 in Shanghai and later relocating to Hong Kong in 1936, Cheoy Lee was among the pioneers in extensively utilizing fiberglass and advanced GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and foam sandwich technology in the marine industry during the 1960s. This commitment to robust and reliable construction, coupled with innovative design, defined their manufacturing ethos. The Midshipman 36, like many Cheoy Lee vessels of its era, benefited from this strong foundation, being built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck.

The design of the Midshipman 36 came from the board of A.E. Luders Jr., a prolific naval architect known for his contributions to numerous Cheoy Lee models, including the popular Clipper and Offshore series. Luders's philosophy for the Midshipman series aimed at maximizing interior volume and providing exceptional privacy and comfort, leading to the adoption of a center-cockpit configuration. While primarily offered as a masthead ketch, which is noted for its balanced sail plan and ease of handling, the Midshipman 36 was also available with a sloop rig, providing options for different sailing preferences. The hull features a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration generally favored for a good balance of tracking stability and maneuverability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 575 square feet and a displacement of 15,000 pounds, the Cheoy Lee Midshipman 36 presents a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.00. This indicates a vessel designed for comfortable cruising rather than outright racing, suggesting capable performance in a range of conditions, though perhaps not excelling in very light airs. Her ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.27, while moderate, contributes to a stable platform in a seaway.

The displacement to length ratio of around 274.55 firmly places the Midshipman 36 in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This weight, combined with its 29-foot waterline, contributes to a comfortable motion offshore and a theoretical hull speed of 7.22 knots. Owners of similar Luders-designed Cheoy Lees, particularly ketch or cutter-ketch rigs, often note their best performance on a reach, where the distributed sail plan can be effectively utilized. The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder generally provide positive steering feedback and good directional stability, making her a predictable vessel to handle for extended cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The Midshipman 36's center-cockpit design is key to its notably spacious and private interior, giving the impression of a much larger yacht. Entry is typically through the companionway into a central salon area. A significant feature is the impressive 6 feet 6 inches of headroom maintained throughout much of the interior, a rare find on many boats of this size.

The standard layout typically includes an aft cabin, which benefits significantly from the center-cockpit arrangement, offering a private retreat separate from the main salon. This aft cabin often features its own private head with a shower. Forward, the layout commonly includes a V-berth in the bow, a second head, and a well-appointed main salon that serves as the primary living and dining area. A functional galley is usually situated along one side of the walk-through to the aft cabin or within the main salon. While specific details on materials and finish would vary, Cheoy Lee was known for its quality craftsmanship, often incorporating rich wood trim and durable fiberglass surfaces. Ventilation is typically achieved through numerous opening ports and overhead hatches, crucial for comfort in various climates. Storage is generally ample, a necessity for a boat designed for cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee Midshipman 36 consistently praise her solid construction and the comfortable, spacious interior afforded by the center-cockpit design. The feeling of being aboard a larger boat, coupled with the privacy of the separate sleeping areas, is a frequently lauded characteristic.

However, common maintenance considerations are often highlighted by owners of these vintage fiberglass yachts. A recurring issue, typical of many boats of this era, relates to the original teak decks (if present). Over time, these decks can develop leaks and often require significant repair or replacement due to water intrusion into the core. Furthermore, some owners have noted instances of bulkhead warping or separation, and general deck and house leak issues, which underscore the importance of thorough pre-purchase surveys for these older vessels. Despite these potential maintenance items, the underlying robust build quality of Cheoy Lee generally means that with proper care, the Midshipman 36 continues to be a highly regarded and capable cruising sailboat.